Education
Veterinary Technician as a Career
Veterinary technicians primarily function as
professional technical support to veterinarians,
biomedical researchers, and other scientists.
Through the 1950s, veterinarians trained their
own employees, delegating routine tasks and
procedures as they saw fit. These on-the-job
trained individuals were designated animal assistants,
animal attendants, and veterinary assistants
and were trained to meet the needs of an individual
practice. If people wanted to move to another
practice, they would have to start over again
being trained in the ways of the new practice.
To meet the technical demands of an expanding
veterinary profession and a more mobile population,
formal academic programs started appearing in
the 1960s. Today there are over 100 veterinary
technology programs in the United States that
educate veterinary technicians. In order to
maintain a standard of excellence these programs
are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical
Association. The course of study in these programs
entails at least two academic years, leading
to an Associate of Science or equivalent degree
with four-year Bachelor of Science degrees available
at some institutions. During high school, would-be
veterinary technicians are encouraged to enroll
in college preparatory courses in science, math
and English.
In today's fast-paced, high-tech world, veterinarians
and other scientists must maintain high standards
of animal care. The veterinary technician can
be an enormous help. The technician possesses
the skills to handle many aspects of patient
care, as well as many laboratory procedures.
American Kennel Club Veterinary Technician Student Scholarships
Sponsored by: Bayer and K9 Advantix
The American Kennel Club and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) are pleased to announce the establishment of Veterinary Technician Scholarships for the 2008-2009 academic year. The total funds available for distribution are $25,000.
Eligibility Requirements:
Candidates must be a current full-time student at an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited Veterinary Technician School and be a NAVTA member.
Criteria for awarding:
- Applicant's academic Achievement and Potential
- Applicant's Activities in the area of Small Animals and/or Research
- Applicant's activities in NAVTA
Applications will be mailed to all accredited Veterinary Technician schools. All complete applications must be received no later than May 1, 2008. Download an application at http://www.akc.org/vetoutreach/vt_scholarships.cfm.
For more information on AKC outreach visit http://www.akc.org/vetoutreach/
Technical Duties
Examples of the areas of responsibility qualified
veterinary technicians are educated to assume
include:
- Physical Examination and Patient History
- Client Education
- Caring for the Hospitalized Patient
- Administration of Medication and Vaccines
- Clinical Laboratory Procedures
- Dental Prophylaxis
- Radiology
- Anesthesiology
- Surgical Assisting
- Office/ Hospital Management
- Biomedical Research
In addition to many of the above areas of responsibility,
veterinary technicians in research may also:
supervise the operation of research colonies
and facilities assist in the design and implementation
of research projects.
Career Opportunities
The first job for about 85% of graduate
veterinary technicians is in a private veterinary
practice, with companion animal practice leading
the list. However, the demand for veterinary
technicians in other fields is rapidly growing.
Opportunities exist in the following areas:
- Teaching
- Military Service
- Humane Societies
- Herd Health Managers
- Industry
- Biomedical Research
- Diagnostic Laboratories
- Zoo/Wildlife Medicine
- Veterinary Supplies Sales
- A Regulated Profession
In approximately 40 states and provinces,
veterinary technicians are certified, registered,
or licensed. Candidates are tested for competency
through an examination which may include oral,
written, and practical portions. This process
is regulated by a State Board of Veterinary
Examiners, or the appropriate state agency.
State Regulations for Veterinary Technician
Registration. Practice acts, legislated by
states and provinces, often define the responsibilities
of the veterinary technician. These responsibilities
and duties are dependent in part on the type
of employment the individual chooses.
Want to know more?
Veterinary technology offers a challenging
career in a relatively new health care profession
for mature and motivated individuals. If you
are a self starter who likes to work with people
and animals, then a career as a veterinary technician
may be for you! Still have questions? Here for
the answers to some of the most frequently
asked questions about veterinary technology
or contact NAVTA directly by email.
|
