Veterinary Technician Research Paper
Veterinary Technician
Formal Report, 2014
Prepared by Chasity Newmann
Written Communications Student
Report Distributed October 22, 2014
Prepared for
C.L.F. Jonett, C.E.O.
Leadership, Learning & Services Corporations
Abstract
This report examines the field of a veterinary technician and it identifies the specialization process in being a veterinary technician. The pages that follow outline the profession of a veterinary technician, including: the history of veterinary technicians, training and education required skills and interests recommended, work environment, duties, and annual earnings. This report concludes with recommendations regarding veterinary technicians and the steps concerning a career in being a veterinary technician. …show more content…
Table of Contents
Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………………2
Introduction…………………………………………………………………..............................4-5
History…………………………………………………………………………………………….5
Education and training…………………………………………………………………………….6
Skills and Interests………………………………………………………………………………6-7
Work Environment………………………………………………………………………………...7
Opportunities for Advancement………………………………………………………………...7-8
Earnings and Job Outlook……………………………………………………………………........8
Benefits of Career…………………………………………………………………………….....8-9
Conclusions, Summaries, and Recommendations……………………………………………….10
References………………………………………………………………………………………..11
Introduction Veterinary technicians have growing job availability. In 2010 they held over 80,000 jobs. Veterinary technicians, also known as vet techs, provide care and comfort to sick or injured animals. They work with veterinarians or scientists in a way that is similar to the help a nurse gives to a doctor. With a growing pet population, there is a wider focus on food and animal safety and a greater demand for veterinarians to see more patients, qualified vet techs can take advantage of explosive job growth. Many vet tech duties are centered on the lab or the client. Some of the most common duties in a veterinary technician job description are the following: Laboratory, where they collect blood, stool, urine or tissue samples for testing, perform laboratory tests, such as urinalysis, heartworm in sections, feline leukemia tests and blood counts, and take and develop x-rays. There are also surgical duties which consist of: Sterilizing instruments and equipment, assist with dental procedures, prepare animals for surgery, administer anesthesia to animals, and euthanize seriously injured or ill animals. Next are the examination and treatment duties: Ask questions about the reason for the visit, record case history, weight, temperature and other details; restrain and stabilize animals during examination and treatment, trim nails, express anal glands, remove sutures and perform other routine procedures; administer medications, vaccines, and treatments prescribed by a veterinarian, provide basic education on animal care, nutrition and medical conditions, teach clients how to administer medicines at home, and recommend products for optimal wellness, such as vitamins, supplements, dental cleaning, flea control, geriatric care and dietary measures. Being a veterinary technician requires skills with people and skills with technology, such as: office management skills, maintain animal records and billing information, prepare and label medications to be sent home with the patient, clean and organize examination rooms, order, organize, label and restock supplies and pet foods, feed, walk and bathe animals when necessary, and train new employees. Customer Service and Reception skills that are needed are: answer phones, schedule appointments, greet customers, prepare invoices, discharge patients, and follow up with clients (“Career Information: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians,” n.d.).
History
Veterinary technicians, assistants and technologists are also known as paraveterinary workers. Para is a Latin word meaning, “to get ready or to prepare.” It makes sense then that the word paraveterinary is used to describe veterinary technologists and technicians because they support the vet and often help prepare for veterinary procedures. The first paraveterinary workers were actually known as canine nurses. Trained at England’s Canine Nurses Institute in 1908, they performed many of the same tasks as today’s veterinary technologists and technicians, such as interacting with pet owners and assisting the vet. In the United States, the first official paraveterinary positions were filled by soldiers in the United States Air Force who served as veterinary techs in 1951. They were responsible for assisting vets in treating U.S. military working dogs. It wasn’t until 1965, however, that the very first paraveterinary technician training program was developed. Due to his work in developing training guides for veterinary technologists and technicians, Walter Collins is known as the “father of veterinary technology” in the United States. Today, veterinary technologists and technicians in the United States are usually required to obtain a post-secondary degree in their field. This helps ensure that they have the knowledge and clinical and laboratory skills they need to properly care for animals and assist the veterinarian in various procedure. (“Paraveterinary Workers,” n.d.).
Educational Requirements
The first step in becoming a veterinary technician is to enroll in a certificate or associate’s degree program in the field. Some institutions require candidates to complete college-level coursework in microbiology, chemistry, biology and the humanities before admission. Training generally takes two years to complete. Fifteen U.S. universities award four-year bachelor’s degrees in veterinary technology. This pathway is especially desirable for candidates who want to work in research laboratories. There are also training requirements. Most vet tech programs include hands-on components. During this experience, students enhance their clinical skills by working with patients and performing laboratory procedures under supervision. Next requirements are licensing and certification. Licensing of veterinary technicians is mandatory in a majority of states. While requirements vary, candidates must complete a state-approved training program and pass an exam. Testing is often waived for those who have passed the National Veterinary Technician Exam. Vet techs who want to work in research settings can pursue specialty certification through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) (Veterinary Technicians: Training, Salary, and Career Information, CollegeGrad.com. n.d.).
Skills and Interests
Necessary skills and qualities; Vet techs should be personable, hands-on animal lovers who have a genuine passion for improving animal welfare. Their work requires strong verbal and interpersonal skills in order to communicate ideas clearly to pet owners and other members of the veterinary team. A tech relies on patience and emotionally stability to keep calm during emergencies, to work effectively with challenging animals and people, and to cope with the suffering and death of patients. Because they have frequent contact with potentially dangerous animals and materials, vet techs must follow safety procedures down to the last detail. They must also have the strength and stamina to stand for long periods and to lift and restrain animals (“The “Pet Doctor | Essential skills,” n.d.).
Work Environment
According to the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 91% of vet techs work in the veterinary services industry at: Private clinics, laboratories, animal hospitals, boarding kennels, animal shelters, rescue leagues, and zoos. Vet techs are also found in non-traditional settings such as livestock facilities, wildlife control services, research laboratories, and in the military. The schedules of vet techs vary across settings. Those in 24-hour facilities often work evenings, weekends and holidays. In private clinics, techs are more likely to have regular business hours, though they will need to come in some evenings and weekends to feed and care for patients.
A career as a vet tech requires strength and stamina as these professionals spend long periods on their feet and are frequently called on to lift and restrain large animals. Because techs have contact with needles, body fluids, X-rays and other potentially hazardous substances, they must follow safety procedures carefully to avoid illness or injury (“ Career Information: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians,” n.d.).
Opportunities for …show more content…
Advancement Experienced vet techs are often promoted to supervisory roles where they direct the work of junior technicians. Others specialize in a clinical area of interest like critical care, zoo keeping, avian medicine, biomedical research, dentistry, surgery or clinical pathology. Many vet techs go on to become veterinarians. Their certification and work experience is a significant advantage during the highly competitive vet school admissions process (“How To Advance As A Veterinary Technician. (n.d.).
Earnings and Job Outlook According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median salary for veterinary technicians was $30,500 in May 2013. The middle 80% earned between $21,270 and $44,490.
Salaries were generally highest for techs working in colleges, research laboratories and government agencies.
Those in specialties like preventive dentistry, anesthesia, animal behavior and surgery also commanded above-average salaries. Earnings generally rise depending on education and experience (Crosby, J. T. n.d.). Veterinary Technicians - A wide range of job responsibilities and emotions. Retrieved October 22, 2014, from http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/veterinarycareers/a/vet-tech-opinions.htm) According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment of veterinary technicians is expected to increase by 30% between 2012 and 2022, which is a lot faster than the average for all occupations. This is because the availability of many new procedures and medical advances that enhance animal health across the lifespan. So owners are seeking more complex procedures and specialty care for their animals. (Veterinary Technician Education Requirements and Training Info,
n.d.).
Benefits of Career As you may know, there are many pros and cons to every job field, here are some for being a vet tech. Pros? Pay; while a vet tech isn 't necessarily going to start off at $20 an hour, this figure is a possibility depending on the location of the practice and the amount of experience. And with room to grow within the field, the likelihood of a raise isn 't out. Room for Advancement; Vet techs have the option to develop within their field, which makes more money and opportunities. With an extra two years of education a vet tech may become a veterinary technologist. This position includes working in biomedical facilities, wildlife facilities, diagnostic laboratories, food safety inspection facilities, and drug and food manufacturing companies. Flexibility; Vet techs also have flexibility to work in a diverse set of environments, not just in a local veterinarian office. This position is perfect for those who crave a continuously changing environment. Opposite of a Boring Work Environment; People who make a career as a vet tech realize that the work environment is constantly changing every day. It 's not a sit-in-an-office-chair-all-day kind of job. Interaction with many different animals and the completion of many tasks throughout the day ensures an extremely productive and rewarding work day. Now to the cons of being a vet tech; Stressful situations; while the pay may be satisfactory, the long hours worked by vet techs can be extremely demanding on the body. Dealing with the death of pets and distraught owners can have an effect on these professionals. Exposure to allergens like pet dander and fur, along with radiation are just some of the health issues vet techs must deal with on a day-to-day basis. Combine all of that with playing multiple roles throughout the day - receptionist, nurse, kennel attendant, technical assistant, janitor, and counselor - and it makes for one heck of a work day. Unpredictable Animals; when an animal feels threatened or scared, it will try to defend itself. And when in an unfamiliar area the situation could turn bad, especially when the animal is sick or in pain. In these cases, the animals are more likely to scratch or bite. Odd hours? Depending on the employer and his/her expectations, vet techs may be expected to work on nights and/or weekends. Uncomfortable weather may be an issue also (“Advantages & Disadvantages of Being a Vet Tech | eHow. n.d.).
Conclusions, Summaries, and Recommendations If the enjoyment of animals and their health or welfare, this is a perfect job. Be aware though, the emotional and physical toll of this job. It can cause hardships within everyday life. Animals need extra help with medical issues just like humans require the help of doctors and nurses, a vet tech is to a veterinarian as a nurse is to a doctor. Vet techs need to be able to pick out very distinct details, very good skills for the use of medications. This job would be great for someone seeking a constantly changing environment and work day.
References
Career Information: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians. N.d. Retrieved on October 20, 2014, from http://www.dlar.wayne.edu/vtp/history.phpttp://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/health-careers/vet-tech/vet-tech-salary/
How To Advance As A Veterinary Technician, n.d. Retrieved on October 11, 2014 from http://www.vettechguide.org/how-to-advance-as-a-veterinary-technician/ http://www.ehow.com/about_4576380_advantages-disadvantages-being-vet-tech.html Paraveterinary Workers. N.d. Retrieved October 23, 2014, from http://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraveterinary-workers
The “Pet Doctor | Essential skills, n.d. Retrieved on October 10, 2014 from http://www.thepetdoctorinc.com/about/techs/essential-skills-veterinary-technicians/ http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm
Veterinary Technician Education Requirements and Training Info ( n.d.) Retrieved on October 10, 2014 from http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/veterinarycareers/a/vet-tech-opinions.htm
Veterinary Technicians: Training, Salary, and Career Information, CollegeGrad.com. n.d.) Retrieved on October 10, 2014 from https://collegegrad.com/careers/proft106
Formal Report, 2014
Prepared by Chasity Newmann
Written Communications Student
Report Distributed October 22, 2014
Prepared for
C.L.F. Jonett, C.E.O.
Leadership, Learning & Services Corporations
Abstract
This report examines the field of a veterinary technician and it identifies the specialization process in being a veterinary technician. The pages that follow outline the profession of a veterinary technician, including: the history of veterinary technicians, training and education required skills and interests recommended, work environment, duties, and annual earnings. This report concludes with recommendations regarding veterinary technicians and the steps concerning a career in being a veterinary technician. …show more content…
Table of Contents
Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………………2
Introduction…………………………………………………………………..............................4-5
History…………………………………………………………………………………………….5
Education and training…………………………………………………………………………….6
Skills and Interests………………………………………………………………………………6-7
Work Environment………………………………………………………………………………...7
Opportunities for Advancement………………………………………………………………...7-8
Earnings and Job Outlook……………………………………………………………………........8
Benefits of Career…………………………………………………………………………….....8-9
Conclusions, Summaries, and Recommendations……………………………………………….10
References………………………………………………………………………………………..11
Introduction Veterinary technicians have growing job availability. In 2010 they held over 80,000 jobs. Veterinary technicians, also known as vet techs, provide care and comfort to sick or injured animals. They work with veterinarians or scientists in a way that is similar to the help a nurse gives to a doctor. With a growing pet population, there is a wider focus on food and animal safety and a greater demand for veterinarians to see more patients, qualified vet techs can take advantage of explosive job growth. Many vet tech duties are centered on the lab or the client. Some of the most common duties in a veterinary technician job description are the following: Laboratory, where they collect blood, stool, urine or tissue samples for testing, perform laboratory tests, such as urinalysis, heartworm in sections, feline leukemia tests and blood counts, and take and develop x-rays. There are also surgical duties which consist of: Sterilizing instruments and equipment, assist with dental procedures, prepare animals for surgery, administer anesthesia to animals, and euthanize seriously injured or ill animals. Next are the examination and treatment duties: Ask questions about the reason for the visit, record case history, weight, temperature and other details; restrain and stabilize animals during examination and treatment, trim nails, express anal glands, remove sutures and perform other routine procedures; administer medications, vaccines, and treatments prescribed by a veterinarian, provide basic education on animal care, nutrition and medical conditions, teach clients how to administer medicines at home, and recommend products for optimal wellness, such as vitamins, supplements, dental cleaning, flea control, geriatric care and dietary measures. Being a veterinary technician requires skills with people and skills with technology, such as: office management skills, maintain animal records and billing information, prepare and label medications to be sent home with the patient, clean and organize examination rooms, order, organize, label and restock supplies and pet foods, feed, walk and bathe animals when necessary, and train new employees. Customer Service and Reception skills that are needed are: answer phones, schedule appointments, greet customers, prepare invoices, discharge patients, and follow up with clients (“Career Information: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians,” n.d.).
History
Veterinary technicians, assistants and technologists are also known as paraveterinary workers. Para is a Latin word meaning, “to get ready or to prepare.” It makes sense then that the word paraveterinary is used to describe veterinary technologists and technicians because they support the vet and often help prepare for veterinary procedures. The first paraveterinary workers were actually known as canine nurses. Trained at England’s Canine Nurses Institute in 1908, they performed many of the same tasks as today’s veterinary technologists and technicians, such as interacting with pet owners and assisting the vet. In the United States, the first official paraveterinary positions were filled by soldiers in the United States Air Force who served as veterinary techs in 1951. They were responsible for assisting vets in treating U.S. military working dogs. It wasn’t until 1965, however, that the very first paraveterinary technician training program was developed. Due to his work in developing training guides for veterinary technologists and technicians, Walter Collins is known as the “father of veterinary technology” in the United States. Today, veterinary technologists and technicians in the United States are usually required to obtain a post-secondary degree in their field. This helps ensure that they have the knowledge and clinical and laboratory skills they need to properly care for animals and assist the veterinarian in various procedure. (“Paraveterinary Workers,” n.d.).
Educational Requirements
The first step in becoming a veterinary technician is to enroll in a certificate or associate’s degree program in the field. Some institutions require candidates to complete college-level coursework in microbiology, chemistry, biology and the humanities before admission. Training generally takes two years to complete. Fifteen U.S. universities award four-year bachelor’s degrees in veterinary technology. This pathway is especially desirable for candidates who want to work in research laboratories. There are also training requirements. Most vet tech programs include hands-on components. During this experience, students enhance their clinical skills by working with patients and performing laboratory procedures under supervision. Next requirements are licensing and certification. Licensing of veterinary technicians is mandatory in a majority of states. While requirements vary, candidates must complete a state-approved training program and pass an exam. Testing is often waived for those who have passed the National Veterinary Technician Exam. Vet techs who want to work in research settings can pursue specialty certification through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) (Veterinary Technicians: Training, Salary, and Career Information, CollegeGrad.com. n.d.).
Skills and Interests
Necessary skills and qualities; Vet techs should be personable, hands-on animal lovers who have a genuine passion for improving animal welfare. Their work requires strong verbal and interpersonal skills in order to communicate ideas clearly to pet owners and other members of the veterinary team. A tech relies on patience and emotionally stability to keep calm during emergencies, to work effectively with challenging animals and people, and to cope with the suffering and death of patients. Because they have frequent contact with potentially dangerous animals and materials, vet techs must follow safety procedures down to the last detail. They must also have the strength and stamina to stand for long periods and to lift and restrain animals (“The “Pet Doctor | Essential skills,” n.d.).
Work Environment
According to the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, 91% of vet techs work in the veterinary services industry at: Private clinics, laboratories, animal hospitals, boarding kennels, animal shelters, rescue leagues, and zoos. Vet techs are also found in non-traditional settings such as livestock facilities, wildlife control services, research laboratories, and in the military. The schedules of vet techs vary across settings. Those in 24-hour facilities often work evenings, weekends and holidays. In private clinics, techs are more likely to have regular business hours, though they will need to come in some evenings and weekends to feed and care for patients.
A career as a vet tech requires strength and stamina as these professionals spend long periods on their feet and are frequently called on to lift and restrain large animals. Because techs have contact with needles, body fluids, X-rays and other potentially hazardous substances, they must follow safety procedures carefully to avoid illness or injury (“ Career Information: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians,” n.d.).
Opportunities for …show more content…
Advancement Experienced vet techs are often promoted to supervisory roles where they direct the work of junior technicians. Others specialize in a clinical area of interest like critical care, zoo keeping, avian medicine, biomedical research, dentistry, surgery or clinical pathology. Many vet techs go on to become veterinarians. Their certification and work experience is a significant advantage during the highly competitive vet school admissions process (“How To Advance As A Veterinary Technician. (n.d.).
Earnings and Job Outlook According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median salary for veterinary technicians was $30,500 in May 2013. The middle 80% earned between $21,270 and $44,490.
Salaries were generally highest for techs working in colleges, research laboratories and government agencies.
Those in specialties like preventive dentistry, anesthesia, animal behavior and surgery also commanded above-average salaries. Earnings generally rise depending on education and experience (Crosby, J. T. n.d.). Veterinary Technicians - A wide range of job responsibilities and emotions. Retrieved October 22, 2014, from http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/veterinarycareers/a/vet-tech-opinions.htm) According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment of veterinary technicians is expected to increase by 30% between 2012 and 2022, which is a lot faster than the average for all occupations. This is because the availability of many new procedures and medical advances that enhance animal health across the lifespan. So owners are seeking more complex procedures and specialty care for their animals. (Veterinary Technician Education Requirements and Training Info,
n.d.).
Benefits of Career As you may know, there are many pros and cons to every job field, here are some for being a vet tech. Pros? Pay; while a vet tech isn 't necessarily going to start off at $20 an hour, this figure is a possibility depending on the location of the practice and the amount of experience. And with room to grow within the field, the likelihood of a raise isn 't out. Room for Advancement; Vet techs have the option to develop within their field, which makes more money and opportunities. With an extra two years of education a vet tech may become a veterinary technologist. This position includes working in biomedical facilities, wildlife facilities, diagnostic laboratories, food safety inspection facilities, and drug and food manufacturing companies. Flexibility; Vet techs also have flexibility to work in a diverse set of environments, not just in a local veterinarian office. This position is perfect for those who crave a continuously changing environment. Opposite of a Boring Work Environment; People who make a career as a vet tech realize that the work environment is constantly changing every day. It 's not a sit-in-an-office-chair-all-day kind of job. Interaction with many different animals and the completion of many tasks throughout the day ensures an extremely productive and rewarding work day. Now to the cons of being a vet tech; Stressful situations; while the pay may be satisfactory, the long hours worked by vet techs can be extremely demanding on the body. Dealing with the death of pets and distraught owners can have an effect on these professionals. Exposure to allergens like pet dander and fur, along with radiation are just some of the health issues vet techs must deal with on a day-to-day basis. Combine all of that with playing multiple roles throughout the day - receptionist, nurse, kennel attendant, technical assistant, janitor, and counselor - and it makes for one heck of a work day. Unpredictable Animals; when an animal feels threatened or scared, it will try to defend itself. And when in an unfamiliar area the situation could turn bad, especially when the animal is sick or in pain. In these cases, the animals are more likely to scratch or bite. Odd hours? Depending on the employer and his/her expectations, vet techs may be expected to work on nights and/or weekends. Uncomfortable weather may be an issue also (“Advantages & Disadvantages of Being a Vet Tech | eHow. n.d.).
Conclusions, Summaries, and Recommendations If the enjoyment of animals and their health or welfare, this is a perfect job. Be aware though, the emotional and physical toll of this job. It can cause hardships within everyday life. Animals need extra help with medical issues just like humans require the help of doctors and nurses, a vet tech is to a veterinarian as a nurse is to a doctor. Vet techs need to be able to pick out very distinct details, very good skills for the use of medications. This job would be great for someone seeking a constantly changing environment and work day.
References
Career Information: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians. N.d. Retrieved on October 20, 2014, from http://www.dlar.wayne.edu/vtp/history.phpttp://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/health-careers/vet-tech/vet-tech-salary/
How To Advance As A Veterinary Technician, n.d. Retrieved on October 11, 2014 from http://www.vettechguide.org/how-to-advance-as-a-veterinary-technician/ http://www.ehow.com/about_4576380_advantages-disadvantages-being-vet-tech.html Paraveterinary Workers. N.d. Retrieved October 23, 2014, from http://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraveterinary-workers
The “Pet Doctor | Essential skills, n.d. Retrieved on October 10, 2014 from http://www.thepetdoctorinc.com/about/techs/essential-skills-veterinary-technicians/ http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm
Veterinary Technician Education Requirements and Training Info ( n.d.) Retrieved on October 10, 2014 from http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/veterinarycareers/a/vet-tech-opinions.htm
Veterinary Technicians: Training, Salary, and Career Information, CollegeGrad.com. n.d.) Retrieved on October 10, 2014 from https://collegegrad.com/careers/proft106