Veterinary Technicians free essay sample

Technician works as a skilled technical assistant to a veterinarian, or to another biomedical researcher or scientist. Veterinary technicians do not prescribe, diagnose, or perform surgery, and they always work under the supervision of a veterinarian. Thus being said, a veterinary technician career is a natural step for an aspiring veterinarian wanting to test the waters. Most veterinary technicians find employment in private veterinary practices doing traditional clinic work, but veterinary technician career opportunities are also available in other fields, such as teaching, biomedical research, and zoo wildlife medicine. There are many prerequisites students have to take in order to be evaluated for admittance to a program. Biology, Mathematics, and English are required courses for all programs. Each program has other classes they require, but this varies for each program. Veterinary Technician Programs generally consist of two years of academic study, resulting in a certificate, diploma, or an Associate of Science degree. Once in the program each student has to complete many classes. Courses required by all programs are: Anatomy and Physiology Lecture and Labs, Pharmacology, Pathology, Radiology, and Nursing Skills. Each program has different requirements as far as clinicals. Many programs have their students do externships basically to go out and experience what their job will be once graduated. In addition, all states have vet tech credentialing regulations (licensing, certification, registration). Veterinarian technician competency is usually measured by an examination overseen by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners or other appropriate agencies. Veterinary technician careers often appeal to aspiring veterinarians, who can use their vet tech experience as a stepping-stone toward a veterinarian career. Vet tech careers also appeal to people who love animals but do not want to become veterinarians. This career is may also appeal to you if you are looking for a second career, or a new career, because vet tech programs can be completed in a relatively short amount of time. Technicians have many different responsibilities. They can administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted. Techs care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery. They get to prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, and treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians. Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, and feces, such as urinalyses and blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems. Collect, prepare, and read samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination. Techs clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials. Provide veterinarians with the correct equipment and instruments, as needed. Fill prescriptions, measuring medications and labeling containers. Prepare animals for surgery, performing such tasks as shaving surgical areas. Ann Martinez RVT is twenty-one years old and currently works as Head Technician at Animal Care Center in Metairie. Ann’s path started off like most of ours did, she loves animals. At first she wanted to go into Pre-Veterinary Medicine, but then did some research and found out that Northwestern University had a Veterinary Technology Program and knew that was it! She started off their and loved it, but the program wasn’t intense enough for her. Ann found out about Delgado’s program and was sold. She moved back to New Orleans and started off as part of the Class of 2007. Right after school started Hurricane Katrina came through and displaced all. After struggling for a while to get back, school resumed with only half of the class. Her class had to become extremely flexible because of this and came out on top. She graduated in May 2007. Shortly after graduating she applied to Animal Care Center and was hired immediately. Ann was nervous because it was her first job out of school, but she fit in greatly at the hospital and her knowledge was much respected. The hospital she works at is part of Delgado’s Program where the students come through and learn. Ann is really happy to be a part of it because she gets to give back to Delgado by teaching the students. She recently became a faculty member of Delgado, Clinical Coordinator Assistant. She gets to go around to each student during their externship to make sure everything is going smoothly and on track. Ann plans on working in a hospital for a while, but plans on doing Pharmaceutical Sales for Veterinary Medicine companies in the future. She said â€Å"I am so happy where I am at in my life and wouldn’t change it for a bit! † I am lucky and honored to say I work with Ann and she is a fantastic person and a great friend. She has brought a lot to our hospital and everyone is extremely thankful for that. As stated before, the field of veterinary medicine is in great need of RVTs. This has opened the door to a whole new career field for RVTs. RVTs can be expected to find opportunities in small animal, large animal, exotic animal or mixed animal veterinary clinics or hospital, specialty practices, zoo/wildlife medicine, aquatic facilities, biomedical research facilities, rehabilitation facilities, business and industry, pharmaceutical sales, military, humane societies, veterinary supplies sales, education and the list continues to grow.