What is a Vet Tech?
Registered Veterinary Technicians and Technologists (RVTs) perform many of the same duties for a veterinarian that a nurse would for a physician. They are important members of a veterinary health care team, providing technical assistance in veterinary clinics and hospitals, as well as diagnostic or research laboratories, zoos, animal shelters, and other facilities. Their technical skills performing laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts, contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases in animals.
In addition to laboratory work, RVTs prepare animals for surgery, assist in surgical procedures, advise and educate animal owners, and record patient case histories.
Most RVTs only work with "companion" animals such as dogs and cats, while others work with large animals such as horses and cattle, or "exotics" such as birds and guinea pigs. Some RVTs work in mixed animal practices where they care for both small companion animals and larger, nondomestic animals.
Under the direct supervision of the veterinarian, RVTs perform more technical tasks such as induce anesthesia, apply casts or splints, extract teeth, and suture cuts. When a veterinarian is not present, RVTs can operate X-ray equipment, give certain life-saving emergency care, and provide some treatment outside of an animal hospital setting.
Some duties are performed in a laboratory setting; however, many are not. For example, RVTs provide specialized nursing care to animals, as well as train new clinic personnel.
Besides working in private clinics and animal hospitals, RVTs may work in research facilities, where they administer medications orally or topically and prepare samples for laboratory examinations. They record information on an animal’s pedigree, diet, weight, medications, food intake, and document any signs of pain and distress. At these facilities, RVTs typically work under the guidance of veterinarians or physicians.
While the goal of most RVTs is to promote animal health, some contribute to human health as well. They occasionally assist veterinarians in implementing research projects as they work with other scientists in medical-related fields such as gene therapy and cloning. Some find opportunities in biomedical research, wildlife medicine, the military, livestock management, or pharmaceutical sales.
Tools and Technology
Veterinary Technicians and Technologists use a wide variety of tools in their daily work. These include needles, stethoscopes, X-rays, scissors, bandages and splints, and scales. They also use a variety of software programs to record patients' procedures and progress, inventory stock, send electronic mail, or enter billing costs.