Introduction to the Veterinarian and Veterinary Assistant/Technician profession!

Next Generation Science / Common Core Standards Addressed!

CCSS. ELA – Literacy RST 11 -12.9 Synthesize information from a range of sources (e.g., texts, experiments, simulations) into a coherent understanding of a process, phenomenon, or concept, resolving conflicting information when possible.

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resource Standards Addressed

AS.07.01. Design programs to prevent animal diseases, parasites and other disorders and ensure animal welfare.

AS.07.01.02.b. Perform simple health-check evaluations on animals and practice basic emergency response procedures related to animals.

Bell Work / Unit objectives

Describe the veterinary technician/assistant career field.

What type of training is required to become a veterinary technician or assistant?

What are some of the duties of a veterinary assistant?

What are the career areas where a veterinary assistant may find employment?

Terms:

Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Technician

Feline

Canine

Avian

Equine

Bovine

Capri

Marine

Radiograph

Ophthalmology

Dermatology

Orthodontics

Cardiology

Surgical

What is a Veterinarian?

Veterinary is a Latin phrase meaning “beast of burden.”

Veterinary career options!

There are numerous career options for veterinarians as well as veterinary technician’s and assistant’s. The career fields include; Private clinical practice

Research

Public Practice

Education

Research

Regulatory Agencies

Service

Private practice Veterinarians.

Currently there are more than 60,000 private practice veterinarians in the United States. Eighty percent of private practice veterinarians work with companion and small animals. The remaining 20 % concentrate on equine and food animals. Day to day duties may include; Clients bringing pets into your clinic.

Traveling to a producers operation. Very common with “track” horses and the dairies here in New Mexico.

Performing examinations.

Administering medications.

Providing information for clients.

Veterinarians with a private practice specialization.

Veterinarians and their staff may choose a species of specialization, which may include; Feline – cat Canine – dog Avian – birds/poultry Equine – horse Bovine – beef Ovine and Capri – sheep and goats Marine – fish and marine mammals

Private practice specialization cont.

Veterinarian/technician/assistant specialization may continue to internal systems; Ophthalmology – eyes Dermatology – skin Orthodontics – teeth Cardiology – circulatory Surgical – Specialization such as “spinal surgery”

for example.

Public practice!

Currently there are in excess of twelve thousand publicly employed veterinarians in the US. Areas of employment include the USDA, state livestock boards, universities and the military. Education – Veterinary schools and technician

certification programs.

Research - Government agencies and private companies.

Regulatory- Inspection services, disease research.

Service – Veterinary schools, laboratory research and diagnosis services.

Industry employed veterinarians.

A number of veterinarians, assistants and technicians work for private industry. Agricultural research.

Universities

Private pharmaceutical companies

Livestock and the pet food industries

Certified veterinary assistants and technicians are needed in all of the areas that we have discussed!

Specific duties may include: Communicating directly with clients.

Nursing sick and injured animals.

Bandaging

Surgical assistance

Radiographs

Assisting with research projects.

Duties of the veterinary assistant and technician in the clinical practice.

Communication with clients.Comforting patients.Being aware of the patients physical

and mental state.Patient restraint.Administration of medicine.Accurate record keeping and data

entry.

Duties of the veterinary assistant and technician in a field situation.

Animal and livestock handling skills.

Animal and livestock restraint skills.

Patient assessment. Situation assessment. Quick action.

Duties of the veterinary assistant technician in a Zoo situation.

Work with a variety of exotic animals, birds and reptile.

Assemble tools, supplies and equipment.

Familiar with unique animal restraint methods.

Situation Assessment. Assemble specialized equipment tools

and supplies as needed.

Duties of the veterinary assistant technician in a veterinary technology laboratory situation.

The research area may require specialized knowledge and skill that may not be common in the veterinary areas. Unique skills may include but are not limited to the following; Exams and testing of – fecal material,

blood and urine.

Obtaining samples for testing

Extensive use of microscopes and other specialized testing equipment.

The veterinary technician or assistant is often the first person/point of contact for an existing or potential client.

Effective communication skills and a positive first impression are essential.

The veterinary assistant/technician is responsible for the smooth operation of the clinic.

In addition to the day to day position duties we have discussed the technician may also be responsible for; Cleaning Ordering supplies Maintaining the waiting area Making client first contact Obtaining client information – patient name,

breed, address, phone number, email address.

The initial office visit! Communicating with clients that have entered the clinic is much like

“public speaking”. The following attributes are important;

Friendly facial expression.

Positive mannerisms.

Warm and friendly attitude is essential.

Appear to be caring and professional.

Make sure the client leaves the clinic with a positive feeling.

Dealing with a difficult client!

Always remain calm.

Remain courteous.

Don’t argue with the individual as it may escalate the situation.

Use a calm approach.

If possible let the client “blow off steam” before responding.

The End!