​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
• Regulated Veterinary Profession