Veterinary Wellness Blog

Terrific Technicians!

October 4, 2013

October 13-19 is national veterinary technician week.  We appreciate the technicians year round, but this is the special time of the year where we make sure they know how much we appreciate them!

To become a certified veterinary technician requires graduating from an accredited 2 or 4 year program, and passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination.  Many of these programs require an internship for a couple of months at a clinic in addition to book courses and hands on laboratory classes.  To maintain certification, technicians must complete a number of continuing education hours per year.

Veterinary technicians perform many duties within the clinic.  They are the nurses of the veterinary world-helping schedule and triage appointments, taking medical histories, and going over discharge instructions.  They are dental hygienists and nurse anesthetists.  They are phlebotomists and microbiologists, collecting blood and other samples, and running the tests in the laboratory.  They are pet whisperers, helping restrain animals for their safety and comfort during minor procedures such as vaccinations, ear cleanings, or nail trims.  They are janitors, mopping floors and washing laundry.  They are pet sitters, feeding pets, walking dogs, scooping poop, and cleaning litter boxes. They are inventory specialists, ordering the food, medications, and other supplies necessary to run the clinic.

Without their assistance we would not be able to give your animal the caring and comfort they deserve and the medical care they require.  Join us in thanking our veterinary technicians for the awesome job they do!