National

Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines.

Sample of reported job titles: Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech), Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Nurse, Veterinarian Technician, Internal Medicine Veterinary Technician, Medical Technologist, Emergency Veterinary Technician

Tasks

• Observe the behavior and condition of animals, and monitor their clinical symptoms.
• Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.
• Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
• Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
• 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.
• Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures.
• Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, and treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.
• Fill prescriptions, measuring medications and labeling containers.
• Collect, prepare, and label samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination.
• Take and develop diagnostic radiographs, using x-ray equipment.

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Tools & Technology

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Technology used in this occupation: