Veterinary Technicians 101

In cooperation with:
The Emma Barnsley
Foundation
The PEER Program at
Texas A&M College of
Veterinary Medicine &
Biomedical Sciences
http://peer.tamu.edu/
A Career Worth Barking About

Who We Are

Veterinary technicians work under the supervision
of a licensed veterinarian to treat or to help
veterinarians diagnose the illnesses and injuries of
animals.
What We Do
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 Obtain and record patient case
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histories
Collect specimens and perform
laboratory procedures
Provide specialized nursing care
Prepare animals, instruments, and
equipment for surgery
Assist in diagnostic, medical, and
surgical procedures
Expose and develop x-rays
Supervise and train practice personnel
Stock and maintain medicines and
supplies
Education Requirements

2 –year associate’s degree in veterinary technology
 191 veterinary technology programs accredited by
the American Veterinary Medical Association
Veterinary Technician National Exam
 Licensed Veterinary Technician
Texas State Regulatory Examination
 Registered Veterinary Technician
Career Outlook

Employment expected to grow
52% by the end of the decade
In the top 10 of “growing
occupations” in the country
Increased demand to support
public health, food & animal
safety, national disease control
programs, and biomedical
research
The Career Field

Food
Safety
Small and large animal
clinics
Disaster
and
emergency
response
Animal
Research
shelters
and
or
laboratory
rescue
organizations
settings
Educational
setting
Exotic
and zoo
animals
Specialization
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 Anesthesia
 Surgical
 Internal medicine
 Dental
 Emergency and critical care
 Behavior
 Zoo
 Equine
 Clinical practice
 Nutrition
A Day In The Life of a
Radiation Therapist

 Examine machines to ensure
they are safe and working
properly
 Explain treatment plans to
clients and answer questions
 Follow safety procedures to
protect the patient and myself
from overexposure
 Check the computer programs
to ensure the correct dose of
radiation is given to the correct
area of the patient's body
Radiation Therapist

Operate the equipment to treat patient with
radiation
Monitor the patient to check for unusual reactions
to the treatment
Keep detailed records of treatment
Computed Tomography
(CT)

 Use daily CT imaging to
guide treatment based on
patient anatomy for that day
 Surround the target with
highly-precise radiation
delivered from all angles
 Minimize radiation exposure
to healthy tissue
 Adapt the treatment plan at
any point
Tomo Therapy

 Unique design allows treatments
to be delivered continuously,
from all angles around the
patient
 More beam directions give
physicians more control in
planning treatments
 Dose is better confined to the
tumor, reducing the risk of
short- and long-term side effects
A Day In The Life of a Feline
Internal Medicine Technician

Assist with appointments
Patient Advocate
Nursing Care
Teach veterinary students
Endoscopy
Feline Internal Medicine
Technician

Sample Collection
Venipuncture
Cystocentesis
Assist in Procedures
Feeding Tubes
Joint Taps
Abdominocentesis
Thoracocentesis
Patient Care

Canine Blood Donors

 Blood shortages impact
animal hospitals
 Texas A&M Veterinary
Medicine Teaching Hospital
houses a blood bank
 Donor pets help keep a
steady supply of blood and
blood components on hand
for emergencies
Questions

Be sure to visit the PEER Program
website for videos and lessons!

http://peer.tamu.edu/
Thank you!
Brought to you by:
The Emma Barnsley
Foundation
The PEER Program at
Texas A&M College
of Veterinary
Medicine &
Biomedical Sciences