VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

Veterinary technicians working in veterinary hospitals do so under the supervision of veterinarians and have many important responsibilities. They talk to and explain procedures to pet owners, record patient histories, and do lab work. They prepare instruments, equipment, and animals for surgery, and often assist the veterinarians with medical and surgical procedures. They treat animals for diseases and medical conditions, and do things like develop X rays, examine blood samples, and prepare tissue samples. They might splint a broken leg, wrap an open wound, or just help to calm or hold an animal while the veterinarian looks at it. They also might prepare vaccines for the prevention of common diseases. Another important part of the vet tech's job is cleaning and sterilizing instruments and materials after a routine exam or surgery is performed.