Veterinary technicians are essential to the practice of veterinary medicine.
Every day, veterinary technicians are carrying out the life-saving veterinary care that veterinarians order for their patients. Techs advocate for their patients and are sensitive to their needs. The vet techs that I know are hard-working, eager to learn, and passionate about helping animals. Vet techs are wonderful multitaskers, and most are able to do double-duty in nearly every role of the veterinary hospital.
As a veterinary technician myself at the Animal Emergency and Referral Center of Minnesota, I can tell you that we have a plethora of roles within the practice:
- We draw blood samples and give blood transfusions
- We place IV catheters, urinary catheters, and central lines
- We set up all different types of bloodwork
- We take radiographs, prepare the endoscope for use, and run the CT scanner
- We make sure our patients receive the high-quality care they need whether they are furry, scaly, or feathered
- We give physical therapy and medications
- We educate clients and help them to better care for their pets
- We clean patients’ teeth and assist with dental surgeries
- We monitor anesthesia and scrub in to help veterinarians within the operating room
- We clean, stock drawers, and inventory supplies
- We answer phones, triage patients, and enter treatments into the computer
- We give end-of-life care to pets and treat them with respect when they’ve passed away
- We provide grieving families a shoulder to cry on, and we feel their pain
- We cry our own tears behind the scenes for your pet and your family
- We suffer bites and scratches for pets that need life-saving care but think they don’t
- We catch urine for urinalyses, dig through vomit looking for foreign bodies, and clean up diarrhea
As a veterinary technician working in the Emergency and Critical Care Department, I love my job and could not imagine doing anything else. With all these different tasks to do, I have a lot of variety in my day-to-day shifts. Every shift is different, and I have many opportunities to be a part of advanced procedures. I get to help save lives and also give peace and comfort to those that need it. I have the privilege of working with talented veterinarians and fellow certified veterinary technicians that share my passion for animals. It is humbling to work at such an amazing place with such infinite potential.
Veterinary Technician Oath (NAVTA)
I solemnly dedicate myself to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and services for animals, by alleviating animal suffering, and by promoting public health. I accept my obligations to practice my profession conscientiously and with sensitivity, adhering to the profession’s Code of Ethics, and furthering my knowledge and competence through a commitment to lifelong learning.
