Understanding Veterinary Practices

Bell Work Before Jim attempts to draw blood with a needle, he asks his brother to hold onto the horse’s ear tightly. Ask the class why Jim would ask his brother to do that.

Learning Targets 1. Identify the type of work performed within a veterinary practice. 2. Identify proper restraint techniques to ensure patient and caregiver safety. 3. Identify hazards in the veterinary workplace.

To get an understanding of the type of work that is performed, list and describe job positions and specific duties within a vet clinic.

Veterinarian A veterinarian is a highly qualified individual who provides veterinary medical care to animals. The veterinarian diagnoses disease, prescribes medication, and performs surgery. In order to practice veterinary medicine a person must have receive a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and pass a state examination.

Veterinary Technologist A veterinary technologist is a support professional in veterinary medicine that may be employed as a research associate, sales manager, clinical technologists, or teacher. Vet technologists typically have a four-year degree from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited veterinary technology program.

Veterinary Technician A veterinary technician performs a wide range of supporting tasks in a vet clinic. A two or three-year program at AVMA-accredited school is required to become a veterinary technician.

Veterinary Assistant A veterinary assistant performs general tasks such as cleaning cages, restraining, feeding, and exercising animals, collecting blood samples, assisting with surgeries, and countless other responsibilities. Veterinary assistants are typically trained on the job and require no college education.

Other duties within veterinary clinic: 1. Client communication such as answering the telephone, making appointments, answering questions, receiving mail and packages, etc. 2. Financial activities such as preparing invoices, sending bills, receiving payments, making bank deposits, paying bills, etc.

Dig a little deeper Expected income Three places one could gain the education needed to meet the job duties. Possibility for employment

Learning Check What are the five occupations one would find in a vets office? What are the differences in the occupations?