1.  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/

2.  A Career Worth Barking About

3.   Veterinary technicians work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian to treat or to help veterinarians diagnose the illnesses and injuries of animals. Who We Are

4.  What We Do  Obtain and record patient case 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

5.   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 Education Requirements

6.   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 Career Outlook

7.  The Career Field Small and large animal clinics Exotic and zoo animals Research and laboratory settings Educational setting Animal shelters or rescue organizations Disaster and emergency response Food Safety

8.   Anesthesia  Surgical  Internal medicine  Dental  Emergency and critical care  Behavior  Zoo  Equine  Clinical practice  Nutrition Specialization

9.   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 A Day In The Life of a Radiation Therapist

10.   Operate the equipment to treat patient with radiation  Monitor the patient to check for unusual reactions to the treatment  Keep detailed records of treatment Radiation Therapist

11.   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 Computed Tomography (CT)

12.   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 Tomo Therapy

13.   Assist with appointments  Patient Advocate  Nursing Care  Teach veterinary students  Endoscopy A Day In The Life of a Feline Internal Medicine Technician

14.   Sample Collection  Venipuncture  Cystocentesis  Assist in Procedures  Feeding Tubes  Joint Taps  Abdominocentesis  Thoracocentesis Feline Internal Medicine Technician

15.  Patient Care

16.   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 Canine Blood Donors

17.  Questions

18.  Be sure to visit the PEER Program website for videos and lessons! http://peer.tamu.edu/

19. Brought to you by: The Emma Barnsley Foundation The PEER Program at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Thank you!