Vet Techs – Heroes workers of veterinary life
History of National Veterinary Technical Week
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) declared the third week of October to be National Veterinary Technical Week in 1993.
Each year a corporate sponsor assists NAVTA in getting the message across through veterinary and social media channels, working locally, state and nationally.
What is NAVTA?
NAVTA is a professional organization for members of the veterinary technician profession.
Here is a brief history of the organization, from NAVTA Vet Tech Week 2014 press release:
NAVTA is a non-profit organization that represents and promotes the technical veterinary profession. NAVTA provides guidance, education, support and coordination to its members. Included in 1981, NAVTA is a national organization dedicated exclusively to the development and growth of the veterinary technology profession.
Related: History NAVTA 1980 – current
Purpose of Vet Tech Week
The purpose of National Tech Week is to raise awareness of the tech profession. This is accomplished with the following tools:
- Educating the public about the important work that veterinary technicians do.
- Promoting the work and value of veterinary technicians to veterinarians, other veterinary professionals and the public.
- Knowledge of veterinary technologies who are team members in the workplace and in their profession.
Typical day for its technician
A typical day is that there are no “typical days” for veterinary technicians.
Tasks vary depending on the day, the type of veterinary practice, the level of skills and work experience of each technology.
Here are some of the common tasks performed by veterinary technicians in private practice.
- Greet clients and pets for an appointment or to leave for surgery, other procedures or dormitories.
- Weigh each animal, get a history, body temperature and other vital signs for the vet.
- Assists the veterinarian in the examination room, treatment area and surgery.
- Assist front desk staff with animal registrations, doctor requirements, and instructions for clients.
- Draw blood, do laboratory tests indoors, read microscope slides, perform fecal tests, prepare blood work and tissue samples to be sent to outside laboratories.
- Educating clients about procedures, medications, diets recommended by the veterinarian.
- Administers and monitors sedation and anesthesia. (Only under the direct supervision of a veterinarian) for patients.
- Get dental x-rays (x-rays) and perform dental cleanings for pets. (Only under the direct supervision of a veterinarian)
- Get other x-rays – limbs, abdomen, spine, bladder, intestinal tract, whole body – as ordered by your veterinarian.
- Check pills and prepare all other medications – ointments, ear and eye cleansers, deworming powders, etc. – as directed.
- Clean ovens, cages and treatment areas of daily blood, urine, saliva, fecal material, sexual cervical secretions, pus, vomiting and other annoyances that are part of daily veterinary life.
Vet Tech Career
Some veterinary technicians receive on-the-job training, some go to school to earn a degree in veterinary technology.
Applicants can then take certification tests to be licensed in the field.
AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association):
Generally, veterinary technicians receive 2-4 years of post-secondary education and have an associate degree or Bachelor in veterinary technology.
They must pass a credential exam and continue their continuing education to be considered a licensed / registered / certified veterinary technician (a term used differently by the state).
All veterinary technicians work under the supervision of a licensed veteran. While a veterinary technician can assist in performing a variety of tasks, they may not diagnose, prescribe, perform surgery, or engage in any activity prohibited by an act of state veterinary practice.
Read more from AVMA: Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Assistants
Knowing Your Techs
How do you know and celebrate your technology in your life?
Here are some ideas for Vet Tech Week and throughout the year:
- A handwritten card or photo
- Gift cards – coffee, lunch, pet supplies, books
- Separate treatments for the rest room in the clinic
- Sponsorship for professional obligations or participation in a veterinary conference
