An Introduction to Veterinary Technology...

Until the late 1960's veterinarians hired students or other individuals to feed the animals, clean the cages, answer the phone, and do other routine tasks. As the field of animal health became more complex, the need arose not only for more aides to do these tasks but also for well educated staff who could take on greater responsibilities and give veterinarians more time for clients and patient care. These assistants called veterinary technicians, deliver knowledgeable, professional care to animal patients. in general, technicians can perform any task relating to animal care, including client communication, patient treatments, anesthesia, dentistry and blood collection. They may not however, make diagnoses, perform surgery or prescribe medication.

The duties of a veterinary technician depend on the employer and the size and kind of animal hospital or organization where they are employed. Veterinary technicians assist both large-animal and small-animal veterinarians in private practice, in institutions and in university hospitals. Veterinary technicians may also be called laboratory animal technicians if the are working in the field of research or diagnostics.

All licensed technicians throughout the state of New York are required to have graduated from an American Veterinary Medical Association Accredited Program. We have also had to pass a national exam and be licensed in the state of New York before we could work as technicians in the field of veterinary medicine. Forty-two states require that veterinary technicians be registered, certified, or licensed. While licensing or registration requirements vary form state to state, they usually include graduation from and accredited veterinary technician program and satisfactory completion of a national exam. National, state and local groups offer continuing education programs, employment services and social and job-related activities.

Veterinary technicians perform their tasks under the supervision of a veterinarian. Technicians work in the areas of Anesthesia, Behavior, Cardiology, Community Practice, Dentistry, Emergency/Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Intermediate Nursing Care, Nuclear Medicine, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Radiology, Surgery, Theriogenology, Ultrasound, and Wildlife and Exotics.

If you have an interest in veterinary technology or have a question pertaining to the field, please contact the colleges listed on our Educational Opportunities web page.