These individuals are the backbone of veterinary practices, providing hands-on support to both animals and their human families. When someone takes their pet into the clinic, they will spend more time with the veterinary technician than with the doctor. But what exactly does a veterinary technician do on a daily basis?
The Role of a Veterinary Technician
Veterinary technicians are often compared to nurses in human healthcare. Although veterinary technicians are phlebotomists, radiologists, lab technicians, patient advocates, and nurses. They work directly with veterinarians to ensure animals receive the best possible care. Their responsibilities blend medical knowledge, technical skills, and a strong dose of compassion. Veterinary technicians can have their own appointment schedules and assess patients independently.
Daily Responsibilities of a Veterinary Technician
- Animal Nursing Care
- Monitoring the health of animals during exams and after surgeries.
- Administering medications, treatments, and vaccines as prescribed.
- Assisting with wound care, bandaging, and ongoing patient monitoring.
- Diagnostic Testing
- Collecting blood, urine, fecal, or skin samples.
- Running laboratory tests to help diagnose illnesses.
- Preparing and examining samples under a microscope.
- Surgical Assistance
- Check the animal in for the surgery
- Calculate and administer pre-medications
- Administer breathing tube (ETT)
- Preparing animals for surgery by shaving and sterilizing surgical sites.
- Assisting veterinarians during procedures.
- Monitoring anesthesia levels and vital signs throughout surgery.
- Recovery of the animal
- Radiology and Imaging
- Taking X-rays and other diagnostic images.
- Ensuring proper positioning of animals while minimizing stress and exposure.
- Client Communication
- Educating pet owners about nutrition, preventive care, and medications.
- Explaining treatment plans and home care instructions.
- Providing emotional support during difficult times, such as illness or end-of-life decisions.
- Emergency and Critical Care
- Responding quickly to emergencies such as trauma, poisoning, or sudden illness.
- Performing CPR or other lifesaving procedures if needed.
- General Clinic Duties
- Keeping exam rooms and surgical suites clean and sanitized.
- Managing medical records.
- Supporting a safe and stress-free environment for both pets and their owners.
Why Veterinary Technicians Are Essential
Veterinary technicians bridge the gap between animals, their families, and veterinarians. Their work ensures that each patient receives quality care from the first exam to follow-up visits. It’s a role that requires not just medical skills, but also patience, empathy, and a true love for animals. Veterinary technicians are the veterinarian’s right hand.
From drawing blood, comforting a nervous pet, or explaining a treatment plan, remember: veterinary technicians play a vital role in keeping our beloved animals happy and healthy every single day. To become a veterinary technician, one must gain either an Associate’s or Bachelor’s of Science, then pass a national exam and maybe a state test before applying for their license.
Education and Licensing Requirements
To become a veterinary technician, you need to:
- Complete an accredited veterinary technology program – Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
- Pass a national licensing exam – VTNE
- Pass a state law exam- If the state requires (not all require)
- Apply for your license
Veterinary Assistant VS Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Assistants support technicians and veterinarians with basic tasks.
Education/Training for a Veterinary Assistant:
Does not require a degree; training is often on the job. No national exam or licensing.
Responsibilities:
- Feeding, watering, and exercising animals.
- Cleaning kennels, exam rooms, and surgical areas.
- Holding or restraining animals during exams and procedures.
- Restocking supplies and preparing exam rooms.
- Assisting technicians and veterinarians with basic tasks.
- Observing animal behavior and reporting changes to the veterinary team.
- Veterinary assistants are more focused on animal handling, comfort, and clinic support, while technicians handle the more technical medical tasks.
At MedQuest College, students receive hands-on training in both clinical and laboratory settings, preparing them for a variety of veterinary environments. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, surgical nursing, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory procedures.
In addition to technical skills, the program emphasizes communication, ethics, and professional standards—skills that are just as important when working with pet owners as they are in medical care. Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level opportunities in settings such as animal hospitals, clinics, and other veterinary care facilities.
Benefits of MedQuest College’s Veterinary Technology Program
- Hands-On Learning: Students practice essential clinical skills in simulated and real-world environments.
- Experienced Faculty: Instructors with veterinary field experience share their knowledge and guidance.
- The instructors each have 10-30 years of experience in the veterinary field.
- Broad Training Exposure: Coursework and lab experiences include small animal, large animal, and exotic animal care.
- Support Services: Career services provide resources and guidance to support graduates in their job search, and help with Lifelong job placement. These services do not guarantee employment.
- Class schedule: two days a week for 2 years, term 1: Introduction to Veterinary Technology
By combining classroom instruction with practical application, MedQuest College’s program integrates both theoretical and hands-on learning experiences in the veterinary technician field.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Veterinary technicians play a vital role in animal healthcare—balancing technical expertise, patient care, and client communication. If you’ve been wondering, “What does a Veterinary Technician do?” It’s a role that blends science, skill, and compassion in service to animals and their owners.
Explore MedQuest College’s Veterinary Technology program and discover how we can help you build the skills relevant to the field of veterinary technology. Contact us today to find out more information.