Veterinary Technician Job Description

Veterinary technicians are also known as animal health technologists, and are responsible for providing first-hand assistance and help to veterinarians. A veterinary technician carries out similar kind of tasks, like a nurse would typically do to assist doctors. The job description can vary according to the requirements of the employer and the work setting. Along with assisting the vets in their duties, he may also be responsible for performing most of the administrative tasks, depending on the environment he is working in. There are different work settings which he may provide his services in, such as facilities of veterinarians, public or private zoos, animal research laboratories, and other commercial units where there is a need for treating animals.

Job Description
The primary responsibility of a veterinary technician is to make available all the equipment and essentials that are required for the veterinarian to treat animals. He also has to attend the customers who get their pets along for treatment. Doing a rough check, conducting an inquiry, and performing a pre-screening examination to determine the problems of the pets are also some of the important duties of a veterinarian technician.

A veterinarian technician has to obtain the medical history of the pets and animals that have been brought for treatment. He, then, has to ready the pets, the surgical tools and other equipment for operation if any. A veterinary technician also administers anesthesia to the pets before the surgery, under the guidance of the vet. The job description comprises helping the veterinarian in carrying out the operation and giving the tools and apparatus required during the procedure.

A veterinarian technician also has to impart training to new recruits in the facility, regarding the duties to be carried out. Few of the administrative duties include keeping a detailed record of the treatments, handling all aspects of the inventory like purchasing medicines, equipment, apparatus, and daily necessities etc., ensuring that all the equipment in the setting are maintained in good condition, and handling the tasks of the reception like attending calls and scheduling appointments.

If the veterinarian technician is working in an animal research laboratory, taking care of the pets, feeding them properly, and keeping them clean are some of the duties he may have to execute. A few may even work in facilities which conduct different therapies relating to animals.

Salary Range
The salary range counts on how many years he is working in this field, how much knowledge he has regarding his responsibilities, and also the state which he is employed in. These medical professionals can earn salary on an hourly or monthly basis. If working as a regular employee, he may even be eligible for additional benefits such as vacation pay and other health benefits. Individuals, who do not have any experience, may get a starting annual remuneration of $21,000 to $31,000. After some years of experience and expertise, the salary may even go up to $30,000 to $45,000 per year. The per annum median salary of these experts is $33,000 to $35,000. Note: The salary estimations are approximate figures, which can change according to financial factors.

Along with the conventional duties and the administrative obligations, the veterinary technician job description can even include some general financial duties.