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/

A Career Worth Barking About 

Who We Are

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

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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

Education Requirements

  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

Career Outlook

  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

The Career Field

 Food Safety Exotic and zoo animals

Specialization

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

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A Day In The Life of a Radiation Therapist

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

Radiation Therapist

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

Computed Tomography

  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

Tomo Therapy

  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

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

Feline Internal Medicine Technician

  Sample Collection  Venipuncture  Cystocentesis  Assist in Procedures  Feeding Tubes  Joint Taps  Abdominocentesis  Thoracocentesis

Patient Care

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Canine Blood Donors

  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

Questions

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Be sure to visit the PEER Program website for videos and lessons!

 http://peer.tamu.edu/

Thank you!

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