Happy Vet Tech Week 2024
Friends and Neighbors,
Happy Vet Tech Week to our incomparable team! We look forward to this week every year to celebrate our vet techs and vet assistants. Their resilience and passion is never ending. Their job is so much more than enjoying the company of your pets. Our techs and assistants are:
Nurses
Anesthetists
Lab Technicians
Phlebotomists
X-Ray Technicians
Oral Hygienists
Educators
Emotional Support
Dog Walkers
Groomers
House Keepers
Here are six things you may not know about vet techs and vet assistants, shared from Royal Canin:
Crucial Role
Veterinary technicians are integral to the veterinary team, collaborating with veterinarians, assistants, and other pet care specialists at various settings, including zoos, universities, and large animal clinics. They operate in environments such as animal hospitals, non-profits, and research centers. Their responsibilities encompass conducting lab tests, drawing blood, performing diagnostic imaging like X-rays, maintaining equipment, and managing patient records and interactions.
Versatility and Skills
These professionals are highly adaptable and prepared for the dynamic nature of their work. They leverage their expertise to deliver crucial patient care while also guiding pet owners on maintaining their pets' health and nutrition.
Surgical Support
A lesser-known aspect of their role is aiding in surgical procedures under a veterinarian's guidance. Tasks may include managing anesthesia, monitoring vital signs, assisting during surgeries, and offering empathetic post-operative care, which includes explaining discharge instructions to pet owners.
Compassionate Care
Empathy is an essential quality for veterinary technicians. It fosters strong connections between veterinary staff and pet owners, grounded in understanding and clear communication. This attribute is particularly critical in emergencies and end-of-life situations, where providing emotional support to pets and their owners is paramount.
Educational Requirements
This profession typically demands 2-4 years of post-secondary education, with most technicians obtaining an associate or bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology from accredited institutions. Their education covers diverse subjects, including animal care, anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and pharmacology, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge. To keep their credentials current, they must pursue ongoing education as mandated by their state.
Professional Credentials
The credential title for veterinary technicians varies by state, with common titles being CVT (Certified Veterinary Technician), RVT (Registered Veterinary Technician), and LVT (Licensed Veterinary Technician). While certification isn't mandatory in some states, many technicians choose to attain it. Credentialing requires completing a veterinary technology program and passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), overseen by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).
Please join us in wishing our amazing teams a very happy Vet Tech Week! They care about your pets as if they were their own and make BLVD what it is.
Sincerely,
The BLVD Team