This week
we celebrate National Vet Tech week!
Veterinary
technicians, who function much as a human nurse does, are very important to any
veterinary clinic. Veterinary
technicians go through a 2 year college program (the most common program here
in
- animal health & disease - pharmacology - anesthesiology -
radiology
- animal anatomy & physiology - parasitology - hematology
Students also receive hands-on training handling patients, drawing blood, performing laboratory testing, preparing patients for surgery, monitoring anesthesia, performing dental cleanings, taking x-rays, and more.
Once
students have completed the program, including necessary internships, they can
sit for either the state or national board exam (depending on locality). After passing the necessary board exam, they
are considered licensed and can practice in veterinary medicine under the
supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
In
Education for technicians doesn't end when they finish school. Technicians, just like in other professions, must complete a set number of continuing education hours to keep their license current. They may attend veterinary conferences, local lecture meetings, or webinars.
At Suburban Animal Clinic, Vet Techs play many important roles in the health and care of your pets. They can include, but aren’t limited to:
- education in preventative medicine - nutritionist
- laboratory technician - draw blood
- place IV catheters -
assist veterinarian in appointments
- Behavior counselor - surgery prep & assisting
- anesthesiologist - x-ray technician
- pharmacy technician - dental hygienist
- monitor hospitalized patients - answer phones
-
patient record keeping - end-of-life counselor
Most technicians will tell you that working as a technician can be fun and exciting, but it can also be stressful and tough at times. They will tell you they are in this field because they love animals and want to help care for them. It’s not the easiest (or cleanest!) job, but worth it when helping pets feel better and stay healthy.
Suburban Animal Clinic is fortunate enough to have 6 Registered Veterinary Technicians on staff:
- Anne Pelleriti - Deanna Herfel - Sherry Seimer
- Dawn Archey - Dawna Shroads - Jewel Evans
Suburban is also lucky to have veterinary assistant Laura Hendricks & OSU veterinary student Lauren Jurgens. Both do an excellent job of assisting our doctors and technicians in caring for your pets.
If you or
someone you know is interested in becoming a veterinary technician, contact
Kelly Fannin at
Suburban Animal Clinic is located in