# Tasks & work activities — veterinary technician

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 29-2056.00 (Veterinary Technologists and Technicians).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.
- **[Core]** Supervise or train veterinary students or other staff members.
- **[Core]** Monitor medical supplies and place orders when inventory is low.
- **[Core]** Restrain animals during exams or procedures.
- **[Core]** Discuss medical health of pets with clients, such as post-operative status.
- **[Core]** Schedule appointments and procedures for animals.
- **[Core]** Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
- **[Core]** Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
- **[Core]** Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.
- **[Core]** Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
- **[Core]** Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures.
- **[Core]** Collect, prepare, and label samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination.
- **[Core]** Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, or materials.
- **[Core]** Provide veterinarians with the correct equipment or instruments, as needed.
- **[Core]** Fill prescriptions, measuring medications and labeling containers.
- **[Core]** Prepare animals for surgery, performing such tasks as shaving surgical areas.
- **[Core]** Take animals into treatment areas and assist with physical examinations by performing such duties as obtaining temperature, pulse, or respiration data.
- **[Core]** Observe the behavior and condition of animals and monitor their clinical symptoms.
- **[Core]** Take and develop diagnostic radiographs, using x-ray equipment.
- **[Core]** Maintain laboratory, research, or treatment records, as well as inventories of pharmaceuticals, equipment, or supplies.
- **[Core]** Give enemas and perform catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages.
- **[Core]** Prepare treatment rooms for surgery.
- **[Core]** Maintain instruments, equipment, or machinery to ensure proper working condition.
- **[Core]** Perform dental work, such as cleaning, polishing, or extracting teeth.
- **[Core]** Clean kennels, animal holding areas, surgery suites, examination rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
- **[Core]** Provide information or counseling regarding issues such as animal health care, behavior problems, or nutrition.
- **[Core]** Provide assistance with animal euthanasia and the disposal of remains.
- **[Core]** Dress and suture wounds and apply splints or other protective devices.
- **[Core]** Perform a variety of office, clerical, or accounting duties, such as reception, billing, bookkeeping, or selling products.
- **[Core]** Bathe animals, clip nails or claws, and brush or cut animals' hair.
- **[Supplemental]** Conduct specialized procedures, such as animal branding or tattooing or hoof trimming.

## Detailed work activities

- Administer anesthetics or sedatives to control pain.
- Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
- Administer non-intravenous medications.
- Apply bandages, dressings, or splints.
- Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments.
- Assist patients with hygiene or daily living activities.
- Care for animals.
- Clean medical equipment or facilities.
- Collect biological specimens from patients.
- Communicate detailed medical information to patients or family members.
- Immunize patients.
- Maintain inventory of medical supplies or equipment.
- Maintain medical equipment or instruments.
- Maintain medical facility records.
- Merchandise healthcare products or services.
- Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
- Monitor patients following surgeries or other treatments.
- Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
- Order medical supplies or equipment.
- Perform clerical work in medical settings.
- Position patients for treatment or examination.
- Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis.
- Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.
- Prepare medications or medical solutions.
- Prepare patients physically for medical procedures.
- Process medical billing information.
- Process x-rays or other medical images.
- Provide health and wellness advice to patients, program participants, or caregivers.
- Schedule patient procedures or appointments.
- Sterilize medical equipment or instruments.
- Supervise patient care personnel.
- Test biological specimens to gather information about patient conditions.
- Train medical providers.
- Treat dental problems or diseases.
- Treat medical emergencies.