veterinary-technician/references/tasks.md

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.