Career Profile: Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant

A veterinary assistant, also referred to as a veterinary technician, is a medical professional who provides care and treatment to animals. He or she is tasked with different responsibilities depending on their certifications and licensing. A day in the life of veterinary assistant involves performing clerical duties to help front desk personnel.

These responsibilities include booking appointment and answering telephone calls. A veterinary assistant may also be tasked with admitting and discharging pets. Furthermore, veterinary assistants also create as well as distribute discharge instructions and patient information when they are released from their facilities.

A veterinary assistant may also be tasked with giving pets medication as well as monitoring how well they respond to the medication.

An assistant with proper qualifications and certifications may administer anesthesia, maintain and take care of medical equipment as well as monitor allergic reactions.

Veterinary assistants are very helpful in surgical areas. They may be required to prep pets for surgical procedures as well offer emotional support if they feel scared. They may also be required to setup surgical equipment and the pass on this equipment to the surgeon to ensure that focus stays on the patient.

A veterinary assistant who works in a laboratory may be responsible for collecting samples from patients as well as conduct different tests on the samples. He or she may take note of the test results and record them on a chart.

Some veterinary assistants help in radiology by taking X-rays of animals and submitting them to the veterinary for examination. Additionally, an assistant’s job may involve helping in the dental aspect of the area. A veterinarian may request an assistant to take snap shots of the pet’s tooth, or request them to polish or brush the pet’s teeth as well as assisting with dental surgical procedures.

The day of a veterinary assistant also involves training new assistants, receiving shipments, cleaning patient areas and counting inventory. An assistant’s job covers a wide area and therefore, anyone wishing to join this area should have some extensive formal qualification.

Personality Attributes of A Veterinary Assistant

To be a successful veterinary assistant, you need to possess a set of unique personal attributes. Patience should be a top attribute for anyone in the field. A veterinary assistant comes into contact with animals and people from all walks, and must be in a position to deal with adversity just as much as he or she can handle calm and friendly patients.

Another attribute for someone in this area is confidence. A person who cares for animals must be very confident in their line of work. Such a person should ensure that any information the pass onto their patients is beneficial and correct. A veterinary assistant should be able to help animal owners nurse their precious pets back to good health after surgical procedures. A lack of confidence will destroy much needed trust from patients.

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