Kaplan College - Phoenix Campus


What is a veterinary technician? A typical day Professional skills Administrative skills Clinical skills Occupational outcomes

What is a veterinary technician? A veterinary technician is a multi-skilled professional in veterinary medicine. Veterinary technicians are trained to perform basic clinical and administrative duties in veterinary clinics, hospitals, laboratories and zoos under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. [ back to top ]	Learn more about Kaplan College here.
A typical day as a veterinary technician may include: • Assessing the needs of emergency patients • Providing nursing care • Monitoring vital signs • Taking x-rays • Performing laboratory procedures such as blood or urine testing • Treating critically ill patients in ICU • Administering anesthesia and assisting in surgery • Maintaining medical records • Interacting with animal owners [ back to top ] Professional skills learned in our program: • Medical terminology • Anatomy and physiology • Law and ethics • Communication • Professional development • Surgical assisting • Fluid monitoring • Basic first aid • Medical assisting • Radiology • Endoscopy assisting • Ultrasound assisting • Laboratory assisting • Patient monitoring [ back to top ] Administrative skills learned in our program: • Veterinary Management software • Telecommunications • Appointment scheduling • Inventory management • Managing client accounts [ back to top ] Clinical training: You'll receive hands-on clinical training during monthly veterinary observations and real-world experience during your two required externships. [ back to top ] Occupational outcomes: • Veterinary technician • Animal shelter technician • Laboratory assistant/technician • Research kennel assistant/technician • Hospital manager [ back to top ] If you're interested in training for a career in veterinary technology, you may find it helpful to observe a local veterinary practice to gain insight into the occupation. Click here to learn about a vet tech career.