29-2056.00 Bright Outlook

Veterinary Technologists & Technicians

Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.

Career Cluster:Healthcare & Human Services
Job Family:Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Job Zone:Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
STEM:Technologists and Technicians
Industry:Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
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Technology Tools

Microsoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word

Key Tasks

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

Skills

Active Listening
69%
Critical Thinking
69%
Reading Comprehension
66%
Speaking
66%
Writing
56%
Complex Problem Solving
56%
Monitoring
56%
Coordination
53%
Service Orientation
53%
Active Learning
53%
Social Perceptiveness
53%
Judgment and Decision Making
53%
Time Management
50%
Learning Strategies
50%
Instructing
47%
Persuasion
47%
Science
47%
Operations Monitoring
47%
Mathematics
44%
Systems Analysis
44%
Management of Personnel Resources
44%
Operation and Control
41%
Negotiation
41%
Systems Evaluation
41%
Troubleshooting
38%
Management of Material Resources
35%
Quality Control Analysis
35%
Equipment Maintenance
31%
Repairing
28%
Equipment Selection
28%
Operations Analysis
25%
Management of Financial Resources
22%
Technology Design
22%
Programming
19%
Installation
0%

Knowledge

Medicine and Dentistry
79%
Customer and Personal Service
78%
English Language
75%
Biology
75%
Mathematics
61%
Chemistry
58%
Computers and Electronics
50%
Administrative
48%
Education and Training
48%
Sales and Marketing
42%
Law and Government
39%
Public Safety and Security
37%
Administration and Management
36%
Therapy and Counseling
36%
Psychology
34%
Physics
34%
Mechanical
33%
Personnel and Human Resources
31%
Foreign Language
29%
Telecommunications
29%
Communications and Media
28%
Engineering and Technology
26%
Geography
25%
Production and Processing
23%
Sociology and Anthropology
22%
Economics and Accounting
22%
Food Production
20%
Transportation
14%
Philosophy and Theology
11%
Design
10%
History and Archeology
8%
Building and Construction
8%
Fine Arts
6%

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Abilities

Deductive Reasoning
72%
Near Vision
72%
Oral Expression
72%
Inductive Reasoning
72%
Problem Sensitivity
69%
Speech Recognition
69%
Oral Comprehension
69%
Written Comprehension
69%
Information Ordering
69%
Speech Clarity
60%
Manual Dexterity
53%
Written Expression
53%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
53%
Category Flexibility
53%
Finger Dexterity
53%
Flexibility of Closure
53%
Selective Attention
53%
Auditory Attention
50%
Trunk Strength
50%
Perceptual Speed
50%
Hearing Sensitivity
47%
Extent Flexibility
47%
Fluency of Ideas
47%
Static Strength
47%
Mathematical Reasoning
47%
Control Precision
47%
Time Sharing
47%
Originality
47%
Number Facility
47%
Visual Color Discrimination
47%
Far Vision
44%
Visualization
44%
Multilimb Coordination
44%
Speed of Closure
44%
Memorization
44%
Stamina
41%
Gross Body Coordination
31%
Dynamic Strength
28%
Gross Body Equilibrium
28%
Reaction Time
25%
Depth Perception
25%
Rate Control
25%
Explosive Strength
22%
Wrist-Finger Speed
22%
Response Orientation
22%
Speed of Limb Movement
19%
Night Vision
0%
Sound Localization
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Spatial Orientation
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
88%
Assisting and Caring for Others
87%
Documenting/Recording Information
84%
Getting Information
84%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
83%
Performing General Physical Activities
81%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
81%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
79%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
74%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
74%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
74%
Handling and Moving Objects
73%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
73%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
71%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
66%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
66%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
65%
Training and Teaching Others
64%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
63%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
62%
Processing Information
61%
Analyzing Data or Information
60%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
57%
Developing and Building Teams
57%
Working with Computers
57%
Controlling Machines and Processes
56%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
53%
Performing Administrative Activities
52%
Selling or Influencing Others
50%
Scheduling Work and Activities
49%
Coaching and Developing Others
48%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
47%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
46%
Thinking Creatively
44%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
44%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
44%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
42%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
41%
Staffing Organizational Units
33%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
28%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
27%

Work Context

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

92%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

89%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

88%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

85%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

84%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

83%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

83%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

82%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

79%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

79%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

78%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

78%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

76%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

75%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

74%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

74%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

74%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

72%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

72%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

71%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

71%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

69%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

68%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

66%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

65%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

65%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

65%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

60%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

59%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

58%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

57%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

53%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

53%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

51%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

50%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

46%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

41%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

39%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

35%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

32%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

27%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

26%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

25%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

13%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

12%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

12%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

11%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

10%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

9%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

9%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

9%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

8%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

6%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

6%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

5%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

4%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

3%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

41%

Associate's degree

26%

Post-secondary certificate

15%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

95

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

71

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

59

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

34

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

0

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

0

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
89%
Dependability
85%
Cooperation
77%
Cautiousness
76%
Stress Tolerance
76%
Self-Control
74%
Integrity
70%
Empathy
59%
Perseverance
59%
Achievement Orientation
56%
Sincerity
55%
Adaptability
53%
Optimism
51%
Initiative
50%
Intellectual Curiosity
46%
Social Orientation
43%
Self-Confidence
37%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
34%
Humility
32%
Innovation
26%
Leadership Orientation
14%

Work Values

Relationships
67%
Support
61%
Independence
45%
Recognition
45%
Working Conditions
45%
Achievement
39%

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