10/22/2014 29-2056.

00 - Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

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Updated 2013
Summary Report for:
29-2056.00 - Veterinary Technologists and 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.
Sample of reported job titles: Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Emergency Veterinary Technician, Internal
Medicine Veterinary Technician, Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), Medical Technologist, Registered Veterinary
Technician (RVT), Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Laboratory Technician (Veterinary Lab Tech), Veterinary Nurse,
Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech)
View report: Summary Details Custom
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Work Activities | Work Context | Job Zone | Education | Credentials |
Interests | Work Styles | Work Values | Related Occupations | Wages & Employment | Job Openings | Additional Information
Tasks
Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.
Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to
anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
Restrain animals during exams or procedures.
Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures.
Observe the behavior and condition of animals and monitor their clinical symptoms.
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.
Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.
Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, or materials.
Collect, prepare, and label samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
Animal catching devices Animal capture nets; Animal catching poles; Animal snares
Animal husbandry equipment Cattle chutes; Dehorners; Hoof picks
Emergency medical services suction units or accessories Airway suction units; Battery-powered portable
suction units; Fixed-suction equipment
Laryngoscopes or accessories Curved adult blades; Laryngoscopes; Straight adult blades; Straight pediatric
blades
Nebulizer or accessories Aerosol nebulizers; Humidification equipment; Nebulizers
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Technology used in this occupation:
Data base user interface and query software FileMaker Pro software; Microsoft Access
Electronic mail software Microsoft Outlook
Medical software Animal Intelligence Software Animal Intelligence; McAllister Software Systems AVImark;
Veterinary practice management software PMS
Office suite software Microsoft Office software
Spreadsheet software Microsoft Excel
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Knowledge
Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal
services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of
customer satisfaction.
English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and
spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Biology Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and
interactions with each other and the environment.
Mathematics Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Medicine and Dentistry Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human
injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and
interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Clerical Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing
files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
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Skills
Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points
being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions,
conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make
improvements or take corrective action.
Judgment and Decision Making Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the
most appropriate one.
Active Learning Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving
and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and
evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Service Orientation Actively looking for ways to help people.
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Abilities
Oral Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make
sense.
Oral Comprehension The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken
words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve
solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Information Ordering The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a
specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Recognition The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Comprehension The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Inductive Reasoning The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions
(includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Speech Clarity The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Work Activities
Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Documenting/Recording Information Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in
written or electronic/magnetic form.
Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other
personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers,
and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events,
or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing
differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public.
This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the
cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best
solution and solve problems.
Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to
program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Work Context
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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?
Telephone How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing
this job?
Consequence of Error How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not
readily correctable?
Frequency of Decision Making How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other
people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
Physical Proximity To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical
proximity to other people?
Work With Work Group or Team How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results How do the decisions an employee makes impact
the results of co-workers, clients or the company?
Spend Time Standing How much does this job require standing?
Face-to-Face Discussions How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams
in this job?
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Job Zone
Title Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job
experience, or an associate's degree.
Related Experience Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For
example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or
several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order
to perform the job.
Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both
on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized
apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to
coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include food
service managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, occupational
therapy assistants, and medical assistants.
SVP Range (6.0 to < 7.0)
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Education
Percentage of
Respondents Education Level Required
68
Associate's degree
12
High school diploma or equivalent
11
Post-secondary certificate
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Credentials

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Interests
Interest code: RI
Realistic Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and
solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of
the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount
of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
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Work Styles
Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative
attitude.
Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical.
Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding
aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Initiative Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress
situations.
Concern for Others Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and
helpful on the job.
Social Orientation Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally
connected with others on the job.
Adaptability/Flexibility Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in
the workplace.
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Work Values
Relationships Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work
with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and
Social Service.
Support Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees.
Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Working Conditions Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions.
Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
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Related Occupations
29-1126.00 Respiratory Therapists
29-2032.00 Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
29-2033.00 Nuclear Medicine Technologists
29-2034.00 Radiologic Technologists
29-2052.00 Pharmacy Technicians
29-2054.00 Respiratory Therapy Technicians
29-2055.00 Surgical Technologists Bright Outlook
31-9091.00 Dental Assistants
31-9092.00 Medical Assistants
31-9096.00 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
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Wages & Employment Trends
Median wages (2013) $14.66 hourly, $30,500 annual
State wages
Employment (2012) 85,000 employees
Projected growth (2012-2022) Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Projected job openings (2012-
2022)
33,400
State trends
Top industries (2012) Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2013 wage data and 2012-2022 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated
change in total employment over the projections period (2012-2022). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and
replacement.
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Job Openings on the Web

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Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links
to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians . Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition.
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