Skip navigation

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians - 29-2056.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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 (Emergency Vet Tech)
  • Internal Medicine Veterinary Technician (Internal Medicine Vet Tech)
  • Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)
  • Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
  • Veterinarian Technician (Vet Tech)
  • Veterinary Laboratory Technician (Vet Lab Tech)
  • Veterinary Nurse (Vet Nurse)
  • Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech)
  • Veterinary Technologist

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

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

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.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Animal Care Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Field Veterinary Service (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Food Safety Officer (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Marine Mammal Systems Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Veterinary Biomedical Scientist (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Veterinary Clinical Medicine (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Veterinary Corps Officer (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Veterinary Laboratory Animal Medicine (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Veterinary Pathology (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Veterinary Preventive Medicine (Army - Commissioned Officer only)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Veterinary Technician