I take patients histories and vital signs, assist with appointments, administer anesthesia, assist in surgery, take radiographs, prepare blood work and lab samples, perform dental cleanings, provide nursing care, clean and sterilize surgical instrumentation, maintain patient records, etc.

EDUCATION | Associates degree in Veterinary Medical Technology and an Associates degree in Business Management.

HOW TO GET STARTED | Students interested in veterinary technology should take high school courses in biology, chemistry, English, dental/medical assisting, algebra, health occupations/medical professions education and computer skills.

MUST HAVE TRAITS | Caring, compassionate, driven, organized, multi-tasker

how I got started | I started off taking math and science courses at the community college, and then transferred to Wilson College when the veterinary medical technology program opened in 1989. After graduation and passing the state boards, I started applying for RVT positions.

why this job?| I have always loved animals since I was little. They provide us with unconditional love and I wanted to give back the friendship and care my various pets gave to me.

why I love this job!| I love the hands on contact I have with the animals everyday. I love the flexibility of working with different species; from mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, etc. I love the challenge; you never know what is going to happen on any given day.

my typical day| I arrive at the hospital and prepare all of the equipment needed for the day (blood machine, microscope, anesthesia machines, x-ray machine, IV pumps, etc.) I check in surgical patients and get vital signs and prepare blood work. I administer treatments to any hospitalized patient. I assist with the appointment schedule by setting up appointments, taking vital signs and getting accurate histories to prepare the veterinarian for the exam. I administer anesthesia and prepare patients for surgeries, dental cleanings, etc. I assist with the surgical procedures, perform dental cleanings and take radiographs as needed. I prepare and read samples for the laboratory. I recover patients from surgical procedures, making sure that they are clean, comfortable, and not in any pain. I clean the surgical and dental suites and equipment and sterilize instrumentation for the following day. I discharge surgical and hospitalized patients and go over home care instructions with their owners. I wipe down the exam rooms, refill medical supplies, vacuum and mop the floors and start all over again tomorrow.

what they are | It can be a very emotional job. Dealing with sick and injured animals and euthanizing pets is very stressful. The other major challenge is dealing with the financial constraints of the pet owner.

all about growth | Employment opportunities for veterinary technicians will be excellent over the next decade and are expected to increase much faster than the average of all other occupations over the same period. The U.S. Department of Labor expects a growth of over 36 percent in the number of job openings through the year 2010. Growth will continue as pet owners become more aware of advanced care, such as preventative dental care and intensive care, and are more willing to take advantage of such nontraditional services. There is not really a ladder to climb, but there are veterinary specialties such as dentistry, emergency and critical care, and anesthesia that techs can pursue to make them stand out.

my website| http://www.kingsbrookvet.com