WHAT IS A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN?
A veterinary technician as defined by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as "a person who has graduated from a two or three year, AVMA accredited program of veterinary technology."
DOES THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION CURRENTLY ACCREDIT THE PROGRAM AT MC LENNAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE?
This program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association
WHAT JOBS ARE AVAILIBLE TO ME WITH A DEGREE IN VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY?
Training as a veterinary technician enables the student to work as professional
technical support to veterinarians, biomedical researchers, and other
scientists as well as positions in the pharmaceutical industries, animal
control and humane organizations and local, and state health departments.
Opportunities for jobs exist in the following areas:
- Veterinary practice
- Veterinary supply sales
- Zoo/Wildlife Medicine
- Diagnostic Laboratories
- Biomedical research
- Humane societies
- Military Service
- Teaching
- Herd Health Managers
WHAT KNOWLEDGE MUST I ACQUIRE TO BE A VETERIANRY TECHNICIAN?
The veterinary technician must be knowledgeable in the care and handing of animals, their normal and abnormal life processes, medical and surgical nursing, anesthesiology, radiology, and clinical laboratory procedures in addition to customer service and client relations.
DOES THE PROGRAM AT MC LENNAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROVIDE THE NEEDED COURSES TO BE A VETERINARY TECHINICIAN?
Yes. Upon fulfilling the courses in the veterinary technology curriculum the student will graduate with an Associates degree in Veterinary Technology and will be qualified to take the state and national licensing examinations administered by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. Following successful completion of the curriculum and successful passage of the state and national examination you are then credentialed as a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) by the State of Texas.
WHAT WOULD BE A TECHNICIANS ROLE IN A VETERINARY PRACTICE?
The AVMA's policy on veterinary technology states:
"The duties of a veterinary technician shall be performed under the
direction, supervision, and responsibilities of veterinarians. These duties
shall be accomplished in compliance with federal, state and local laws
and shall not include diagnosing, prescribing, or performing surgery.
Examples of areas of responsibility that a RVT can assume in a veterinary
practice are:
- Physical examination and Patient history
- Client communication and education
- Caring for the hospitalized patient
- Administration of medications and vaccines
- Clinical laboratory procedures
- Dental prophylaxis
- Radiology
- Anesthesiology
- Surgical Assisting
- Office/Hospital management
CAN I FIND EMPLOYMENT WITH MY VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY DEGREE?
Yes. Currently there is a strong demand for graduates from veterinary technology programs. In a 1999 survey done by the AVMA there are approximately 8 job openings for every one graduate. This trend is expected to continue for a long time.
WHAT SALARY CAN I EXPECT TO MAKE WITH MY VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY DEGREE?
According to the survey done in 1999 by the AVMA a new graduated from an accredited program can expect an average salary of $20,161 depending on the type of clinic or industry employing veterinary technicians.
WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS ON THE PROGRAM?
For more information please contact:
Jennifer Garretson, DVM
254-299-8750
or
email at:
jgarretson@mclennan.edu