MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

Abstract: Quince Orchard Veterinary Hospital has hands-on training that is effective but for a new veterinary technician, a written guide to the job is helpful for reinforcing training. The roles of vet techs can be general such as seeing appointments for nail trims and cleaning ears. The roles can also be difficult such as assisting with euthanasia, properly setting up the pet for cremation, and knowing the signs of an aggressive pet and how to react. Kenichiro Yagi, RVT and VTS, discusses in his article the potential for a veterinary technician to grow in this role and reach other opportunities available. QOVH allows for opportunities by providing CE courses that are paid for as well as providing hands-on experience. The veterinarians also explain the medicine behind their cases. This allows a vet tech to be well prepared for applying to vet school and come in with a good background of hands-on experience. Brandy Tabor, RVT and VTS, discusses specialties a vet tech can choose from and the responsibilities and education that correlate with the chosen career. Specific training areas is discussed in detail by Stacy Pritt, DVM. The important training areas include ethics, communication, management, equipment use, health care, and many more. The scope of training for a vet tech never ends. After training roles, expectations, and career opportunities are discussed in detail, directions on how to draw blood from a dog and cat and how to place a catheter will be provided to remind and reinforce training at QOVH.

Reader’s Response: The role of the vet tech seems fulfilling but seems like a lot of work. It appears as though there are a lot of difficult areas a vet tech has to handle such as euthanasia. I thought being a vet tech meant you can pet and play with animals all day. I didn’t realize there was a danger of getting bit. The guide provides a lot of information on being a vet tech but I wonder if there is a difference in a vet tech and RVT and what an unlicensed tech is allowed to do. Does it matter which state you live in to do the things listed in this guide?

N, you are really well poised with this fine document. Make sure that you make your vet-docs happy.

I am curious about the number of people who move from v.t. training to v.s.

Also, for your reader? Your sections on animal behavior awareness can help keep "the fun" in the job, as in not being bit is the start and finish to a good day. :)

ABT statement?