Veterinary Surgical Technician Overview
As a Veterinary Surgical Technician, you play a vital role in the veterinary healthcare team. Your responsibilities encompass vital functions that support both veterinarians and the animals in their care.
Assisting in Surgeries: You provide essential support during surgical procedures by preparing the operating room, maintaining a sterile environment, and assisting with the anesthesia and surgical setup.
Patient Monitoring: You are responsible for monitoring the vital signs of animals during surgery, ensuring they remain stable and safe.
Post-Operative Care: Once the surgery is complete, you assist in the recovery process, monitoring the anesthesia effects and managing pain relief and other medications.
Client Communication: You often serve as a communicator between veterinarians and pet owners, providing information on pre-operative and post-operative care, thus enhancing the overall client experience.
Equipment Management: You maintain surgical tools and equipment, ensuring everything is in proper working order and ready for use when needed.
The role of a Veterinary Surgical Technician is integral in ensuring that surgical procedures are performed safely and effectively, contributing greatly to the overall health and well-being of animals. Your expertise and dedication directly affect patient outcomes and the quality of care provided in veterinary practices.
Veterinary Surgical Technician Salary
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education and Training To Become a Veterinary Surgical Technician
To become a Veterinary Surgical Technician, you need specific educational qualifications and training. You should consider pursuing one of the following degree programs:
Veterinary Animal Health Technology: This associate degree program focuses on the technical aspects of animal care, including surgical assistance. It covers essential veterinary practices, animal anatomy, anesthesia, and surgical procedures.
Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences: Typically offered at the bachelor’s level, this program combines biological sciences with clinical training. You will learn about disease processes and the role of veterinary technologists in surgical settings.
Veterinary Clinical Sciences: An associate or bachelor’s degree in this field prepares you for hands-on clinical work. The curriculum includes surgical techniques, patient care, and emergency procedures.
Veterinary Medicine: Attending a veterinary school to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree is another route. Though this program is more extensive and focuses on becoming a veterinarian, some courses will provide insights into surgical procedures.
Surgical Technology: Pursuing a surgical technology program can also be beneficial. This degree emphasizes sterile techniques, surgical instruments, and the role of surgical technologists in assisting during procedures.
After completing your chosen program, you may also need to pursue certification or licensure, depending on the state where you wish to work. Ensure that your education is accredited by relevant veterinary technology accrediting bodies to enhance your career prospects.
Best Schools to become a Veterinary Surgical Technician in U.S. 2024
Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting
University of Florida
Ohio State University-Main Campus
University of California-Davis
Iowa State University
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
- 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.
Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Veterinary Surgical Technician
Attention to Detail: You must be thorough and precise in your work, ensuring that all surgical instruments and equipment are properly prepared, maintained, and sterilized to prevent infection and ensure patient safety.
Technical Proficiency: A strong understanding of various surgical procedures, instruments, and techniques is essential. You should be able to assist veterinarians during surgeries effectively, demonstrating competency in your role within the surgical team.
Effective Communication: You will need to communicate clearly and efficiently with veterinarians, fellow technicians, and pet owners. This includes providing pre-operative and post-operative care instructions and maintaining a collaborative atmosphere in the surgical suite.
Compassion and Empathy: Having a compassionate attitude toward animals and their owners is vital. Your ability to empathize with clients can ease their concerns during stressful situations before and after their pets’ surgeries.
Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to anticipate and respond to complications or unexpected changes during surgery is important. You should think critically and remain calm under pressure.
Physical Stamina and Dexterity: The nature of surgical procedures often requires long hours of standing and may involve physically demanding tasks. You should have the stamina to endure lengthy surgeries and the manual dexterity to handle instruments accurately.
Knowledge of Animal Anatomy and Physiology: A strong foundational knowledge of various species’ anatomical structure and physiological processes helps in understanding surgical procedures and providing adequate care.
Organizational Skills: You will need to manage multiple tasks efficiently, from preparing surgical materials to maintaining records and ensuring the surgical area is organized and functional.
Infection Control Practices: Understanding and implementing sterilization techniques and infection control protocols are essential for maintaining a safe surgical environment.
Ability to Work in a Team: Collaborating effectively with veterinarians, other surgical technicians, and support staff is important. You need to listen actively, share responsibilities, and contribute to the overall success of the surgical team.
Adaptability: You should be open to learning new techniques and adapting to changes in protocols or technology within the veterinary field.
Time Management: Balancing the speed and accuracy of your work is key, especially in a fast-paced surgical setting. Being able to prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively will enhance the workflow in the operating room.
Emotional Resilience: Dealing with critical situations and the potential loss of patients can be challenging. You must maintain professionalism while providing support to pet owners experiencing distressing times.
Job Duties for Veterinary Surgical Technicians
Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.
Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.
Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.
Data base user interface and query software
- FileMaker Pro
- Microsoft Access
Medical software
- McAllister Software Systems AVImark
- Veterinary practice management software PMS
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Basic Skills
- Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
- Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Veterinary Surgical Technician
The job market for Veterinary Surgical Technicians is on an upward trajectory, driven by the expanding veterinary industry and increased pet ownership. Here are key aspects that define the current landscape:
Demand for Services: The growing emphasis on preventive pet healthcare, advances in veterinary medicine, and the rising complexities of surgical procedures contribute to a consistent demand for skilled Veterinary Surgical Technicians. More pet owners are seeking specialized surgical care for their animals, which amplifies the need for qualified professionals in this area.
Growth Potential: The job outlook for Veterinary Surgical Technicians is promising, with job opportunities expected to grow in tandem with advancements in veterinary practices and technologies. As veterinary hospitals expand their services to include specialized surgical care, the need for additional technicians trained in surgical support will increase.
Geographical Hotspots:
- Urban Centers: Areas with higher populations often have a greater concentration of veterinary clinics, specialty hospitals, and emergency veterinary services. Cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago typically offer more job openings.
- States with High Pet Ownership: Regions such as Colorado, Florida, and Texas have high rates of pet ownership, which fuels demand for veterinary services, including those specializing in surgery.
- Veterinary Schools and Teaching Hospitals: Proximity to veterinary schools or large teaching hospitals can provide ample job opportunities, as these institutions often require a significant number of support staff for their surgical departments.
Specialized Practices: Veterinary Surgical Technicians may find opportunities in specialized animal hospitals, including those that focus on orthopedic surgery, oncology, or neurology. These niches not only provide advanced positions but also enhance career growth potential.
This evolving job market reflects both the changing landscape of veterinary medicine and the increasing value placed on surgical care for pets, creating a wealth of opportunities for dedicated individuals in the field.
Top Related Careers to Veterinary Surgical Technician 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Veterinary Surgical Technician
National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
Website: www.navta.net
Description: This organization offers resources, continuing education opportunities, and professional support for veterinary technicians, including those specializing in surgical technology.American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Website: www.avma.org
Description: The AVMA provides a wealth of information on veterinary standards, educational resources, and professional development opportunities for veterinary professionals.Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)
Website: www.aavsb.org/vtne
Description: The VTNE website offers information regarding examination requirements and resources essential for certification as a veterinary technician.Association of Veterinary Surgery Technicians (AVST)
Website: www.avst.org
Description: AVST focuses specifically on surgical technology within veterinary medicine, providing resources for specialized education and networking among surgical technicians.The Veterinary Surgery Journal
Website: www.wiley.com/VeterinarySurgery
Description: Access to ongoing research, case studies, and advancements in veterinary surgical practices.VetMedTeam
Website: www.vetmedteam.com
Description: This platform provides online courses and continuing education specific to veterinary medicine, including surgical techniques and technologies.National Veterinary Technician Search (NVTS)
Website: www.nvts.org
Description: Offers a directory of veterinary technician programs and continuing education resources to keep you informed of the latest trends in veterinary health care.Veterinary Medicine: A Guide to Success by Dr. Richard G. Babcock
Description: A comprehensive guide that covers the various aspects of veterinary medicine, including surgical practices and the role of surgical technicians. Available through many book retailers.
These resources are designed to support your career development as a Veterinary Surgical Technician, providing access to education, certification, and community engagement.
FAQs About Becoming a Veterinary Surgical Technician
What does a Veterinary Surgical Technician do?
As a Veterinary Surgical Technician, you assist veterinarians in surgical procedures by preparing surgical sites, managing anesthesia, and monitoring the animal’s vital signs during surgery. You may also be responsible for post-operative care and client education.What qualifications do I need to become a Veterinary Surgical Technician?
You typically need to complete a veterinary technology program, which usually results in an associate's degree. Certification or licensing requirements vary by state, so it's important to check the specific regulations in your area.Is certification required to work as a Veterinary Surgical Technician?
While not all employers require certification, obtaining certification from organizations such as the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) can improve your job prospects and may be necessary for certain positions.What skills are important for a Veterinary Surgical Technician?
Key skills include attention to detail, strong communication and interpersonal skills, proficiency in medical terminology, and the ability to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively.What is the job outlook for Veterinary Surgical Technicians?
The job outlook is positive, with demand expected to grow as pet ownership continues to rise and as veterinary medicine advances. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of veterinary technicians and technologists to grow by about 20% from 2021 to 2031.What environment do Veterinary Surgical Technicians typically work in?
You will most likely work in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or specialty practices that offer surgical services. Some positions may involve working in emergency veterinary practices or teaching hospitals.What is the average salary for a Veterinary Surgical Technician?
As of 2023, the average salary for a Veterinary Surgical Technician varies by location and experience, but it generally ranges from $35,000 to $50,000 per year.What are the typical working hours for this profession?
Working hours can vary widely; many Veterinary Surgical Technicians work full-time, but part-time and on-call positions are also common. You may need to work evenings, weekends, or holidays, especially in emergency veterinary settings.Can I specialize as a Veterinary Surgical Technician?
Yes, there are opportunities to specialize in areas such as anesthesia, dental surgery, or emergency and critical care. You can pursue additional certifications through organizations like the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).What are the physical demands of being a Veterinary Surgical Technician?
This job can be physically demanding. You may need to lift and restrain animals, be on your feet for extended periods, and perform repetitive tasks, so physical stamina and strength are important.How can I advance my career as a Veterinary Surgical Technician?
Advancement opportunities include pursuing further education, obtaining specialty certifications, or moving into supervisory or management roles within a veterinary practice. Networking and professional development through workshops and seminars can also enhance your career prospects.