Veterinary technicians help veterinarians in feeding, comforting, and providing medical and other services to animals.  Veterinary technicians take animals to treatment rooms, secure restraints or hold animals during treatment, sterilize surgical instruments, and shave and prepare animals before surgery.  They also take and develop x-rays, perform laboratory tests, perform treatment on animals, and provide client education.  Their help gives veterinarians additional time for clients and patients.  Patience, compassion, and a willingness to be part of the animal health care team are important assets for a veterinary technician.

Areas of Specialization
Public health organizations, research and academic institutions, pharmaceutical institutions, and universities need veterinary technicians with specialized training in animal health and care.  Veterinary technicians may specialize in x-ray technology, surgical nursing, anesthesiology, animal care, meat inspection, or public health.

Work Environment
The duties of a veterinary technician are defined by the state in which the individual practices.  Most veterinary technicians work in veterinary offices, veterinary hospitals, kennels, research institutes, or zoos.  They may also be employed by drug or feed manufacturing companies, animal production facilities, and meatpacking companies.  Veterinary technicians are usually supervised by veterinarians, biomedical research workers, and other scientists.

Advancement
In large veterinary practices, veterinary technicians can become practice managers.  In research facilities and at universities, veterinary technicians may assume supervisory roles.