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Loryn
Student
Byron Center, Michigan
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What are some important things to know when entering or thinking of entering large animal veterinary medicine as a technician?
I’ve also noticed that many large animal veterinarians tend to work independently when attending farm calls. Is it common for technicians to assist them, or is it more of a solo role? I’d love to hear any tips or insights about what to expect in this area of veterinary work!
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Michelle M.
Actress
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Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Loryn !
This is an interesting question especially if one is exploring whether to be either a Veterinarian or a Veterinarian Technician.
The way it stands, it all depends, but some large animal owners hire both the Vet and the Vet Tech and some hire only the Veterinarian for on site calls. It actually isn't something that can be answered in general. Keeping in mind that it's more expensive for the animal owner to hire both for an on site call - the owner is billed one invoice that has the Vet charges as well as the Vet Tech charges. I am not sure what large animal owners are doing in the area where you live, so it's just a matter of exploring directly with local large animal sites and getting an idea of what they normally do. Byron Center is suburban/rural so you can visit some farms and ranches around you and maybe ask each owner what they usually do.
As a Veterinary Technician, if you are called on site with the Veterinarian, you would perform routine tasks such as administering vaccines, drawing blood, giving medications, and assisting with procedures like castration and dehorning while the veterinarian focuses on diagnosis and more complex medical work and advising the animal owner. It is also possible in very remote areas for a Veterinary Technician to assist Veterinarians with birthing. Those duties would consist of monitoring the animal, providing support during the delivery, and assisting with postnatal care. Their responsibilities can include preparing necessary medical equipment, administering medications, and ensuring the environment remains sterile while the Veterinarian does the birthing.
Obtaining more information from your local large animal keepers, asking some Veterinarians in your area how often a Tech is hired along, you can get an idea of how frequently Vet Techs are used on site.
Veterinary Technicians definitely obtain work at private veterinary clinics and animal hospitals and emergency clinics. You could also obtain work at specialty clinics focusing on areas like dermatology, ophthalmology, cardiology, or oncology and would need Veterinary Technician Specialist credentials. So there is lots of work for Veterinary Technicians, but for on site with large animals, it's a matter of asking around to see what the customary process is around the area you wish to work.
If you become a Veterinary Technician, you will want to work soon after graduation and it may not be beneficial to wait around for on site calls, so I advise obtaining a job where you can work every day and obtain a paycheck consistently. By doing this, the main Vet where you work may have opportunity to offer you to go with him or her on site. If you decide to become a Veterinarian, you will definitely be hired on site at times.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
This is an interesting question especially if one is exploring whether to be either a Veterinarian or a Veterinarian Technician.
The way it stands, it all depends, but some large animal owners hire both the Vet and the Vet Tech and some hire only the Veterinarian for on site calls. It actually isn't something that can be answered in general. Keeping in mind that it's more expensive for the animal owner to hire both for an on site call - the owner is billed one invoice that has the Vet charges as well as the Vet Tech charges. I am not sure what large animal owners are doing in the area where you live, so it's just a matter of exploring directly with local large animal sites and getting an idea of what they normally do. Byron Center is suburban/rural so you can visit some farms and ranches around you and maybe ask each owner what they usually do.
As a Veterinary Technician, if you are called on site with the Veterinarian, you would perform routine tasks such as administering vaccines, drawing blood, giving medications, and assisting with procedures like castration and dehorning while the veterinarian focuses on diagnosis and more complex medical work and advising the animal owner. It is also possible in very remote areas for a Veterinary Technician to assist Veterinarians with birthing. Those duties would consist of monitoring the animal, providing support during the delivery, and assisting with postnatal care. Their responsibilities can include preparing necessary medical equipment, administering medications, and ensuring the environment remains sterile while the Veterinarian does the birthing.
Obtaining more information from your local large animal keepers, asking some Veterinarians in your area how often a Tech is hired along, you can get an idea of how frequently Vet Techs are used on site.
Veterinary Technicians definitely obtain work at private veterinary clinics and animal hospitals and emergency clinics. You could also obtain work at specialty clinics focusing on areas like dermatology, ophthalmology, cardiology, or oncology and would need Veterinary Technician Specialist credentials. So there is lots of work for Veterinary Technicians, but for on site with large animals, it's a matter of asking around to see what the customary process is around the area you wish to work.
If you become a Veterinary Technician, you will want to work soon after graduation and it may not be beneficial to wait around for on site calls, so I advise obtaining a job where you can work every day and obtain a paycheck consistently. By doing this, the main Vet where you work may have opportunity to offer you to go with him or her on site. If you decide to become a Veterinarian, you will definitely be hired on site at times.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !