Veterinary Technicians

Duties & Responsibilities of Veterinary Technicians at WSU

Hospitalized Patient Care

• Administration of prescribed medications & treatments
• Intensive care nursing & monitoring
• Nutritional management
• Physical therapy
• Wound management
• TLC

Outpatient Care

• Obtain patient History
• Physical examination
• Client education
• Specimen Collection
• Administration of prescribed medication, treatments and vaccines

Clinical Pathology

• Obtain & prepare specimens & samples
• Laboratory analysis
• Hematology
• Parasite evaluation
• Cytology
• Urinalysis
• Blood Chemistry
• Microbiology

Anesthesiology

• Pre-anesthetic patient evaluation
• Administration of local, regional or general anesthesia
• Patient monitoring before, during and after anesthesia
• Patient Recovery
• Monitoring for pain management

Radiology

• Radiation Safety
• Patient Preparation & Positioning
• Calculating & performing correct exposures
• Maintenance of radiographic film, cassettes, developing equipment & chemicals

Surgical Assistant

• Patient Preparation
• Pre & Post-operative patient care
• Instrument & equipment maintenance & sterilization
• Surgical area preparation & maintenance
• Assist during surgical procedures

Dental Prophylaxis

• Examination of oral cavity
• Recognizing normal & abnormal conditions in the mouth
• Cleaning & polishing dentition
• Teaching clients how to care for their pets teeth & gums
• Maintenance of dental equipment

Hospital Management

• Medical supplies, equipment & pharmacy Inventory control
• Client education
• Supervision, education & training of hospital personnel
• Reception duties & bookkeeping.