6 Essential Qualities that Make a Great Veterinary Technician Or Assistant

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    6 Essential Qualities that Make a Great Veterinary Technician Or Assistant

    When considering a career as a veterinary technician or assistant, understanding the key qualities that lead to success is crucial. This article explores six essential traits, starting with the importance of continuous learning and concluding with the ability to stay adaptable and composed. Readers will gain valuable insights into what makes a great team member in the veterinary field. Discover these and other traits that are critical when working alongside veterinary colleagues.

    • Always Keep Learning
    • Master Animal Handling Skills
    • Prioritize Strong Communication
    • Embrace Veterinary Technology
    • Maintain a Clean Workspace
    • Stay Adaptable and Composed

    Always Keep Learning

    We, as techs (including assistants), are always learning! There's always something we can learn every day, and that's something that should keep us wanting to continue to work in vet med. Being very detail-oriented not only helps obtain a good history, but it also helps our doctors find something that could be off with our patients, such as smaller lumps, hidden dermatological spots, or fractured teeth. We spend more hands-on time with our patients, and we are able to build that trust. We can sometimes get a closer look at areas that our doctors might not be able to, so taking that time to notate and inform our doctors is really helpful. It's also a great habit to keep our records as detailed as possible. This includes ensuring what medications/injections were used in the clinic, what route, what location (if applicable), and what time given. Hospitalized patients need to have their vitals recorded, their BAR status, if there's vomit/diarrhea/urine, food/water intake, IV fluid infused (if applicable), IV catheter checked (if applicable), and incisions checked if they had surgery. Documentation is key!

    Katrina Lanning
    Katrina LanningVeterinary Technician, Summer Creek Animal Clinic

    Master Animal Handling Skills

    Exceptional animal handling skills are crucial for any veterinary technician or assistant. This ensures the safety of both the animal and the handler. Being able to calm and control animals can lead to more accurate medical exams and treatments.

    It also helps in creating a trusting environment for the animals. Encourage others to focus on learning the best techniques for animal handling to improve their skill set.

    Prioritize Strong Communication

    Strong communication and client education are vital for veterinary technicians and assistants to succeed. Explaining medical procedures and giving aftercare instructions in a clear way helps clients understand their pets' needs. Effective communication eases the concerns of pet owners and encourages them to follow through on medical advice.

    It also builds a stronger relationship between the veterinary practice and its clients. Make it a goal to practice and improve these skills regularly.

    Embrace Veterinary Technology

    Proficiency in veterinary software and technology is key for efficiently running a veterinary practice. Using the latest software helps with scheduling, keeping medical records, and managing inventory. Familiarity with technology also reduces the likelihood of errors and speeds up the workflow.

    This expertise allows technicians and assistants to focus more on the animals rather than paperwork. Embrace learning new technologies to stay ahead in the field.

    Maintain a Clean Workspace

    Maintaining a clean and organized workspace is essential for any veterinary technician or assistant. A tidy environment reduces the risk of infections and keeps the area safe for both staff and animals. Organization also ensures that medical tools and supplies are readily available when needed.

    It fosters an atmosphere of professionalism and efficiency. Commit to regular cleaning and organization to set a high standard in the workplace.

    Stay Adaptable and Composed

    Adaptability and composure in stressful situations are critical traits for veterinary technicians and assistants. The unpredictable nature of working with animals means that emergencies and unexpected scenarios can occur. Being able to stay calm allows for better decision-making and effective action.

    Adaptable staff can handle various challenges without compromising care quality. Work on developing these traits to enhance your ability to manage stress effectively.