Zoo Veterinary Technicians

Find More Information About Zoo Veterinary Technicians

Zoo veterinary technicians are responsible for completing the same types of duties as those that work in a more traditional veterinary office. In addition, zoo veterinary technicians complete the same type of general schooling as all veterinary technicians, though they may have taken courses that emphasize these types of animals when selecting their elective courses.

People that are interested in becoming zoo veterinary technicians should carefully select their elective courses in order to properly prepare them for a career in this field. These classes will include coursework in anatomy and physiology that is specific to the types of animals typically found in zoos.

Although zoo veterinary technicians work specifically with animals that are found in zoos rather than with the typical domestic pet, they still perform many of the same duties as other types of veterinary technicians. For example, zoo veterinary technicians will assist the zoo veterinarians with providing care to the animals as well as treating illnesses and injuries.

Many zoos hire zoo veterinary technicians to remain on duty at the zoo on a regular basis and to provide basic care to the animals. This is because zoo veterinary technicians can provide many of the same basic functions as a veterinarian, though they cannot diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, or perform surgeries. If these skills are needed, the veterinarian must be brought in to assist the animal.

When the veterinarian does provide care to the animal, zoo veterinary technicians still provide assistance. This may include helping to hold down or sedate an animal, handing the veterinarian surgical tools, administrating medication, or taking vital stats such as the animal's heart rate and blood pressure. Zoo veterinary technicians may also engage in conversations with the veterinarian in order to help diagnose an animal and come up with a treatment plan, though the final decision is the veterinarian's responsibility.

Featured Veterinary Technician School

The Brown Mackie College system of schools offers both Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Technology associate’s degrees.* The Veterinary Technician/Technology programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to obtain entry-level employment in a variety of modern veterinary clinical settings and veterinary-related fields.

Coursework focuses on a wide range of clinical skills, including animal patient care, laboratory procedures, medical imaging, anesthesia administration and monitoring, and surgical assisting for a variety of domestic animals.

* Program availability varies by location.

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