Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Animal Health Technician
An Animal Health Technician is a professional who plays a crucial role in providing care and assistance to animals in veterinary settings. They work closely with veterinarians and other veterinary professionals to ensure the well-being and health of animals. In this blog post, we will explore the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Animal Health Technicians.
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Main Responsibilities of an Animal Health Technician
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Animal Health Technician:
Administer
Administer medications and treatments.
Administer medications and treatments to animals as prescribed by the veterinarian.
Administer treatment and medications.
Administer vaccines and perform routine preventive treatments.
Assist in
Assist in surgical procedures, including prepping animals, monitoring anesthesia, and providing post-operative care.
Assist in the care of animals.
Assist in the care of hospitalized animals, including feeding, grooming, and exercise.
Assist the veterinarian in her / his tasks (consultations, treatment, surgery, anesthesia).
Assist veterinarians in various tasks.
Assist with dental cleanings and oral care for animals.
Assist with emergency and critical care situations.
Assist with euthanasia procedures with compassion and sensitivity.
Assist with inventory management of medical supplies and medications.
Assist with rehabilitation and physical therapy for injured or recovering animals.
Assume
Assume responsibility for all study monitoring and the completion of score sheets, as required.
Check
Check the equipment and the supplies needed for the practice.
Clean
Clean all types of animal housing and accessories.
Clean and maintain veterinary equipment and surgical instruments.
Clean, disinfect, decontaminate cages and all surfaces.
Collaborate
Collaborate with veterinary staff in developing treatment plans for animals.
Collect
Collect and analyze samples for diagnostic purposes.
Collect date on Safety Pharmacology studies as needed.
Collective
Collective insurance program and ATSAQ registration.
Collect
Collect samples (blood, feces,urine, etc.).
Collect samples and perform certain tests and analyses.
Collect supplies and equipment as needed to prepare studies set up.
Compile
Compile and analyse data.
Conduct
Conduct physical examinations and record vital signs of animals.
Coordinate
Coordinate and schedule appointments for animals.
Coordinate use of operating room and equipment.
Discuss
Discuss diagnosis and treatment with veterinarian.
Educate
Educate clients on responsible pet ownership and preventive healthcare.
Educate pet owners on proper animal care, including nutrition and exercise.
Ensure
Ensure adequate and accessible food and water supplies for all animals at all times.
Ensure compliance with safety protocols and infection control measures.
Ensure compliance with safety regulations in the use of equipment.
Ensure proper storage, handling and disposal of hazardous materials.
Ensure sufficient inventory and purchase of all animal care supplies, equipment and materials.
Ensure supplies including animal food, bedding and other essential supplies are ordered as required.
Ensure that all study related documentation is completed and archived as required.
Enter
Enter animal data using computer program.
Enter data and create Excel spreadsheets specific to each study.
Establish
Establish and maintain an excellent relationship with the pet's owners.
Evaluate
Evaluate and follow the health status of animals under veterinary supervision.
Examine
Examine and monitor health of animals.
Exposure
Exposure to prescriptions and tracking of various medications.
Follow
Follow safety policies and procedures.
Handle
Handle and restrain animals during procedures and examinations.
Handle animals for any activity that requires it.
Handle animals (nutrition,behaviour, grooming, andmaintenance.
Handle specialized equipment.
Identify
Identify potential animal welfare issues.
Instruct
Instruct others on procedures and operation of equipment.
Keep
Keep abreast of advancements in veterinary medicine and treatment techniques.
Keep abreast of new developments in the field to update skills and knowledge.
Learn
Learn how patient files are electronically captured, updated and stored.
Maintain
Maintain cleanliness and hygiene within the veterinary clinic or hospital.
Maintain equipment, performs minor repairs and arranges for service and major repairs.
Maintain material resources in the veterinary laboratory.
Maintain records and prepares report.
Manage
Manage inventories, prepare and receive orders for products, animal food and medicine.
Monitor
Monitor and observe animal behavior and report any changes to the veterinarian.
Monitor animal reproduction.
Observe
Observe, examine and follow up on clinical signs of animals.
Observe their vital signs, feed them and ensure their general maintenance.
Participate in
Participate in modification of protocols.
Participate in training and continuing education programs.
Perform
Perform all other related duties as assigned.
Perform animal ID implantation upon arrival, and randomization.
Perform clinical procedures.
Perform detailed fetal examinations.
Perform drug dosage calculations and serial dilutions.
Perform duties to ensure the quality care and treatment of all animals.
Perform euthanasia and necropsy.
Perform general husbandry and assumes responsibility for animal care and monitoring.
Perform laboratory tests, such as blood work, urinalysis, and fecal examinations.
Perform medical treatments and basic diagnostic tests under veterinary supervision.
Perform routine dental procedures.
Perform sample collection (urine, blood).
Perform study-specific veterinary activities and veterinary standard operating procedures.
Perform technical duties related to the care and maintenance of animals.
Perform tissue collection procedures and euthanasia.
Prepare
Prepare and carry out treatment plans.
Prepare and maintain accurate medical records and documentation.
Prepare and sanitize animal holding areas and cages.
Prepare animals and assists in surgical procedures.
Prepare animals for surgery and provides post-operative care of animals.
Prepare invoices for various services charged to clients.
Prepare surgical facility, including equipment and drugs.
Prepare surgical instruments for sterilization.
Provide
Provide medical and surgical care.
Provide post-operative care instructions to pet owners.
Provide pre- and postoperative care.
Provide support and assistance during animal births.
Provide support and comfort to animals during procedures and examinations.
Read
Read and ensure understanding of study plans prior to the start of each study.
Receive
Receive, inform and guide clients when entering and leaving patients.
Record
Record the weight of the animals and their food consumption.
Report
Report immediately and unforeseen problems or deviations to the Section Leader.
Respond to
Respond to customer requests.
Schedule
Schedule operating room times.
Set-up
Set-up animal rooms for studies.
Sign
Sign and date study schedule of events for confirmation of performance.
Take
Take and develop X-rays and other diagnostic imaging.
Take care of hospitalized and boarded animals.
Understand
Understand, adhere to, and follow Standard Organizational Procedures.
Update
Update and maintain standard operating procedures.
Uphold
Uphold ethical standards and professional conduct in animal care.
Use
Use, maintain and calibrate procedure related equipment.
Use specialized equipment (Microscope, Computer program for behavioral tests, Water maze).
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Animal Health Technician:
Proficiency in animal handling and restraint techniques.
Knowledge of veterinary anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
Understanding of common animal diseases and treatment protocols.
Proficiency in performing laboratory tests and interpreting results.
Experience in administering medications and treatments to animals.
Competence in surgical assistance and sterilization procedures.
Familiarity with diagnostic imaging techniques, such as X-rays and ultrasounds.
Ability to operate and maintain veterinary equipment and instruments.
Knowledge of medical terminology and veterinary medical records management.
Proficiency in sample collection and preparation for laboratory analysis.
Competence in anesthesia monitoring and emergency care procedures.
Understanding of zoonotic diseases and infection control protocols.
Knowledge of veterinary pharmacology and dosage calculations.
Ability to perform dental cleanings and oral care procedures.
Proficiency in performing venipuncture and intravenous catheter placement.
Experience in radiographic techniques and positioning.
Competence in handling and administering vaccines to animals.
Familiarity with diagnostic laboratory equipment and techniques.
Knowledge of surgical instrument sterilization and surgical site preparation.
Understanding of veterinary nutrition and dietary requirements for animals.
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Animal Health Technician:
Compassion and empathy for animals and their owners.
Strong communication skills to interact with pet owners and veterinary staff.
Ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with veterinary professionals.
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills for maintaining accurate records.
Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced veterinary environment.
Problem-solving skills to address unexpected situations or complications.
Time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Professionalism and a positive attitude towards clients and colleagues.
Strong observation skills to monitor animal behavior and health.
Stress management skills to handle emotional situations and high-pressure environments.
Conclusion
An Animal Health Technician plays a vital role in providing care and support to animals in veterinary settings. They possess a combination of technical skills, such as administering treatments, conducting laboratory tests, and assisting in surgeries, as well as essential soft skills like compassion, communication, and adaptability. By fulfilling their responsibilities and possessing the required skills, Animal Health Technicians contribute to the overall health and well-being of animals under their care.
