Veterinary Profession Overview

Chapter 1: Overview of the Veterinary Profession

• Learning objectives include describing educational requirements of veterinary team members, defining veterinary personnel nomenclature, identifying team member duties, and recognizing professional organizations.

History of Veterinary Medicine

• Modern programs for educating veterinarians started in 1761.
• First U.S. program began in 1879.
• Focus shifted from livestock to include pets
• First veterinary assistants' program in 1908.
• First veterinary technicians' program in 1961.
• Dallas College (formerly Cedar Valley College) was part of Dallas County Community College District – on-campus program initially accredited in November 1978 and distance learning program initially accredited in September 2001. 

Veterinary Health Care Team

• The team includes veterinarians, veterinary technologists, credentialed veterinary technicians, veterinary technicians specialists, veterinary assistants, groomers, kennel assistants, students, and receptionists.

Nomenclature Describing Veterinary Personnel

• Veterinary assistants often play a key role in client satisfaction and patient care.
• Credentialed veterinary technicians can perform duties under direct veterinary supervision.
• Some veterinary technicians specialize in a specific area of care.
• Veterinary technologists generally require higher education levels.
• Every team member should have education in basic laboratory techniques.

Pet Groomers

• Groomers are frequently the first to spot potential health issues in pets.

Kennel Technicians/Assistants

• Kennel assistants maintain cleanliness and alert the team of patient changes.
• They care for patients in the clinic.
• Training prepares them to identify emergency situations like anaphylactic shock or seizures.
• They are key members of the veterinary team.

Veterinary Assistants

• Assistants may support veterinary technicians or veterinarians.
• Skills include physical restraint, basic laboratory techniques, patient care, and client relations.
• Many are trained on the job, often advancing from kennel assistant roles.
• Formal education options also exist.

Veterinary Technician Traits and Skills

• Some programs offer certification through state organizations.
• Essential traits include accepting tasks, excellent service, clear communication with clients, and a willingness to excel in animal restraint.
• Individuals should understand diseases and their prevention, nutrition, common practice procedures, and common veterinary drugs.
• Having initiative for continuous improvement in practice is highly valued.

Students

• Students may be observers or hold paid positions in hospitals.
• Some veterinary schools require internships or externships.
• Prerequisite clinic experience is often needed before application or admission.

Veterinary Technician Job

• Veterinarians generally assign tasks to veterinary technicians.
• Technicians follow treatment protocols which include medication, nutrition, labs and exercise.
• Tasks involve documenting patient treatments and observations.
• Technicians may handle a wide variety of responsibilities in the veterinary setting.
• Credentialed veterinary technicians graduate from an approved veterinary technology program.
• Most programs last for two years and lead to an associate's degree.

Veterinary Technician Traits

• Technicians need patience, willingness to accept tasks, multitasking abilities, and attention to detail.
• Proficient at following instruction, communicating with clients and colleagues, and educating clients on disease and nutritional needs is essential.
• Strong understanding of diseases, nutrition, common lab procedures, and effects of drugs are needed.
• Technicians should strive to elevate and improve the practice.

Veterinarian

• Veterinary professionals complete a degree from an accredited veterinary college.
• Licensing involves passing national and state examinations.
• Continuing education is necessary for maintaining licensure.
• Essential duties include practicing quality medicine, communicating with clients and team members, diagnosing conditions, performing surgeries, educating clients, and attending continuing education seminars.
• Veterinarians should be patient and positive while effectively delegating tasks.

Office Staff (Receptionists)

• Receptionists are usually trained on the job.
• They handle customer service tasks such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, handling payments, and providing client information.
• Receptionists have a crucial role in creating a positive customer experience for clinic clients.

Office Staff (Office Manager)

• Office managers oversee office staff, conduct training, manage deposits, handle accounting, and act as successful receptionists.

Practice Manager

• Managers typically hold bachelor's degrees in science or business administration.
• Some managers achieve certification through organizations such as the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association or the AAHA’s Veterinary Management Institute.
• Duties include educating team members, developing strategies to handle client issues, managing accounts receivable efficiently, and handling any client questions. 

Hospital Administrators

• Administrators commonly work in veterinary hospitals and may be veterinarians, veterinary technicians, or practice managers.
• They are responsible for overseeing the overall operation, including patient care, personnel, budgets and financial strategies.
• Administrators must be able to delegate tasks effectively and ensure that the practice's policies and procedures are followed.

Personal Traits for Veterinary Teams

• Respect and cooperation among team members are vital for a positive experience from clients and animals in the practice.
• Essential traits for a veterinary team include genuine care for animals, an ability to work with the public, a pleasant and calm demeanor, and effective problem-solving skills.
• Compassion fatigue is a crucial issue in the veterinary profession; recognizing and addressing wellbeing issues is critical for staff. 

Professional Organizations and Resources

• AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredits veterinary hospitals and offers resources for students and veterinary technicians.
• AAVSB (American Association of Veterinary State Boards) hosts the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
• AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) offers resources and accreditation for veterinary technician programs.
• AVTE (Association of Veterinary Technician Educators) fosters continuing education.
• BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) offers data on the wages and career projections for veterinary technicians.
• Other useful sites and resources are available online.

Veterinary Technician Specializations

• Veterinary technicians might specialize in particular areas of care.
• Specialist recognition can be achieved via NAVTA-accredited academies and by accumulating experience in their area of focus.

Veterinary Technologists

• Technologists frequently work in positions requiring higher educational standards.
• They may also teach others in technology courses for veterinary colleges.
• A Bachelor of Science degree is typical, although associate's degrees are possible.

Types of Practices

• Companion Animal Practices focus on dogs and cats.
• Mobile pet practices cater to clients in a mobile fashion.
• Referral practices provide specialist care like oncology.
• Exotic animal practices care for animals like birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
• Mixed practices treat various species, like companion animals, large animals, and exotic animals.
• Different practice designs include reception areas, examination rooms and consultation rooms.

Ethics

• Ethics are moral principles that guide appropriate actions within the veterinary profession.
• Veterinary professionals must uphold higher ethical standards than just following the law, offering care to clients and patients with compassion and professionalism, and maintaining honesty.
• The importance of maintaining a profound commitment to the profession, animals, and patients is emphasized.
• Specific ethical considerations include issues like animal abuse and appropriate care and considerations of the interests and needs of various individuals within the veterinary profession.

Occupational Health and Safety in Veterinary Practice

• OSHA guidelines and standards are important for creating and maintaining a safe veterinary practice environment.
• The clinic provides a safety manual for hospitals.
• Common hazards include machinery, slips/falls, lifting, toxic substances, heating devices, eye safety; sharp objects; radiation hazards; anesthetic hazards; gases; chemical hazards; and animal handling.
• Every chemical must have a Safety Data Sheet, including ethylene oxide and formalin.
• Animal handling hazards include chutes, enclosures, and protective gear.
• Bathing and dipping hazards include chemical exposure and ventilation, and zoonotic and biological hazards.