Nursing animals to health December 16, 2003 Veterinary
technicians are often called animal nurses because they care for
animal patients the way nurses care for humans. But veterinary
technicians’ responsibilities extend beyond nursing, combining
duties of many human healthcare jobs. In addition to providing
general nursing, technicians help to administer and monitor
anesthesia just as surgical nurses do, take x rays and sonograms
like radiologic technicians, clean teeth like dental
technicians, provide rehabilitation like physical therapy aides,
monitor surgical equipment like surgical technicians, and
conduct laboratory tests like clinical laboratory technicians.
Veterinary technicians, sometimes called veterinary
technologists, work as part of a healthcare team. They are
supervised by veterinarians, who diagnose disease and injury,
prescribe treatments, and perform surgery on animals.
Technicians also work with veterinary assistants, who groom and
comfort animals, clean cages, and do other nonmedical work.