VSPN Handout

Author: Robin Delbove, RVT

There are many jobs which have come about with the incorporation of new technologies in hospitals. For example, oncology technicians who assist with CAT Scans and radiation therapy, those who work with ultrasound and endoscopy, and the list goes on. Following are a few more avenues that you may not have thought of yet! These are just some of the wonderful things you can do with your skills! You are never stuck in a rut unless you chose to be.

Following are some duties which can be added as a function for an existing technician or a new position can be created in a traditional practice

1. A patient advocate is a veterinary technician who would act as liaison between the owner and the doctor when the pet is hospitalized. S/he explains all procedures and answers clients questions, potentially relieving the doctor of a lot of telephone and/or exam room time. Upon discharge, this person would be the contact if there are any concerns at home.

This person would work closely with the doctor and would not be overstepping the boundaries of making veterinary medical decisions.

Clients would come to respect this person for their knowledge (which would increase working so closely with the doctor) and for his/her compassion and understanding ear. It would take a technician with an extreme interest in client contact to do the job.

2. A nutritional counselor would be in charge of discussing diet and concomitant home care for a patient that has been prescribed a specific diet type (prescription diet or specific formula).

This would also include the puppy/kitten questions, large-breed feeding, obesity, life stage feeding, dietary management of disease, dental and general surgical discharges, etc.

This person would need to be knowledgeable about all major food brands and be able to make recommendations, based on what the clinic carries and even what it doesn't carry, as well as the diets clients may currently have their pets on.

Adjunct issues may include changing diets, finicky eaters, behavioral concerns with food, etc.

Having a person in this position would enable the regular technical staff to concentrate on the rest of the practice as this type of counseling can sometimes take time.

3. A Behavior Manager should be someone with a strong interest in behavior and training.

Good client communication skills, advanced behavior training/continuing education/certification are recommended

A good knowledge of various behavior training skills/devices, behavior evaluation (i.e. with children, articles in the home, separation anxiety, etc.), and medication available.

This person would do all follow up and check in with the veterinarian with reports.

4. Veterinary Technician Education is a rapidly growing field. Adjunct faculty as well as program directors and clinic coordinators are needed to educate those pursuing their veterinary technology degree to fill the huge need of veterinary technicians on all levels.

At least 10 new programs have obtained provisional AVMA accreditation or are working to attain accreditation, added to the already dozens of existing programs and all need instructors, work experience sites, and so on.