Veterinary Technicians &Technologists

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the roles, education, and responsibilities of veterinary technicians and technologists as found in the McCurnin Clinical Textbook.

Veterinary Technician

A person who has earned an Associate of Science (AS) degree in veterinary technology.

Associate of Science (AS) degree

A degree required for becoming a veterinary technician.

AVMA/CVMA-accredited program

Program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association or Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.

Veterinary nurse

The term used for veterinary technicians in European countries.

Veterinary Technologist

A professional holding a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in veterinary technology.

Bachelor of Science (BS) degree

A degree necessary for becoming a veterinary technologist.

Project leader

A position a veterinary technologist may hold in veterinary practices.

Practice supervisor

A role occupied by veterinary technologists overseeing veterinary practices.

Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS)

A veterinary technician who has specialized in a particular field.

Higher skill level

The standard a VTS must meet compared to general veterinary technicians.

Specialty society

An organization that veterinary technicians may join for specialization.

Veterinary medical schools

Institutions where advanced veterinary training and education take place.

Fiberoptic endoscope

A tool a veterinary technician may use in specific medical specialties.

Patient assessment

The process of evaluating a patient’s condition by veterinary technicians.

Patient care plan

A nursing plan developed by veterinary technicians to address patient needs.

Medical treatment plans

Plans carried out by veterinary technicians as devised by veterinarians.

Client education

The responsibility of veterinary technicians to inform clients about disease processes.

Veterinary technician associations

Professional organizations for veterinary technicians and technologists.

Recognition of discomfort

The ability of veterinary technicians to identify patient distress.

Anticipating complications

The proactive approach of veterinary technicians to foresee potential patient issues.

Independent critical thinking

The skill needed by veterinary technicians to make evaluations and decisions.

Veterinary technology

The field of study and practice related to veterinary technicians and technologists.

Certification fees

Payments made by veterinary technicians to obtain licenses or registrations.

Examinations

Tests that veterinary technicians must pass to become licensed or certified.

Medical record entries

Documentation completed by veterinary technicians regarding patient care.

Patient reactions

How a patient responds to treatment or disease, assessed by technicians.

Veterinarian responsibilities

Duties that focus on diagnosis and treatment, distinct from technicians' roles.

AVMA-accredited program

A veterinary program recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Professional terms

Common vocabulary used in the veterinary field for specific roles and responsibilities.

Continuing education

Ongoing professional development for veterinary technicians to maintain licensure.

Specialization

The process of becoming an expert in a specific area within veterinary technology.

Veterinary healthcare team

Collaborative group of professionals including veterinarians and technicians.

Patient monitoring

Ongoing observation of patients’ health status by veterinary technicians.

Veterinary technology model

Framework outlining the roles and responsibilities of veterinary technicians.