Introduction to Veterinary Technology

Twelve vocabulary flashcards covering foundational terms, historical figures, duties, and key concepts from the lecture on veterinary technology.

Veterinary Technician

A credentialed professional who performs clinical assessments, laboratory procedures, anesthesia monitoring, nursing care, client education, and other medical tasks under veterinary supervision.

Veterinary Healthcare Team

The collective group of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, assistants, and support staff who collaborate to provide comprehensive animal care.

Patient Nursing Plan

A written outline of individualized nursing interventions and goals created by a veterinary technician based on a patient’s clinical information.

Anesthesia Duties

Responsibilities that include inducing, monitoring, and recovering patients from anesthesia, as well as maintaining anesthesia records and equipment.

Radiograph

An X-ray image used for diagnostic purposes; veterinary technicians expose and develop these images to aid in patient evaluation.

Dental Prophylaxis

A preventive dental cleaning procedure performed by veterinary technicians to remove plaque and calculus and maintain oral health.

Specimen Collection

The process of obtaining biological samples—such as blood, urine, feces, or tissue—for laboratory analysis.

Veterinary Technician Oath

A formal pledge that veterinary technicians must memorize and be able to write verbatim, affirming their ethical and professional obligations.

Walter Emmett Collins, DVM

Recognized as the “Father of Veterinary Technology” for pioneering formal education programs for veterinary technicians.

Veterinary Technology

The field encompassing the education, skills, and professional roles of veterinary technicians, established in higher education in 1961.

Animal Health Technician

The historical title once used for veterinary technicians before the profession adopted its current name.

State University of New York at Delhi

The institution that launched the first higher-education animal technician training program in 1961.