National Veterinary Technician Week – What is a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

 

October 9^th-15^th 2011 is the annual celebration of the profession of veterinary technicians.  Our hospital uses this week to celebrate not only our certified veterinary technician (CVT) staff, but our veterinary assistants, and client service specialists.  Each member of our team makes it possible to fulfill our hospital mission aiding in the formation and preservation of the client pet bond.

This week, whose designation began in 1994, allows us to take the opportunity to educate pet owners on certified veterinary technicians. 

What is a certified veterinary technician?

A Certified Veterinary Technician or CVT is a formally trained and certified member of your pet’s health care team.  In order to become certified an individual needs to complete an accredited program in veterinary technology.  This requires intensive study of the skills and knowledge to work competently as a veterinary technician, including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, clinical techniques, pharmacology, anesthesiology, surgical and medical nursing, radiology and clinic pathology training.  Upon completion of this training, which is typically two full years of studying as a full time student and internship/hands-on training, graduates must take a certification exam.  This exam is a national and/or state examination.  The dedication does not end when the certification is achieved.  Practicing lifelong learning through continuing education and upholding high ethical standards is a requirement of continued certification. 

….and what do they do?

CVTs hold a variety of different responsibilities within a veterinary practice and this can vary from facility to facility.  Here at Coal Creek Veterinary Hospital, we rely greatly on our technicians to perform a variety of tasks.  Daily, our techs work to educate our clients about important preventive medicine topics including heartworm disease, vaccine options, intestinal parasites, dental health, behavioral issues, and more.  We trust and rely heavily upon our certified veterinary technicians’ ability and competency at completing technical tasks including obtaining blood and urine samples, reading laboratory samples such as fecal and urine specimens, placing intravenous (IV) catheters, performing dental cleanings, taking radiographs (x-rays), and assisting our veterinarians in various procedures performed. We truly value the skill and education of our veterinary technicians and trust in their ability to perform these specific tasks to them for which they are specially trained.  With the aid of our veterinary assistants, client service specialists, veterinarians, and certified veterinary technicians, we strive to work together as a strong, compassionate, well-trained team. 

Why I became a CVT

Our CVT staff has each taken a few moments to share why they decided to becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician.

Mandy, CVT:

After working in the IT field for over 10 years I was feeling my work was not meaningful to me anymore and the enthusiasm I once had now was fizzled away. Although I love working with technology, I decided that I needed a change. My decision to become a Veterinary Technician was driven from the fact that I like helping animals AND people. By being an “animal nurse”, I am able to medically attend to animals physical needs to help alleviate pain and suffering, as well as help with the owners emotional needs. I have found that a big slobbery kiss from a dog is just as important of a thanks as a handshake or hug from an owner.

Sam, CVT:

I decided to become a vet tech for the very cliché reason that I love animals; and I stayed with my profession because I find the technical aspects of practicing medicine so interesting and intriguing. I’m also a very caring, compassionate and motherly type person so of course my favorite part of the job is snuggling my little furry patients and caring for hospitalized or surgical patients.

For the time being and for years to come I plan on keeping on strictly with technical or nursing style work. However, I do have a passion for behavior so one day I would love to work towards and become specialized in behavior; working either at a shelter to rehabilitate behaviorally aggressive or unsound animals that may otherwise have been euthanized. My other passion is wildlife and zoo animals, and in this direction I have interests in working as a wildlife rehabilitator, caring for injured animals and returning them to the wild. I’d also like working in a zoo setting, or even combining all these interests and working in the field studying the behavior of wild animals.   

Tanya, CVT:

All of my life I have been around and owned a variety of animals.  Growing up, I developed a passion for taking care of these animals.  My family has owned everything, including ducks, dogs, horses, cats, birds, and a variety of exotic species.  Some of my fondest memories with family are the times spent with these animals.  Since I was a child the family always joked that any lost animal within fifteen miles of me would find me.  How could I not do something where I help animals every day?  Working at a clinic that is focused on helping owners give their animal companions the best care they can and building a relationship with each pet and pet owner really makes my chosen profession that much more rewarding. 

Giving to the next generation

Coal Creek Veterinary Hospital offers a variety of opportunities for job shadowing and supports internship programs to help those individuals interested in a career in veterinary medicine.  We believe in giving back to the field of veterinary medicine through quality training and mentoring involvement.

Animal Healthcare Team

Coal Creek Veterinary Hospital