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When picking out a veterinary clinic for family
pets, we usually top the list of expectancies with things like
cleanliness, convenience of location and hours, friendliness of the
staff and fees for services. And while all of these are valid
criteria for choosing a veterinary clinic, they are certainly not
the only things that should be considered.
Probably the most important issue that is
generally overlooked when choosing a veterinarian is the
qualifications of the veterinarian and his or her staff. Each member
of the veterinary team has specific duties within the clinic and, in
some cases such as the veterinarian and the
Registered/Certified/Licensed Veterinary Technician, within the law.
While each state has a different Practice Act that regulates the
veterinarian and staff, there are ways that you can help ensure that
individuals qualified to do so are treating your pet. Getting to
know your veterinary team is the first step.
The veterinarian is at the head of the
veterinary team, and while some practices, depending upon state
regulations, are owned and/or managed by non-veterinarians, the
veterinarian is ultimately the individual that makes the decisions
that affect the care of your pet. Veterinarians are licensed by the
state in which they practice, but before they can become licensed
they must graduate from a veterinary college approved by the
American Veterinary Medical Association. Most veterinarians have
spent three to four years in a university pre-veterinary program and
an additional four years in veterinary school to complete their
degree. After graduation, passing a state or national exam is
required before being able to practice veterinary medicine. The
veterinarian is responsible for, but certainly not limited to,
diagnosing illness, performing surgery, and prescribing proper
treatment and medications. Often it is the veterinarian who actually
administers the prescribed treatment, but in many hospitals, the
Registered Veterinary Technician performs these tasks and many
others.
The veterinary technician may be registered,
licensed or certified, depending again upon the individual state
Practice Act. In order to become a Registered Veterinary Technician,
an individual must graduate from an American Veterinary Medical
Association-approved school of veterinary technology. Many states
require these graduates to take either a state or national exam
before they can become licensed, registered or certified. The duties
of a veterinary technician are many and varied, and in most cases
must be performed under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.
These duties can include client education, diagnostic testing,
performing dental cleanings, administering medications and
anesthesia, assisting the veterinarian with surgery, and taking and
developing x-rays. It is important to understand that in many
states, laws regulate the duties of veterinary technicians. Those
who do not hold a valid veterinary technician license or
registration in those states are prohibited from performing the
duties of a Registered Veterinary Technician.
Assisting the veterinarian and the veterinary
technician is the veterinary aide or veterinary assistant. In most
cases, these positions are not regulated by law, but some states do
include the duties of these individuals in their Practice Acts.
Generally, assistants and aids receive on-the-job training; however,
some attend courses in animal care at colleges or vocational
schools. Their duties may include restraining the patient for the
veterinarian or technician, general nursing care of the hospitalized
patient, and client education. In some cases, assistants are
permitted to administer oral medications and routine injections
under the supervision of the veterinarian or veterinary technician.
The receptionist in the veterinary hospital
has many duties as well. They are the clients’ initial contact
with the hospital, either on the telephone or in person.
Receptionists are responsible for scheduling appointments, taking
client information, making sure office hours run smoothly, and
providing information about hospital policy and general pet health
care. In many instances the receptionist is responsible for computer
data entry, insurance and accounts receivable.
Each member of the veterinary team is there to
ensure that your pet is getting the quality medical care that he or
she deserves, and to help you take an active part in your pet’s
care. When all the members of your veterinary team work together,
you should be able to make informed decisions regarding the health
of your pet and be more confident and comfortable with the
treatments and medications that are prescribed. Become a partner in
your pet’s health care and get to know your veterinary team.
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