Introduction to Veterinary Medicine The Animal Care Assistant

Veterinary Medicine Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease and injury in animals Includes Prescribing and administrating Drugs Biological agents Anesthetic agents Medical and surgical procedures

Veterinary Team Consists of Veterinarian Veterinary technician Receptionist Animal Care Assistants Kennel Workers All need to work together towards a common goal

Veterinarian Someone trained in the science of animal medicine Responsible for: Diagnosing disease Prescribing medication Performing surgery 6-8 years of college Receive a graduate degree (D.V.M.) after 4 years of veterinary school Must pass both state and national board exams to obtain state licensure

Veterinary Technicians Assist in the practice of veterinary medicine under the direction and supervision of the veterinarian Supervise animal care assistants and other members Must take national and state board exam Only available in the last 20-25 years 2-3 year college program

Animal Care Assistant Less education that Vet. Tech Jobs include Feeding and watering Bathing Restraining Moving and exercising Cleaning, clerical and office duties May have attended a vocational program or received on-the-job training

Office Manager Employee paid to manage the business affairs of the veterinary practice In larger practices may be a position filled by an outside person In smaller practices my be the veterinarian, receptionist or other members of the team Jobs include Hiring and firing Employee evaluations Payroll Ordering supplies Paying the practice’s bills Handling advertisement Handling client account management Handling complaints

Receptionist Jobs Schedule appointments Greets clients and animals Answering the telephone

Page 1.4 Take a look @ the pyramid of responsibility The veterinarian is ultimately responsible for every patient presented to the clinic

Opportunities in the Veterinary Field Private practice Veterinarian’s patients are client owned animals Research Obtain information about physiology or disease to improve life for animals and humans Developing new drugs, products and feeds Universities and colleges primarily conduct public research Pharmaceutical/Agricultural companies do much of the private sector research

Federal and State Government Veterinarians in regulatory positions have authority over several programs to prevent animal disease Inspection positions, inspect the quality of seafood, dairy products, poultry and meat for human consumption Military are involved in research, laboratory animal medicine, communicable disease management and treatment of military animals

Education Extension specialist, teaching positions,

Types of Veterinary Practices Small Animal Practice See companion animals such as dogs and cats Some only see emergency cases Routinely open with other practices aren’t Large Animal or Food Animal Practice Work to prevent disease in cattle, swine, sheep, goats and poultry Equine exclusive practices treat only horses, ponies, mules and donkeys Much work done on clients farm or ranch

Mixed Practice Specialty Practice Treat both small and large animals Provide opportunities for the veterinarian to treat man different species in both clinical and farm setting. Specialty Practice Treat particular species (avian, wildlife, exotic, etc.) or body systems such as the heart, skin, or eyes AVMA recognizes 20 veterinary medicine specialties

Professional characteristics of the Animal Care Assistant Ethical Trusted not to breach client confidentiality and not to practice medicine Dependable Should be reliable, trustworthy, and responsible Should be on time to work and finish projects quickly

Empathetic Enthusiastic Should try to identify and understand other people situations and feelings Not to be mixed up with sympathy Enthusiastic Great excitement or interest in a subject or cause Makes clients for comfortable

Motivated Should complete tasks without prompting or a great deal of supervision Tactful Acute awareness of appropriate statements is essential

Tidy A sanitary office will contribute to the good health of all animals visiting the office and relate to clients that the staff cares.

Professional Dress and Appearance of the Animal Care Assistant 1st impressions are very important Be courteous Caring attitude Present yourself professionally Dress appropriately in clean clothes Shower daily Clean groomed hair Makeup in moderation Limit jewelry Nails should be kept clipped, short and clean

Many clinics have a dress code Some provide lab coats Need to wear closed toed shoes Large animals may need to wear well constructed boots