A veterinary technician - or "vet tech" - assists licensed veterinarians with a variety of tasks. They support vets in diagnosing and treating both sick and healthy animals. Some techs work in animal research, while others have clinical roles in vet clinics, zoos, and emergency care hospitals. A veterinary technician may perform the following tasks in their role: preparing animals for surgery, assisting vets during surgery, treating wounded animals, collecting blood and urine samples for lab tests, running diagnostic imaging, monitoring vital signs, and consulting with clients. Regardless of the work setting, it’s important for vet techs to have a strong understanding of the terminology used in the field. Whether you're working in a clinic, animal hospital, or research lab, knowing the language used in your field will help you communicate effectively with your colleagues in order to provide the best possible care for the animals that you treat. Here are some key terms that every vet tech should know.
Anesthesia: The process of administering medication to an animal to induce unconsciousness and prevent pain during surgical or diagnostic procedures.
Pathology: The study of the nature, causes, and effects of disease.
Radiology: The use of imaging technology such as x-rays, ultrasound, and MRI to diagnose and treat medical conditions.
Hematology: The study of blood, including its components, function, and pathology.
Parasitology: The study of parasites and their effects on animals.
Aseptic technique: A set of procedures used to prevent contamination of surgical and other sterile areas by microorganisms.
Intubation: The insertion of a tube into an animal's airway to provide a secure airway during anesthesia or respiratory distress.
Vaccination: The process of administering a vaccine to stimulate an animal's immune system and prevent the development of specific diseases.
Cytology: The study of cells, including their structure, function, and pathology.
Orthopedics: The study of bones, joints, and muscles, including their structure, function, and disorders.
Euthanasia: The humane ending of an animal's life, typically performed to alleviate suffering.
Microbiology: The study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Zoonosis: A disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
The purpose of medical terminology is to create a standardized language for medical professionals. It helps staff communicate more efficiently and it makes documentation easier. Moreover, abbreviations and acronyms are also commonly used in general and clinical settings to simplify work flows. Below are some of the most commonly used abbreviations in the vet tech field.
These are just a few of the most common terms that veterinary technicians use on a daily basis. By using this terminology correctly and understanding what a condition, medicine, or procedure is, everyone is able to fulfill their roles, and you will be better equipped to communicate with your colleagues while providing the best possible care for the animals.
Ross Medical Education Center is an awesome place to attend. The Veterinary Assisting program is great. The staff is so friendly and the instructors are great!
Whitney Beach Graduate Veterinary Assistant student at Erlanger, KY campus Graduation: January 11, 2011
I love the staff and how helpful and understanding everyone is. I came to Ross at the age of 28 ready for a fresh start. Everyone was ready to help me succeed in my goals. This is the first time I have felt accomplished. Coming to Ross gave me the fresh start I was looking for.
Lucinda Smeal Graduate Dental Assistant student at Erlanger, KY campus Graduation: August 7, 2019
One of the most difficult things to do in life is to start. Ross is where I started. Ross did an excellent job providing information, tools, advice, and homework that helped me discover that there are no ideal conditions and what matters is that I take action to start somewhere; a valuable lesson to integrate into all aspects of my life.
Haider Almosawi Graduate Medical Assistant student at Saginaw, MI campus Graduation: November 15, 2018
At Ross College, I really enjoyed the professors as well as getting to know my classmates. Everyone was very encouraging and I really enjoyed it!
Nikki Haley Graduate Online - Health Administrative Services student at Ross College Online campus Graduation: November 27, 2018
My experience at Ross Medical Education Center was very AMAZING! I learned so many things that I never knew about the human body and how it functions. I also learned how to do everything that is required in the medical assistant program to have a chance to go to extern to be able to get more of the hands-on feeling of how things are. The instructors and students are very friendly and very helpful in everyway!
Carlissa Davis Graduate Medical Assistant student at Huntsville, AL campus Graduation: January 18, 2019
