Vet Tech Terminology

Exploring veterinary technician terminology for students and veterinary professionals Ross Education veterinary technician student

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.

  • ART: Achieving Room Temperature
  • BAR: Bright, Alert, Responsive
  • Hx: History
  • Sx: Surgery
  • Tx: Treatment
  • WNL: Within Normal Limits
  • HBC: Hit By Car
  • HWT: Heartworm Test
  • N/C: New Client or No Charge
  • RTG: Ready To Go
  • TGH: To Go Home

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.

Check out Med Libs
Tips for Navigating Online Learning as a Student Some tips for how you can successfully navigate your digital education journey. Published August 6, 2024
Essential Skills for Healthcare Students Taking a look at some of the key abilities needed to excel in your studies and prepare for a successful career in the medical field. Published July 31, 2024
How to Prepare for Your First Healthcare Externship Starting your first healthcare externship is an exciting milestone in your medical career. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare and make the most of this experience. Published July 25, 2024
Strategies to Overcome Procrastination Here are some strategies you can implement to help you overcome procrastination and help keep you on track towards achieving your goals. Published July 9, 2024
Benefits of Working in Healthcare Thinking about pursuing a career in healthcare? Here are perks that come along with working in the medical field Published May 24, 2024
Tips for Boosting Productivity and Efficiency as You Return to School Unlock your academic potential with these actionable tips for a seamless transition back to school. Published April 30, 2024
Common Nursing Terms You Should Know Essential terms to know for all aspiring healthcare professionals Published April 16, 2024
Exploring the Pros and Cons of Adult Education for Career Advancement Delve into the opportunities and challenges of returning to school as an adult, from skill enhancement and career prospects to financial investment and time constraints. Published March 25, 2024
10 Morning Habits to Boost Your Productivity The way you spend your mornings has a big impact on how the rest of the day will go. Published March 18, 2024
Mastering Clinical Procedures: Essential Tips for Nursing Assistants From staying organized to seeking feedback, elevate your skills and provide top-notch care to patients. Published March 11, 2024
Nursing Assistant Terminology Dive into the most commonly used terms with which nursing assistants should be familiar. Published Feb 29, 2024
Common Misconceptions About Medical Assistants Breaking down the most misunderstood aspects about the medical assistant profession. Published Feb 23, 2024
Communication Strategies for Effective Patient Interaction Improving interactions between patients and providers is key to delivering a superior level of care. Published Feb 13, 2024
Digital Detox: Unplugging for Mental Well-Being Ways you can unplug and do a digital detox. Published Feb 9, 2024
How to Manage Stress Transform stressful situations into productive energy Published Dec 28, 2023
Maximizing the Value of Your Education Learn how to make the most of your education journey Published Dec 18, 2023
Memorization Techniques Enhance your learning with these effective memorization techniques Published Dec 5, 2023
How to Care for Your Mental Health Taking a look at various methods of keeping your mind and body healthy, sharp, and focused Published Nov 27, 2023
Interview Tips Top interview tips to help you land your dream job Published Nov 16, 2023
Essential Preparation Checklist for Starting Your Post-Secondary Education How you can prepare to start a post-secondary education Published Oct 31, 2023
Seven Key Skills You Need as a Nursing Assistant Personality traits and characteristics to help you thrive in a career as a nursing assistant Published Oct 12, 2023
10 Productivity Hacks for Remote Workers Unlock your remote work potential with these extra efficiency shortcuts Published Oct 2, 2023
Top 10 Traits of an Exceptional Healthcare Worker Exploring the qualities that define an exceptional healthcare professional Published Sep 27, 2023
Eight ways to turn an externship into a job offer Here are some ways you can use your education and experience to go from externship to employment Published Sep 22, 2023
Vet Tech Terminology Exploring veterinary technician terminology for students and veterinary professionals Published Sep 12, 2023

Change your tomorrow, today.

Get Started
Jade Ostman

I am so thankful I chose to attend this school. The staff here makes coming to school everyday enjoyable and there is always something to look forward to. Whether it's a Thanksgiving potluck or Christmas cookie decorating, this campus knows how to make you feel warm and welcomed. They really take the time to get to know you and make sure you succeed in your career. I couldn't have chosen a better school. I love our Ross community!

Jade Ostman Graduate Dental Assistant student at Grand Rapids, MI campus Graduation: May 28, 2019
Venetia Hayward

Ross' medical assisting program is amazing. I have been to a couple places for the MA program and none of them are anything like Ross. They take their time with you. Choose Ross; no regrets at all.

Venetia Hayward Graduate Medical Assistant student at Madison Heights, MI campus Graduation: April 10, 2019
Lindsey Massey

The experience I have had at Ross has been great! I am lucky to have such a wonderful and helpful person as a teacher like Ms. Jenny. Ross has a very friendly, positive, supportive, and productive environment. Really the entire staff has been supportive, accommodating, sympathetic, and comforting throughout my learning process. They are all great leaders, which better prepares me to become a great leader myself once I get out in the dental field. Every day at Ross is a day full of laughs and smiles.

Lindsey Massey Graduate Dental Assistant student at Johnson City, TN campus Graduation: May 28, 2019
Alyson Harris

My name is Alyson Harris. I am currently enrolled in the Medical Assistant course at Ross Medical Education Center. I think Ross Medical Education Center is a wonderful place to learn, not only because of the job preparation and knowledge they give you, but also because of the care from the staff and the close friendships formed that becomes your support system all through your education. The dedication of the instructors to give you the best learning experience possible shows through all the extra work put in to help us succeed in all aspects of the course. Going back to school was a difficult decision for me but Ross has made it so much easier. That is why I would recommend attending any of their programs to anyone just beginning their college education or looking for a career change.

Alyson Harris Graduate Medical Assistant student at Brighton, MI campus Graduation: April 24, 2019
Robin Myers

I never thought that I could accomplish going back to school at the age of 47, but I did it and now it has come to an end. I have enjoyed the Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration class and have learned a lot from my instructor and my classmates. My instructor helped me in so many ways. I would recommend to anyone to invest in the Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration class.

Robin Myers Graduate Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student at Lafayette, IN campus Graduation: February 26, 2019
Medical Assistant Program offered at these campus locations:
  • Huntsville
  • Quad Cities
  • Evansville
  • Fort Wayne
  • Granger
  • Kokomo
  • Lafayette
  • Muncie
  • Bowling Green
  • Erlanger
  • Hopkinsville
  • Owensboro
  • Ann Arbor
  • Battle Creek
  • Brighton
  • Canton (MI)
  • Davison
  • Flint
  • Grand Rapids
  • Kalamazoo
  • Kentwood
  • Lansing
  • Midland
  • Muskegon
  • New Baltimore
  • Port Huron
  • Saginaw
  • Taylor
  • Warren
  • Cincinnati
  • Dayton
  • Elyria
  • Mansfield
  • Niles
  • Canton (OH)
  • Sylvania
  • Johnson City
  • Knoxville
  • Charleston
  • Morgantown
Dental Assistant Program offered at these campus locations:
  • Huntsville
  • Evansville
  • Fort Wayne
  • Granger
  • Kokomo
  • Lafayette
  • Muncie
  • Erlanger
  • Owensboro
  • Brighton
  • Canton (MI)
  • Davison
  • Flint
  • Grand Rapids
  • Kalamazoo
  • Kentwood
  • Lansing
  • Warren
  • New Baltimore
  • Muskegon
  • Saginaw
  • Cincinnati
  • Dayton
  • Elyria
  • Niles
  • Johnson City
  • Knoxville
  • Charleston
  • Morgantown
Veterinary Assistant Program offered at these campus locations:
  • Huntsville
  • Erlanger
  • Canton
  • Kalamazoo
  • New Baltimore
  • Warren
Pharmacy Technician Program Certificate online program
Nursing Assistant Program offered at these campus locations:
  • Brighton
  • Grand Rapids
  • Kalamazoo
  • Midland
Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration Certificate online program
Occupational Therapy Assistant Program offered at these campus locations:
  • Hopkinsville
  • Quad Cities
Nursing Program offered at these campus locations:
  • Canton (OH)
  • Cincinnati
  • Dayton
  • Elyria
  • Niles
  • Sylvania
Practical Nursing Program offered at these campus locations:
  • Canton (OH)
  • Cincinnati
  • Elyria
  • Niles
  • Sylvania
Veterinary Technology Program offered at these campus locations:
  • Canton (OH)
Business Management Program offered at these campus locations:
  • Hopkinsville, KY
Medical Assistant Associate of Applied Science Degree online program
Health Care Administration Associate Degree online program
Human, Social, and Health Services Associate of Applied Science Degree online program
Medical Billing Administrative Specialist Associate Degree online program
Medical Office Administration Certificate Program online program
Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration Certificate online program
Pharmacy Technician Program Certificate online program