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urls • http://www.illinoisworknet.com/vos_portal/industries/Templates/IndustryHome.aspx?NRMODE=Published&NRNODEGUID=%7b45314B1F-68C4-44C6-9C18-115C22FC5EF9%7d&NRORIGINALURL=%2fvos_portal%2fIndustry%2fen%2fHome%2fInfoTech%2fdefault%2ehtm%3foccStatus%3dOP%26occType%3dadvancement%26occText%3dVeterinary%2bAssistants%26jobId%3d%26jobText%3d%26occId%3d100221&NRCACHEHINT=NoModifyGuest&occType=advancement&occId=100221&occText=Veterinary+Assistants&occStatus=OP • http://www.mymajors.com/skills-and-knowledge/Veterinary-Assistants-and-Laboratory-Animal-Caretakers • http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319096.htm
Informational interview Randi Sizelove
Work Description Primary work tasks: Typical Day: Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease. Fill medication prescriptions. Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments or equipment. Prepare feed for animals according to specific instructions, such as diet lists or schedules. Exercise animals or provide them with companionship. Prepare examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies. • Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures. • Administer anesthetics during surgery and monitor the effects on animals. • Assist veterinarians in examining animals to determine the nature of illnesses or injuries. • Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms. • Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury. • Administer medication, immunizations, or blood plasma to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.
Training • Education Required: • High school diploma or equivalent • Vocational training • Job-related coursework • Some may require associate or bachelor’s degree. • Postsecondary Majors and Programs: • Not usually required but related programs of study along with Additional programs of study include : • Veterinary Technology • Animal Training • Medical Assisting • Medical Laboratory Assisting • Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Skills and Personality Traits • Personality Characteristics: • Usually ISFJ • Abilities and skills: • Communicate • Express ideas clearly when speaking or writing. • Listen to others, understand, and ask questions. • Read and understand written information. • Reason and Problem Solve • Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. • Use reasoning to discover answers to problems. • Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses. • Combine several pieces of information anddraw conclusions. • Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actionsin a certain order. • Identify problems and review information. Develop, review, and apply solutions. • Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them. • Use Math and Science • Use math and science skills to solve problems. • Manage Oneself, People, Time and Things • Check how well one is learning or doing something. • Work with People • Look for ways to help people. • Be aware of others' reactions and change behavior in relation to them. • Teach others how to do something using several methods.
Work setting • Interpersonal Relationships • Have a high level of social contact. They work closely with other staff and assist animal owners. • Are often placed in conflict situations in which others may be rude or unpleasant. • Are moderately responsible for the health and safety of animals and coworkers. • Communicate with coworkers and animal owners daily by telephone or in person. • Work in a group or as part of a team. • Physical Work Conditions • Often work indoors, but may work outdoors while exercising animals. • Are exposed to hazardous situations daily that can produce bites or scratches. • Are exposed to diseases or infections on a daily basis. • Are exposed to contaminants daily, such as animal waste. • Often are exposed to radiation from diagnostic equipment. • Often wear specialized protective attire, such as radiation protection suites. • Often wear masks and rubber gloves to protect against infection. • Are sometimes exposed to loud or distracting sounds and noise levels. • Work somewhat close to coworkers, such as when assisting veterinarian with examinations. • Sometimes wear uniforms or lab jackets.
Work Setting • Work Performance • Must be exact in their work. Errors could endanger the health of animals or other staff. • Must repeat the same physical activities, such as exercising animals. • Make decisions on a daily basis that strongly impact animals and owners. They are able to make some decisions without talking to a veterinarian. • Are able to set some tasks for the day without consulting with a veterinarian. • Must meet strict deadlines on a weekly basis. • Hours/Travel • May work full time or part time, but most work 40 hours a week. • May work evenings, weekends, or holidays.
Salary • State Of California (Annual) • National Salary (Annual)
Advancement: • Usually work in labs but can advance tomore technical positions such as: • Research assistant • Technician • Veterinary assistants in animal hospitals and clinics may become: • Veterinary technicians
Employment Outlook • Outlook (2010-2020) • National= 14% increase in employment • Major Employers: • Veterinary hospitals and clinics • Research labs at colleges and universities
Geographic mobility • Is this occupation limited to certain areas of country or particular kinds of places?
Professional Organizations: • Certificates • Veterinary assistants who become veterinary technicians may be required to obtain state certification. In some states, veterinary technicians must take continuing education courses every year. Certification is optional for veterinary assistants who work in research labs. • What professional organizations are related to this occupation? • The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) • Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) • Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) • Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) • What are some of the pros and cons of this work? • What do you like about this job? • What do you dislike?
Training: • Education Required • Postsecondary Majors and Programs
Skills and Personality Traits • Personality Characteristics • Abilities and skills
Work setting: • Where do people do this type of work? • How would you describe the work setting?
Employment Outlook • Outlook (2010-2020)
Professional Organizations • Certificates • What professional organizations are related to this occupation? • What are some of the pros and cons of this work? • What do you like about this job? • What do you dislike?
