The Veterinary Health Care Team
August 2006; reprinted May 2007
E very
veterinary hospital staff consists of a team of caring individuals,
each contributing his or her unique abilities to ensure high quality
medical care for animals and professional treatment of the owners.
Depending upon the size of the hospital, the team may have anywhere
from three to thirty members but, regardless of size, dedication to
service remains a top priority.
The Veterinarian – Leading the Team
Veterinarians are doctors trained to protect the health of both
animals and people. They have received a minimum of six years of
education and are licensed to practice by the state where they are
located. In a clinical hospital environment, veterinarians work with
large and small animals to diagnose illness, prescribe medication, and
perform surgery. Like physicians, some veterinarians specialize in
areas such as surgery, internal medicine, or dentistry.
In addition to opportunities in clinical practice, veterinarians may
choose to work in zoos, wildlife parks, or aquariums. Other
veterinarians focus on human disease in public health, regulatory
medicine, or research. Personal attributes that contribute to a
successful career as a veterinarian in clinical practice include the
ability to work well with animals and their owners, basic business and
management training, and organizational skills.
The Veterinary Technician
Veterinary technicians perform valuable medical and non-medical
services in clinical practice. They are graduates of an AVMA-accredited
program in veterinary technology usually leading to an Associate or
Bachelor degree. The veterinary technician is educated and trained to
support the veterinarian in surgical assisting, laboratory procedures,
radiography, anesthesiology, prescribed treatment and nursing, and
client education. Almost every state requires a veterinary technician
to pass a credentialing exam to ensure a high level of competency.
Some veterinary technicians pursue specialties in emergency and
critical care, anesthesiology, or dentistry. Personal attributes that
contribute to a successful career as a veterinary technician in
clinical practice include a strong science background, ability to work
well with people and animals, and good communication and
decision-making skills.
The Veterinary Hospital Manager
Most large veterinary hospitals find that having a hospital (or
practice) manager greatly improves the team's efficiency. This person
is responsible for the business functions of the practice. Depending
upon the size and type of hospital, the manager's duties could include
personnel hiring and supervision, budget and inventory management,
accounting, marketing, and designing service protocols. A strong
business background, computer knowledge, and desire to work with people
are key attributes for success as a hospital manager.
The Veterinary Assistant
In some hospitals, a veterinary assistant supports the veterinarian
and/or the veterinary technician in their daily tasks. The assistant
may be asked to perform kennel work, assist in the restraint and
handling of animals, feed and exercise the animals, and spend time on
clerical duties. There is no credentialing exam for the veterinary
assistant; however, training programs are available (see www.navta.net).
The ability to follow directions, listen and communicate efficiently,
and handle multiple assignments are skills that a veterinary assistant
should demonstrate.
The Receptionist
The receptionist or client service representative is usually the
first person to welcome a client into the hospital. The first
impression he or she creates with a new client will determine how the
client perceives the quality of medical services being offered. A good
receptionist must have excellent communication skills and be able to
handle a variety of questions and requests from clients and the public.
In addition to setting appointments, responding to inquiries about
hospital services, greeting clients, and managing callbacks, a
receptionist may also perform accounting, marketing, or client
counseling duties. A customer service attitude, the ability to manage
multiple tasks, and professionalism under stress are important
attributes for a hospital receptionist.
Other Team Members
The hospital team may also include an adoption counselor, a grief
counselor, administrative assistant, kennel worker, and part-time
volunteers. Everyone has an important role to play in assuring the
health and well-being of the hospital's patients and the owners who
care for them.
Resources
American Veterinary Medical Association
www.avma.org
National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
P.O. Box 224, Battle Ground, IN 47920
www.navta.net
Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA)
48 Howard Street, Albany, NY 12207
(518) 433-8911
www.vhma.org
 Top
This information has been prepared as a service by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Article Source: http://www.mydogplace.com/dog-content/dog-health-series/veterinary-health-care-team-for-dogs-article.html
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