A considerable amount of work goes into running a great veterinary clinic. It takes a lot of heart, a lot of brains, and a lot of different people to care for patients the way they deserved to be cared for. The veterinary team is made up of Veterinarians, Technicians, Assistants, Client Care Specialists and Managers. Although every clinic is different, these are typically the primary roles found within the hospital walls. So, what does each position do and what is their importance? Today we’re going to break it all down.
Veterinarians:
The Veterinarian is a doctor who examines your pet, discusses what diagnostics should be completed, prescribes medications, creates treatment plans for your pet, determines the results of bloodwork and radiographs and so much more. They are at the forefront for your pet’s healthcare, the same as human doctors. Their devotion to animals is the only thing that surpasses their medical knowledge.
Registered Veterinary Technicians:
RVT’s are essentially the nurses of the veterinary world. Once the doctor decides what tests or diagnostics needed, the technician makes sure they are completed. They take blood, do radiographs, set up IV fluids, place catheters, monitor anesthetic, clean teeth and many other nurse duties for your pet. They assure your pet is safe and comfortable while in the clinic and ensure that all in-hospital patients receive all their necessary treatments. They also work directly with clients to go through at home treatment plans and medications so that patients receive the best care possible, even outside of the clinic.
Veterinary Technician Assistants:
Vet Assistants can go by many names, but they all have the same role. They assist both the Doctor and Veterinary Technicians; their primary duty is to ensure the comfort of the patients. Assistants are specially trained to use comfortable techniques when restraining your pet for procedures and examinations. They perform low-stress handling and make sure your pet has the most enjoyable experience they can under the circumstances. When it comes to hospitalized patients, Assistants make sure that your pet has comfort, food, water and environmental stimulation (including cuddles). Assistants can also help run bloodwork, take radiographs, dispense medications and set up laboratory work for the technicians.
Client Care Specialists:
CCS’s are often found at the reception desk, speaking with clients on the phone or helping them when they come into the clinic. They are incredibly knowledgeable about your pet’s healthcare, basic medications, nutrition, and most aspects of the hospital. If they cannot answer your question, they always make sure to find the best person who can answer it for you. Many CCS’s are also trained to help in the treatment area and can help restrain pets just like assistants and can also dispense basic medications. They are the first person you see when coming into the hospital and they are always ready to help pet-parents with anything they need. The rest of the staff highly relies on CCS’s, and they provide proper flow and organization for the whole hospital.
Managers:
Managers keep everything in order with the hospital. Although most of their role involves LOTS of paperwork, they also run community events, create schedules, fix any problems in the clinic, and create many changes for the better. The most important job of the manager is to take care of the staff and make sure they are happy and safe so that in return the team can take the absolute best care of your pet. Managers are often Assistants or Technicians that have decided they enjoy the administration side of the veterinary world. In result of this, many managers can also help with patients when needed.
Those are the primary roles in the veterinary clinic, all of these people are highly passionate about animals and have tons of knowledge about animal medicine. Veterinary Healthcare Professionals come in many different forms, but all have the same goal: To keep your pet happy and healthy.
Written by: Sara-Dawn Langille, Veterinary Technician Assistant