1. 1. National Veterinary Technician Week October 11-17 The Animal Medical Center Every year, AMC celebrates National Veterinary Technician Week, honoring veterinary nurses. This years theme: Our passion shows with every species we touch
2. 2. More than 80 licensed veterinary technicians play a crucial role in caring for patients at the AMC. The AMCs newly opened Cancer Institute requires highly skilled technicians to coordinate laboratory testing, deliver radiation therapy, schedule procedures, administer chemotherapy and educate pet owners regarding home care for their pet suffering from cancer. Role of Veterinary Technicians The Animal Medical Center
3. 3. Technicians place endotracheal tubes Cancer patients require anesthesia for biopsies, tumor removal and administration of radiation therapy. Technicians place a breathing tube in a dogs trachea to deliver anesthetic gas during a CT scan. The Animal Medical Center
4. 4. Technicians supervise delivery of radiation therapy The Animal Medical Center Veterinary technicians play a critical role in safe and effective anesthesia for procedures such as radiation therapy.
5. 5. Technicians formulate chemotherapy drugs for administration to cancer patients Chemotherapy drugs are prepared in a biological safety cabinet behind a plexiglass shield. The Animal Medical Center
6. 6. Technicians organize chemotherapy drugs Oncologists prescribe the medications and technicians ensure correct dosing and safe delivery. AMC uses closed system transfer devices to prevent exposure of personnel to chemotherapy drugs. The Animal Medical Center
7. 7. Technicians administer chemotherapy And many other lifesaving medications The Animal Medical Center
8. 8. Technicians draw blood and submit samples to the laboratory Oncologists depend on blood tests to monitor treatment response and adverse effects. Technicians serve as a right hand man in this process. The Animal Medical Center
9. 9. Oncology technicians care for pets other than dogs and cats Caring for these pets requires collaboration between exotic animal specialists and oncologists. The Animal Medical Center Rats can be cancer patients too!
10. 10. Oncology technicians wear purple gloves The Animal Medical Center Purple nitrile provides protection against inadvertent exposure to chemotherapy agents.
11. 11. Technicians are highly trained professionals In the United States, over 200 veterinary technology programs have received accreditation. Training of veterinary technicians takes place in 2-year colleges, 4-year colleges and there are even online training programs. The Animal Medical Center If you would like to join the ranks of these professionals whose passion shows with every species they touch, check for an accredited program near you.
12. 12. Read blogs from prior years Tech Week 2012 Tech Week 2013 Tech Week 2014 The Animal Medical Center Or meet the AMC technician who just won the contest Why I love being a vet tech.
13. 13. Most important of all! The Animal Medical Center October 11-17 is National Veterinary Technician Week: Be sure to thank the many veterinary technicians who keep all types of animals healthy.