Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) are the beating heart of any veterinary practice. From taking radiographs to providing emergency first aid, these accredited veterinary professionals provide essential support to veterinarians. A day in the life of a LVT is a blend of compassion, technical skill, and multitasking, all centered around animal care.
A typical day for an Omaha Vets Group LVT starts at 7:30am. The first hour is spent mostly preparing the clinic for the day, that includes setting up examination rooms, ensuring all medical supplies and equipment are in order, and checking in patients that are being dropped off for anesthetic procedures.
Anesthetic Procedures
Throughout the day, an LVT’s tasks may shift as required by the rhythm of clinic workload. However, the day normally starts with a focus on anesthetic procedures. LVTs play a crucial role during these procedures by assisting veterinarians in various tasks. LVTs prepare the surgical and dental suites, and ensure all necessary instruments and anesthesia are ready, including:
- During the procedure: LVT is responsible for administering anesthesia, monitoring patient vital signs every 5 minutes, and helping to troubleshoot any unforeseen complications.
- During a dental procedure: LVT performs the cleaning and polishing and takes full mouth radiographs before the doctor performs their oral exam.
LVTs also help with record-keeping related to the dental health of the animal and educate clients about proper dental care practices to enhance their pet's oral health and hopefully limit dental cleanings to once a year!
Daily Appointments
While some LVTs focus on monitoring anesthesia, others are immersed in daily appointments. These appointments include:
- Wellness exams
- Vaccinations
- Rechecks
- Sick visits
- Technician appointments
LVTs start off by greeting the pet owner, making them feel at ease while assessing their animals' needs. Each patient presents unique challenges; the LVT gathers medical histories, obtains patient vitals, collects lab samples, and takes radiographs when necessary. The information gathered by the LVT not only facilitates a deeper understanding of the pet’s needs but also streamlines the veterinarian's examination process.
Client Education
Another significant aspect of a veterinary technician’s day involves educating the pet owner. This might include:
- Advising pet owners on nutrition
- Importance of regular dental care
- Post-operative care instructions
- Advice on preventive measures
This educational aspect reinforces the technician's role as a bridge between veterinarians and pet owners, ensuring that animals receive the best possible care. Each interaction is an opportunity to strengthen the bond between pets, their owners, and the veterinary team.
LVTs juggle a demanding schedule. The LVT must consistently manage their time effectively, often moving seamlessly between tasks, from restraining a wiggly puppy for a vaccine to hopping on the phone to chat with an owner to preparing a medication regimen for a senior dog with chronic conditions. Simultaneously LVTs clean and restock, record exam notes, perform laboratory tests, enter charges and create estimates between appointments. Additionally, the team holds brief meetings to discuss clinic flow, changes to hospital protocols that foster a collaborative environment.
A day in the life of a licensed veterinary technician is defined by a diverse array of tasks and responsibilities that require competency, compassion, and adaptability. From hands-on patient care to supporting owners with education, LVTs are essential to the functioning of OVG’s veterinary clinics. Through their devotion and hard work, they play a profound role in the welfare of animals and the hearts of their owners, showcasing that their profession embodies both skill and heartfelt service to the furry companions they love so dearly.
Written by
Lindsey Gordon, LVT
OVG Administrator
