Veterinarian – Zoo Engineer

Place of work: Pskov region, Ostrov district, village Malaya Guba; Leningrad region, Tosno district, village Nurma. The purpose of the work: To develop and implement preventive veterinary measures system of to prevent animal diseases and death , to improve animal productivity and product quality. Responsibilities: - Develop and plan veterinary measures in the workplace; - Conduct animal inspection and diagnose their illnesses and injuries; - Carry out the study of causes, processes, flow of animal diseases, development of treatment methods and prevention; - Provide medical and surgical animal treatment ; - Use drugs, effective veterinary medicines and veterinary practices to impact animal treatment; - Provide veterinary measures to prevent animal illnesses and death ; - Comply with the zoo-hygienic and veterinary rules for the breeding, feeding animals and care for them; - Provide veterinary-sanitary inspection; - Give advice on animal care, breeding and feeding according to the zoo technical requirements; - Control the conduct of mandatory treatment and preventive measures in terms of defined instructions, guidelines for animal keeping ; - Lead the team; - Identify animal treatment (temperature, humidity, gas exchange, etc.) and control its implementation; - Develop arrangements for the sanitation works; - Provide activity reports for management team, finance department and legal authorities. Requirements: - Veterinary education; - Mobility, sociability and self-confidence; - The desire to improve and learn new things. 

Overview: Veterinary Technician Specialties (VTS) Guide

How to Specialize as an Equine Vet Tech

The majority of veterinarians and vet specialists choose to work in the field of small animals like dogs, cats and other domestic pets. The need for professionals to work with larger animals like horses is continually on the rise. Working with larger animals is indeed physically demanding and challenging but very rewarding. In order to get into the Equine field of veterinary medicine, you must first complete your basic schooling in an accredited veterinary technician program. The best schools will be endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This guarantees you have chosen a program with the highest standards for success to provide you a strong foundation in the field of veterinary medicine.

Education

When becoming a veterinary technician, some equine programs offer a two year curriculum while others provide the four-year courses. If you are hoping to advance into a specialty field such as pursuing a career as an Equine Veterinary Nursing Technician (EVNT), a four-year course with a Bachelor’s Degree can set you on the right path, along with being licensed and certified in the state you plan to work. You can do so by successfully completing the National Veterinary Technician (NVT) certification exam. This is your endorsement as the best qualified candidate in your field of expertise.

What You Will Learn

To excel in Equine medicine, you will need to pursue further courses that specialize in this field of medicine. Besides the basic sciences, biology and chemistry, further studies required for a career as an EVNT includes the horse’s structure and physiological system to know how they work and function together. Learn about the internal system of the horse and common diseases and illnesses that affect the animal, along with how certain diseases can affect the horse’s physiology, origins of the diseases and treatment options. You will also gain a full understanding of the genetics of the equine along with genetic disorders of the horse and its evolution in relation to other similar species like the donkey and zebra. Additionally, coursework will include horse nutritional needs and requirements, learning about the digestive system and how it functions, feeding schedules and how much feed a horse is required for good health.

Being that horses are extremely unique animals in their own right, extensive research will help you to gain the best knowledge of this gorgeous and graceful creature. With their long distance riding, many times with a passenger, racing, various sports and other exhibition races, the horse faces many physical challenges unlike other animals. For proper care and health maintenance, people like you beside a certified Equine Veterinarian are needed to attend to the special concerns and care of the horse.

Certification Requirements

To become a fully certified Equine Veterinary Nurse Technician (EVNT), you need to engage with the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and Assistants (AAEVT). They are the certification authority as recognized by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). After successfully completing course work of study in general veterinary and equine veterinary medicine by an AVMA accredited school, AAEVT requires that you join the membership and get certified. Their certification studies will focus on specific and exclusive knowledge geared towards treating horses and other equines such as anesthesia diagnostics, pharmacology and emergency medicine and treatment. The AAEVT provides you all the academics, resources, skills and training necessary in equine veterinary medicine and care. Getting certified by the AAEVT guarantees that you are effectively equipped to handle the large equine animals, be fully effective with horsemanship skills and do the tasks as the EVNT without risk of injury. Equine certification is not meant to replace other certifications of the AVMA or State Practical Exam Boards but shows excellence in this field of expertise.

There are certain requirements necessary in applying for the AAEVT certification program which begins with joining the membership and remaining in good standing. Additionally, a letter of intention why you want to be certified as an EVNT and possible timeframe should be submitted along with application. Courses are normally completed within 3 to 4 months with full completion within a year of registering. An application should be completed through the Animal Care Technologies (ACT) and submitted to AAEVT with payment for the course.

Coursework for the AAEVT typically includes:

• Equine medical terminology

• anatomy and physiology

• horse care

• wellness

• dentistry

• restraint

• reproduction

• laboratory diagnostics

• pharmacology

• surgical assistance and anesthesia

• diagnostic imagining

• protocols of equine medical and emergency treatment and medicine

• equine parasitology and equine office procedures

After completing all courses to full satisfaction, you are certified as an EVNT. Certification by the AAEVT is recognized by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) fully equipping you with the proper tools to obtain employment in equine veterinary care. As such, you are on the road to being a well-respected member of the equine field by fellow workers and clients alike.

Description of Job Duties

As an EVNT, you will be the closest assistant to the Equine veterinarian, helping horses to recover from a wide variety of ailments and injuries. Common duties are to prepare the horses for examinations and assist in surgeries. You will be performing some dentistry by properly brushing the horse’s teeth, dispense medications for the horse, instruct equine owners on how to administer medications and taking blood for lab tests. Other tasks will include X-rays, comforting the animal during exams and procedures, handling equipment and assisting the veterinarian during exams and surgeries along with keeping a close interaction with owners to educate them on the horse’s health and care needed in simple-to-understand terms. With your love for horses, you not only care for the animals but share that passion with the owners to show you have the animal’s best interest at heart for a better life.

Employment Opportunity

Horses are unique animals with distinctive needs. A career in the veterinary field as an EVNT can follow many paths with employment opportunities in a veterinary office or clinic that also cares for horses, zoos, horse farms, ranches, commercial horse breeders, race tracks or steeplechase courses, educational institutes and other facilities that provide equine medical care. Some private and corporate horse owners choose to hire their own staff of equine medical care to be sure the animals maintain good health. The state and local human societies and other government agencies also place a high priority on equine specialists. Many times, the equine veterinarian makes house calls where the EVNT would also accompany and assist in the care of the animal(s). In addition to working in a veterinary environment, you can also find opportunities in related fields such as equine equipment sales, equine pharmaceutical sales, farm and management, trainers and riding instructors with multiple skills. Successful careers in the equine veterinary field are increasingly growing due to rural expansion.

Salary Potential

The estimated range of salary for the Equine Veterinary Nursing Technician , as documented last year was about $35,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. With higher certification and experience, earning potential can range in the higher percentile at about $45,000 each year, although these figures are just an estimate. Along with salary, some possible benefits may include medical and dental insurance, allotted sick pay annually, paid vacations, allowances for uniforms and discounts on medical care for your own personal horses.

A career in the veterinary field as an EVNT can be demanding, hectic and challenging but fully rewarding. It has promise for a long-term outlook as you live your dream of working with and caring for horses. You play a crucial role in the health and well-being of all equines while meeting all their special needs. Opportunities in your field of expertise are on the rise with signs of continual growth. Make a difference in life by choosing to excel in the field of Equine Veterinary Care and choose a career as an Equine Veterinary Nursing Technician.

Overview: Veterinary Technician Specialties (VTS) Guide

Specialty Guide: Zoo Veterinary Technician

Working in the field of veterinary medicine requires a passion for animals to be able to give the best of care and service. That inner passion usually dates back to your childhood when you probably brought home every lost pet you found, much to the dismay of your family.

Maybe you looked for every opportunity to pet sit, dog walk or loved to play animal doctor. If those passions led you through your high school years, you may have considered pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.

Veterinary medicine spans in many fields and specialties beyond working in a clinic or animal hospital. Creatures big and small need health care and that includes some of our wild creatures that reside in zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks.

If you care about the needs of the extinct, exotic and untamed animals, you may be interested in a career in zoological medicine. You can broaden your skills to include assisting zoo veterinarians with exams and procedures of some of the most endangered and mystically amazing animals.

Education & Certification

One option for a career in this field is to be alicensed and certified veterinary technician. Most vet techs are required to take a two-year course in veterinary science and graduate with an Associate’s Degree.

You must also be licensed in the state where you live, passing the National Veterinary Technician (NVT) certification exam. Only through this initial training and experience working in the field can you then consider furthering your career in a specialized field of zoological medicine.

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) offers 11 specialties including the specialty of zoological medicine. To get further certified, it is important to find a school that is accredited and approved by the NAVTA such as the Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians (AVZMT).

To be eligible, you must be a graduate of an accredited veterinary school in the field of veterinary technology, licensed and certified in the state you now work. It is highly recommended to be a member of the NAVTA and also consider membership in AZVT or Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians.

Other Requirements

The zoo vet tech certification exams are given once annually although dates and locations of testing may vary. Completion of a course and certification application involves specific requirements such as:

• At least 5 years or 10,000 hours of experience as a certified vet tech. All work experience should be completed within seven years prior to applying.

• Verification of past experience through pay stubs.

• Enrollment in continuing education with a completion of 40 hours minimum. You should engage in the classes within the five years prior to the application process. Proof of attendance must be provided when applying for the certification to AVAMT such as lectures attended, topics, speaker’s names and your class attendance record.

• Provide a case log of at least 40 zoological medical cases. These cases need to exemplify your advanced skills in patient management and care.

• Present at least two letters of recommendation from veterinary professionals in zoological medicine.

• Among your 40 medical cases, you should include five that are detailed in care within the categories of avian care, mammals and possibly herptile. Cases should be signed by a zoological professional/co-worker.

Job Duties

This field also has strict requirements because of the wide and varied range of duties and patients being cared for. You must excel in your skills and knowledge to care for a large scope of animals that could include tigers, monkeys, bears, birds and reptiles. Some of your many tasks as a zoo vet tech may include:

• Being the assistant to the veterinarian during procedures and examinations for any number of zoo animals

• Have the ability to handle animals of varying sizes

• Have the skills to handle all animals with the ability to know how to restrain each for the safety of all involved. That may include handling of venomous animals that may comprise of but are not limited to snakes and scorpions.

• Collect samples

• Run diagnostic lab tests

• Change bandages

• Prepare surgical sites for the zoo animal patient

• Radiographs and ultrasound operations

• Administer IV fluids

• Know which drugs can cause adverse reactions to certain zoo patients and not others

• Insert Catheters

• Administer medications and injections

• Fill prescriptions

• Excel in record keeping to keep accurate patient charts, reports, vital information on care and treatment to put a plan into practice

• Study and evaluate animal behavior which can be a key to its overall health

• Prepare and provide nutritious food plans and meals according to the dietary needs of each individual animal

• Ensure healthy living quarters for each animal to facilitate a longevity of life

• Among the regular veterinary technician tasks, you may be engaged in working to protect some animals from extinction. Many animals are in danger of extinction due to the destruction and loss of habitat with zoo and wildlife professionals as a last hope to save and increase the endangered species.

As you can see, the job could entail many other varied duties and tasks as needed far beyond medical care in the best interest of the animals. Working with zoo animals can be a challenge because of their capabilities and unpredictable traits, compared to working with a domestic pet and livestock.

Hours could be extensive to include nights, weekends and even holidays, depending on the veterinarian’s schedules and the needs of the zoo animals. In addition to the duties required, it must become apparent that some risks are involved in caring for these types of patients, necessitating the use of safety precautions. Injuries could occur on an exotic animal if it awakens from sedation too early.

Job Outlook

Zoo vet techs primarily find jobs in a local zoo, research facilities and aquariums. To keep up-to-date with the ever changing field of veterinary zoological medicine, it is advisable to become a member of the Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians (AZVT).

This highly-esteemed organization was founded in 1981 and currently has about 400 members worldwide. The advantages of the AZVT is to engage in any of their yearly conferences, network with other members, learn ways to educate the public and receive their quarterly newsletter.

Salary Information

Salary for the zoo vet tech can vary depending on location, the zoo, its size and needs. It may also depend on your expertise, knowledge and skills working with these untamed, unpredictable sometimes endangered animals.

According to 2012 statistics by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a veterinary technician can start at a salary of $31,030 per year while the veterinary technician with a zoo specialty can earn an average salary of $42,000 to $44,030 annually.

Many benefits go along with the job to include but are not limited to a basic compensation package of health insurance, dental insurance, paid sick and vacation days, uniform allowance and zoo discount admission.

The benefits vary with each particular place of employment. This prestigious, highly attractive career path is in big demand with too few professional technicians to fill the needs of prospective employers.

The career as a zoo veterinary technician has a promising long-term outlook in this field of expertise. Zoos are not just for entertainment but play a crucial role in helping people to learn about the many creatures that roam our earth.

As you work in zoological veterinary medicine, you play a vital role in the health and comfort of the animal residents, along with trying to preserve nature and animals at risk for endangerment.

With the continued interest of zoo visitors and the concern they place on nature and the world’s ecology, zoo workers and those like you in veterinary medicine are increasingly important.

Artificial Breeding Artificial breeding in conjunction with techniques such as improved feed, and disease and pest control, have contributed to the improved quality of livestock in the last 100 years.  This discipline is continually improving with more intensive research being undertaken to see further improvement in stock production. It can be a very lucrative business for those farmers who own sought after breeds or lineage. In the dairy cattle industry, farmers can see significant increased milk production through artificial breeding, better quality and quantity of meat in the beef and pork industry and higher yield fleece in the sheep industry. Job Opportunities  Artificial Breeding Technician - This would be the most common job available in this industry.  This person is usually responsible for the collection, handling and storage of semen for breeding programs. 

Artificial Breeding Distributor - This person is responsible for managing the distribution of semen collected for breeding programs.

Breeding Manager - Responsible for managing breeding program on site, eg. on the farm.  This position would usually require some tertiary education along with experience with the animal breed.

Opportunities may exist with: Work is available with large and small farms and Herd Improvement Centres focusing on various farm animals including:

• Dairy Cattle

• Beef Cattle

• Sheep

• Horses

• Pigs

Remuneration and Advancement Remuneration in this industry can vary depending on your level of skill, experience and knowledge.  Those in positions of managing and coordinating Artificial Breeding programs are going to be paid above average salaries, whereas technicians are more likely to be paid an average salary.

There is possibility for advancement from the position of Technician if you are willing to improve your skills and knowledge.  This may mean doing courses to gain additional knowledge or varying your skills.

How to Distinguish Yourself and get Business As stated above, knowledge and expertise are highly valued qualities in an employee.  Even if you do not require the additional knowledge acquired through training for your position, it can help in the future, when you choose to move further up in the industry. Risks and Stress Rating  Artificial Insemination Technicians working with large animals such as Bulls to collect semen probably have the most dangerous jobs.  However, precautions are taken to ensure the safety of those involved. 

Working at a higher level in the industry is obviously less dangerous but becomes more stressful with increased responsibility.