Will AI Replace Veterinary Technologists and Technicians?

Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.

decision support — In-procedure patient monitoring is hands-on clinical work

Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.

decision support — Post-surgical monitoring is hands-on clinical observation

Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.

data analysis — Facility records need human verification and compliance

Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.

physical manipulation — Specimen testing needs lab equipment operation

Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.

physical manipulation — Medication preparation needs precise hands-on work

Restrain animals during exams or procedures.

physical manipulation — Physically positioning patients for exams

Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures.

physical manipulation — Hands-on emergency resuscitation and physical intervention

Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, or materials.

physical manipulation — Loading and operating sterilizing equipment by hand

Provide veterinarians with the correct equipment or instruments, as needed.

physical manipulation — Hands-on assistance during examinations

Perform dental work, such as cleaning, polishing, or extracting teeth.

physical manipulation — Dental procedures require manual dexterity

Observe the behavior and condition of animals and monitor their clinical symptoms.

decision support — In-procedure patient monitoring is hands-on clinical work

Give enemas and perform catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages.

physical manipulation — Basic health care treatments are hands-on patient work

Fill prescriptions, measuring medications and labeling containers.

physical manipulation — Medication preparation needs precise hands-on work

Collect, prepare, and label samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination.

physical manipulation — Manual specimen preparation

Prepare animals for surgery, performing such tasks as shaving surgical areas.

physical manipulation — Physical preparation of patients

Take and develop diagnostic radiographs, using x-ray equipment.

physical manipulation — Processing requires physical handling of imaging media

Discuss medical health of pets with clients, such as post-operative status.

interpersonal — Medical communication needs empathy and clinical accountability

Clean kennels, animal holding areas, surgery suites, examination rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.

physical manipulation — Physical cleaning of equipment and facilities

Take animals into treatment areas and assist with physical examinations by performing such duties as obtaining temperature, pulse, or respiration data.

physical manipulation — Hands-on assistance during examinations

Prepare treatment rooms for surgery.

physical manipulation — Physical assembly of medical supplies

Maintain laboratory, research, or treatment records, as well as inventories of pharmaceuticals, equipment, or supplies.

data analysis — Facility records need human verification and compliance

Maintain instruments, equipment, or machinery to ensure proper working condition.

physical manipulation — Hands-on medical instrument maintenance

Dress and suture wounds and apply splints or other protective devices.

physical manipulation — Applying bandages and splints needs manual dexterity

Provide assistance with animal euthanasia and the disposal of remains.

physical manipulation — Hands-on assistance during examinations

Schedule appointments and procedures for animals.

decision support — Clinical scheduling needs human verification of constraints

Provide information or counseling regarding issues such as animal health care, behavior problems, or nutrition.

decision support — Wellness advice needs tailoring and clinical accountability

Monitor medical supplies and place orders when inventory is low.

data analysis — Medical supply inventory records and thresholds automatable

Supervise or train veterinary students or other staff members.

interpersonal — Provider training is clinical, hands-on, accountable

Perform a variety of office, clerical, or accounting duties, such as reception, billing, bookkeeping, or selling products.

data analysis — Medical billing coded and processed; human audits denials

Bathe animals, clip nails or claws, and brush or cut animals' hair.

physical manipulation — Hands-on hygiene and daily living care

Conduct specialized procedures, such as animal branding or tattooing or hoof trimming.

physical manipulation — Animal care requires hands-on handling of unpredictable animals