Through his efforts in the late 1800s veterinarians started to draw their attention on the study and control of animal diseases that affected human health and food supplies. For example, cattle were the first to be tested for tuberculosis, an infectious bacterial disease characterized by the growth of nodules in the tissues, especially the lungs, in the 1890s. The American Veterinary Technician Association, now known as the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, was established in the 1980s with the goal of giving veterinarians a voice in national issues concerning the veterinary profession. Today, vets are a fundamental part of a veterinary practice. Initially, veterinary medicine was concerned with the health of horses and farm animals, because agriculture used to be a major factor in the economy. Pet ownership has grown in the years along with the concern for other animals like dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, etc., which has majorly expanded the veterinary practice. Veterinary medicine has made great strides since its initial findings, one advancement being the great reduction in animal diseases contracted by …show more content…
The main requirement is the two- to four- year college-based accredited program. After graduation the student receives an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. People who only earn an associate’s degree are considered veterinary technicians, who often work in private practices with licensed veterinarians. Those who have completed the bachelor’s degree are usually known as veterinary technologists. Several technologists work in advanced research-related jobs, usually under the supervision of a scientist and sometimes a vet. Most accredited programs offer thorough work and preparatory learning opportunities to the veterinary technician. Typical courses consist of mathematics, chemistry, humanities, biological science, communications, microbiology, liberal arts, ethics/jurisprudence, and basic computers. Once the student completes this they move to more specialized courses. They can take advanced classes in animal nutrition, animal care and management, species/breed identification, veterinary anatomy/physiology, medical terminology, radiography, and other procedural courses like animal husbandry, parasitology, laboratory animal care, and large/small animal nursing. Veterinary technicians must be completely prepared to assist in surgical operations. Also accredited programs offer surgical nursing courses to help. In these courses the student learns how to identify and use surgical instruments, administer anesthesia, and monitor animals