Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.94
Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.93
Administer anesthetics during surgery and monitor the effects on animals.93
Fill medication prescriptions.91
Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.90
Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.89
Perform routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests, such as taking or developing x-rays.88
Assist veterinarians in examining animals to determine the nature of illnesses or injuries.87
Administer medication, immunizations, or blood plasma to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.85
Collect laboratory specimens, such as blood, urine, or feces, for testing.85
Perform office reception duties, such as scheduling appointments or helping customers.84
Clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments or equipment.84

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Record information relating to animal genealogy, feeding schedules, appearance, behavior, or breeding.83
Provide emergency first aid to sick or injured animals.82
Prepare surgical equipment and pass instruments or materials to veterinarians during surgical procedures.81
Educate or advise clients on animal health care, nutrition, or behavior problems.80
Prepare examination or treatment rooms by stocking them with appropriate supplies.80
Prepare feed for animals according to specific instructions, such as diet lists or schedules.80
Provide assistance with euthanasia of animals or disposal of corpses.79
Write reports, maintain research information, or perform clerical duties.78
Perform hygiene-related duties, such as clipping animals' claws or cleaning and polishing teeth.75
Perform enemas, catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages.75
Perform accounting duties, such as bookkeeping, billing customers for services, or maintaining inventories.73
Exercise animals or provide them with companionship.72
Place orders to restock inventory of hospital or laboratory supplies.68
Sell pet food or supplies to customers.66
Dust, spray, or bathe animals to control insect pests.61
Groom, trim, or clip animals' coats.51

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening63
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking56
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension53
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Service Orientation53
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Writing53
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking50
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning47
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving47
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

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Instructing47
Teaching others how to do something.
Judgment and Decision Making47
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Mathematics44
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Science41
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Management of Material Resources31
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Learning Strategies28
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources28
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Negotiation28
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Operations Monitoring28
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Persuasion28
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Quality Control Analysis28
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Systems Evaluation28
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Financial Resources25
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Operation and Control25
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Systems Analysis25
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Troubleshooting25
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operations Analysis22
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Technology Design19
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Equipment Maintenance16
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection16
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Repairing16
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Programming6
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service83
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language71
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Biology64
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Administrative63
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Medicine and Dentistry63
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Computers and Electronics55
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics47
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Communications and Media41
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Sales and Marketing40
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Telecommunications40
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Administration and Management37
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Chemistry37
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

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Education and Training35
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Mechanical34
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Psychology34
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Public Safety and Security30
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Therapy and Counseling30
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Law and Government29
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Production and Processing27
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Personnel and Human Resources25
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Economics and Accounting24
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Geography23
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Foreign Language20
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Sociology and Anthropology19
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Engineering and Technology17
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Food Production15
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Physics15
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Philosophy and Theology13
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Design12
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Transportation12
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Building and Construction9
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
History and Archeology9
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Fine Arts7
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension60
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression60
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Information Ordering56
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Problem Sensitivity56
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Expression56
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning53
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Manual Dexterity53
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Near Vision53
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Extent Flexibility50
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Finger Dexterity50
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Flexibility of Closure50
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

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Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Multilimb Coordination50
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Clarity50
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition50
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Trunk Strength50
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Written Comprehension50
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Category Flexibility47
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Mathematical Reasoning44
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility44
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Static Strength44
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Hearing Sensitivity41
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Perceptual Speed38
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Time Sharing38
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Stamina35
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Auditory Attention31
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Control Precision31
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Fluency of Ideas31
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Originality31
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Visual Color Discrimination31
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization31
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Gross Body Coordination28
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Memorization28
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Depth Perception25
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Dynamic Strength25
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Gross Body Equilibrium25
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Rate Control25
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time25
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Speed of Closure25
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Speed of Limb Movement25
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Response Orientation19
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Dynamic Flexibility10
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength10
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Documenting/Recording Information90
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Performing General Physical Activities87
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates85
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Assisting and Caring for Others81
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings80
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Getting Information79
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems78
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Handling and Moving Objects75
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events74
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public74
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Working with Computers74
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others69
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work69
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials68
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Selling or Influencing Others66
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Controlling Machines and Processes65
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Processing Information65
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships64
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Training and Teaching Others62
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge62
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others61
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Scheduling Work and Activities61
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards60
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information56
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Analyzing Data or Information54
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Developing and Building Teams54
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization53
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Performing Administrative Activities53
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Coaching and Developing Others52
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Thinking Creatively51
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People48
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others47
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources44
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others41
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates40
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Developing Objectives and Strategies39
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment39
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment37
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment30
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment21
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Staffing Organizational Units21
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Dependability84
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Attention to Detail77
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Cooperation77
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Integrity69
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Self-Control67
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Cautiousness65
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Stress Tolerance65
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Empathy60
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Perseverance56
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Social Orientation54
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Sincerity53
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Optimism52
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

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Adaptability42
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Initiative38
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Humility37
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Achievement Orientation36
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Self-Confidence34
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Tolerance for Ambiguity30
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Intellectual Curiosity24
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic89
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Investigative54
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Conventional49
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Social42
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Enterprising0
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day98%
Spend Time Standing
- Continually or almost continually78%
- More than half the time22%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important72%
- Very important26%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day80%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others67%
- Contact with others most of the time23%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day71%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day67%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day62%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)54%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)36%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important63%
- Important33%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day63%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day59%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%

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Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day64%
- Once a week or more but not every day14%
- Never12%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day68%
- Never15%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually27%
- More than half the time55%
- About half the time18%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important32%
- Very important39%
- Important26%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results46%
- Important results30%
- Minor results12%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually48%
- About half the time30%
Time Pressure
- Every day45%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious40%
- Very serious24%
- Serious17%
Exposed to Radiation
- Every day34%
- Once a week or more but not every day40%
- Never16%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important15%
- Very important47%
- Important36%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day22%
- Once a week or more but not every day54%
- Never13%
E-Mail
- Every day51%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Never27%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day50%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Never27%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Continually or almost continually17%
- More than half the time37%
- About half the time33%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom18%
- Some freedom49%
- Very little freedom14%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important45%
- Important51%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- Some freedom46%
- Limited freedom30%
- Very little freedom15%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually11%
- More than half the time30%
- About half the time43%
- Less than half the time13%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility18%
- High responsibility27%
- Moderate responsibility36%
- No responsibility12%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually21%
- More than half the time18%
- About half the time34%
- Less than half the time24%
Conflict Situations
- Every day21%
- Once a month or more but not every week46%
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day21%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week36%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- High responsibility33%
- Moderate responsibility29%
- Limited responsibility21%
- No responsibility11%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day23%
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never23%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day47%
- Never42%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day17%
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Never47%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Continually or almost continually17%
- About half the time28%
- Less than half the time33%
- Never20%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive13%
- Highly competitive13%
- Moderately competitive20%
- Slightly competitive23%
- Not at all competitive31%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- 40 hours60%
- Less than 40 hours33%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Never57%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Never68%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never49%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day12%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never65%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a week or more but not every day26%
- Never63%
Spend Time Sitting
- Less than half the time84%
- Never15%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated13%
- Slightly automated40%
- Not at all automated46%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never66%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never67%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day12%
- Never77%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)19%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)81%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never83%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never84%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time28%
- Never71%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all90%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Less than high school diploma

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Medical software
IDEXX Laboratories IDEXX Cornerstone, McAllister Software Systems AVImark, Practice management software PMS
Label making software
Labeling software
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Calendar and scheduling software
Scheduling software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Hold patients to ensure proper positioning or safety.
Give medications or immunizations.
Monitor patients to detect health problems.
Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
Control prescription refills or authorizations.
Clean patient rooms or patient treatment rooms.
Assess physical conditions of patients to aid in diagnosis or treatment.
Conduct diagnostic tests to determine patient health.
Assist practitioners to perform medical procedures.
Collect biological specimens from patients.
Perform clerical work in medical settings.
Clean medical equipment.

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Maintain medical equipment or instruments.
Schedule patient procedures or appointments.
Record vital statistics or other health information.
Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use.
Feed patients.
Prepare patient treatment areas for use.
Stock medical or patient care supplies.
Teach medical procedures or medical equipment use to patients.
Dispose of biomedical waste in accordance with standards.
Prepare medical reports or documents.
Assist patients with daily activities.
Inventory medical supplies or equipment.
Process medical billing information.
Order medical supplies or equipment.
Sell products or services.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Veterinary/Lab Animal Tech (Alternate Title: Animal Care Specialist)

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology