Veterinary Technician Interview Questions

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What credentials do you have that qualify you as a veterinary technician? See answer
What surgical responsibilities did you have as a veterinary technician? See answer
As a veterinary technician, what healthcare services experience do you have? See answer
As a veterinary technician, what types of animals did you treat? See answer
How did you assist the vet when conducting quarantines as a veterinary technician? See answer
If the veterinarian asked you to perform certain work tasks that are beyond the regular duties of a veterinary technician, how would you respond? See answer
Describe your experience in administering medications to different animals.
Describe your experience in taking blood, urine and stool samples from uncooperative patients.
As a veterinary technician, what part of your job do you like the most?
As a veterinary technician, what are some of the things that you find the most difficult about your job?
Describe the steps you would take to comfort and calm a frightened animal. And, also, explain the safety measures you would take to protect yourself and your colleagues from being bitten, scratched or kicked.
Describe a typical workday at the veterinary clinic.
If a long-time client were to inform you that they can no longer afford the veterinary fees, what would you say to them? Are there any options that you could offer them?
In your opinion, what can pet owners do to improve the diets of their pets? Would you recommend commercial pet food or homemade food? Why?

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6 Veterinary Technician Interview Questions and Answers

Q:

What credentials do you have that qualify you as a veterinary technician?

A:

Someone with experience as a veterinary technician has great compassion for animals and wants to do everything to keep the pets healthy. They have complete training programs to learn how to provide health services to domesticated pets. You want veterinary technicians who continue their education and stay abreast of new techniques to improve the health of pets.

What to look for in an answer:

Has at least an associate’s degree
Experience working in a vet’s office
A great love for animals

Example:

“I have a bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, four years of experience in a vet’s office and I have a valid license to practice.”

Q:

What surgical responsibilities did you have as a veterinary technician?

A:

Someone who has experience as a veterinary technician has assisted the vet with surgical procedures. They have lifted and turned animals as directed by the vet. They have provided certain medications and assisted or performed procedures, such as teeth cleanings that required sedation. You want veterinary technicians who understand their surgical responsibilities and understand which procedures they aren’t allowed to complete.

What to look for in an answer:

Experience assisting with surgical procedures
Has the ability to lift at least 25 pounds
Familiar with the protocol for sedating and monitoring animals

Example:

“Working closely with the vet, I managed anesthesia, inserted catheters, drew blood and monitored the patient’s vitals during surgical procedures. I also assisted the vet when she had to deliver bad news to pet owners.”

Q:

As a veterinary technician, what healthcare services experience do you have?

A:

This is an important question because you’re looking for veterinary technicians who have performed several healthcare services for animals. They draw blood and obtain stool samples for testing the animals for breed-specific conditions and parasites. They have experience with x-rays and provide medication as directed by the vet. You want a candidate who possesses these skills and knows how to manage health services for all domestic pets.

What to look for in an answer:

Training and experience in radiology
Experience conducting lab works
Experience administering IV and injected medications

Example:

“I processed x-rays, manage lab work for blood and stool tests and I administered vaccinations as directed by the vet. I also helped restrain animals as needed and helped the assistant keep the animals calm while treatments were performed.”

Q:

As a veterinary technician, what types of animals did you treat?

A:

Look for candidates who have had experience treating a wide variety of animals. They have experience with domesticated pets, such as dogs and cats. They may also have experience taking care of exotics and larger animals. You want a candidate who has experience providing services for all animals that you treat.

What to look for in an answer:

Experience with different types of vet clinics
Potential specializations and additional veterinary training
Motivated to learn more about caring for animals

Example:

“I have experience working with veterinarians who treated all domestic pets, some farm animals and exotic pets. I also traveled with previous vets to local stables to provide assistance with show horses.”

Q:

How did you assist the vet when conducting quarantines as a veterinary technician?

A:

Experienced veterinary technicians are familiar with proper protocol for an animal quarantine. They understand that the purpose is to determine if the animal has rabies or an aggressive temperament that designates the animal as a danger to the public. You want a candidate who is detail oriented and understands why it’s important to monitor the animal closely. You want a candidate who also understands the legalities of the process and has experience helping animal control officers.

What to look for in an answer:

Experience with animal control orders
Follows protocol for potentially dangerous animals
Willing to stay overnight to watch over animals

Example:

“I monitored the animal overnight and determined if there were any vital changes during the incubation period. I contacted the vet immediately if the animal showed any sudden signs of the rabies virus.”

Q:

If the veterinarian asked you to perform certain work tasks that are beyond the regular duties of a veterinary technician, how would you respond?

A:

Veterinary technicians have to juggle a lot of responsibilities in the workplace, from maintaining office records and medical supplies to providing animal care to keeping the office environment clean and more. By asking this question, interviewers want to find out how dedicated candidates are to their profession and if they are open to taking on extra duties when the need arises. As long as the veterinarian doesn't make unreasonable demands, many veterinary technicians would not shirk from the additional tasks.

The candidate's answer should emphasize:

Compassionate attitude
Willingness to work hard
Positive outlook

A sample response would be something like this:

Example:

"I would do whatever was needed. I have no objections to cleaning up after a sick animal or sweeping the office floor if our regular cleaner doesn't turn up. I became a veterinary technician because I like animals, and I wanted to be in a profession where I can help them. While the work can be challenging and tiring, I enjoy seeing the difference we make in so many lives, animal and human."

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