What is a technician appointment?

Article

Examples of services that technicians can provide by themselves or with little supervision.

Technician appointments are patient visits handled by a credentialed veterinary technician rather than a veterinarian. In these visits, technicians administer routine services and some maintenance care. Following are some examples of services that technicians might provide:

  • Blood draws for preanesthetic testing

  • Thyroid checks

  • Heartworm tests

  • Urinalysis retests

  • Nail trims and bird grooming

  • Certain vaccines, such as Bordetella and leptospirosis

  • Anal gland expressions

  • Scheduled radiographs

  • Fluid administration

  • Ear cleanings

(Laws about which duties credentialed technicians are allowed to perform vary by state. Be sure to check your state's practice act for a definitive list.)

Newsletter

From exam room tips to practice management insights, get trusted veterinary news delivered straight to your inbox—subscribe to dvm360.

Recent Videos
Melissa Evans, CVT, LVT, VTS (ECC)
Charlotte Weir
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.