2. Informational Review L4-A1
The occupation that I have chosen to research on is a Veterinary Technician. I have always been
curious to see what details this occupation holds. Throughout this informational review, I have been able to
explore this occupation to its fullest. I have searched and reached further depths when exploring more about
what it takes to become a Veterinary Technician.
Throughout searching for what it takes to become a Veterinary Technician, I have learned that it
takes proper education, training, continuing education requirements, and dedication to become a Veterinary
Technician. According to My Next Move, “Veterinary Technicians Perform medical tests in a laboratory
environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for
prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as
urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and
machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery” (2014. Retrieved from www.mynextmove.com).
I contacted Becky Washburn who is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Washburn Clinic located
in Capitan, New Mexico. Dr. Washburn graduated from Oklahoma University and has been a Veterinarian
for the past twenty five years. Dr. Washburn graciously allowed me to observe and help her one day in her
clinic to help teach me what all entails about being a Veterinarian as well as a Veterinary Technician.
I learned throughout the interview with Dr. Washburn that it takes more than just education for the
Veterinary Technician Job. It takes dedication, concern for the patients and clients, hard work, late nights,
early mornings, and dirty work but it is all worth it when it comes down to saving the lives of animals.
What surprised me the most is the true love that is displayed from the animal owners for their pet. I
have always known that people have a concern for their pets and treat them as family, but I never knew how
deep the love runs for these animals. People go beyond lengths to help them, I just never took the time to
realize how much people truly care.
What I loved most about this job was the ability to see so many species with all different kinds of
medical issues. During the time that I got to spend with Dr. Washburn, I was able to witness and lend a hand
3. Informational Review L4-A1
in helping perform an ultrasound on a pregnant German Shepard. Being able to help the animals and provide
what comfort they can understand was truly amazing.
What I disliked the most was the whole issue on euthanizing the animals. Also, during the time I
spent with Dr. Washburn, I was able to witness a euthanization take place. Taking the life of an animal is not
what bothered me the most, because the animals at this point have been suffering and it is a blessing to let
them go, but it is the reaction of the caretaker of the animal that upsets me the most. It is hard when a loved
one goes, and seeing their faces when the time comes for the animal to go, is a very harsh reality to witness.
I believe that this occupation goes hand in hand with my interest and values. I have always wanted to
do something that works with animals and the public together. The job of a Veterinary Technician would
allow me to work with animals and also to work with the public on educating animals.
In order to meet the requirements of this job, I would need to complete a Veterinary Technician
program that usually takes about two years to complete through an accredited school. I would also need to
make continuing educational requirements that help keep the licensing up to date.
Based on what I have learned about being a Veterinary Technician, I have come to the conclusion
that this may be another area that I would thoroughly enjoy. It wouldn’t seem like a job, but more of a career
in what I want to do. I am very interested in further exploring my options and possibilities of making this job
title a career change. I understand that I wouldn’t be able to save them all, but if I can save at least one or
even make an animal comfortable during the hardest time of their short life, then I believe that it would all be
worthwhile. I have learned throughout my visit with Dr. Washburn that it takes so much more than just
education if I would want to become a Veterinary Technician. Dr. Washburn has thoroughly helped shine a
light that shows what all entails on the occupation.
4. Informational Review L4-A1
Twelve Questions
1. What is the hardest part of your job?
2. On average, how many patients do you see daily?
3. How many euthanizations on average do you perform yearly?
4. What are the college requirements for your job of being a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine?
5. What did your best day on the job consist of?
6. What did your worst day on the job consist of?
7. What do you like most about your job?
8. What do you like least about your job?
9. How many years have you worked in this field?
10. What type of species come into your clinic?
11. Are there any animals that you do not like?
12. Are you happy waking up every morning knowing that your job helps saves the lives of animals?
6. Informational Review L4-A1
Initial Email & Thank You Letter
Listed below is a copy of the email I sent requesting a visit and onsite consultation with Dr.
Washburn. I have also included a copy of the Thank You email that I have sent to Dr. Washburn as well.
Good Morning Dr. Washburn,
I hope you are doing well today! I was curious to see if there would be a time that we could visit or for me to
even possibly observe you in your clinic for a day. I am needing to find out more information on what it
takes to become a veterinary technician. I am available by phone whenever you have a free moment, I would
greatly appreciate you taking the time to give me a call in regards to this possibility of me observing and
asking you a few questions about what it is like working with animals. Thank you and have a great rest of
your evening!
--
-Crystal Christensen-
Dr. Washburn,
I would like to take the time to thank you for letting me observe you in the clinic setting. I am very grateful
that we have such wonderful Veterinarians as caring as you in this world. You have gone above and beyond
to provide the best care for your animals. I am truly thankful for you teaching me about what it is like to be a
Veterinary Technician and also what it is like to be a Veterinarian. You taught me that it takes more than
school to provide care for these animals. It takes a lot of heart and love. Thank you for everything.
--
-Crystal Christensen-
7. Informational Review L4-A1
INTS Lesson 4: Interview Assignment Grading Rubric
Item Possible Points Earned Points
Student identified an
occupation
4
Student created an
effective e-mail
request
4
Student provided
summary information
on what she/he
learned about the
occupation through
online research
16
Student provided
summary information
what she/he learned
about the occupation
through the
informational
interview
16
8. Informational Review L4-A1
Student effectively
answered reflection
prompts and evaluated
the occupation
30
Student wrote an
effective thank you
letter/note
4
Student identified 12
useful informational
interview questions
6
Student’s paper was
well written and free
of typos and
grammatical errors
20
