LVT

Term from Veterinary Services industry explained for recruiters

LVT stands for Licensed Veterinary Technician, which is like a registered nurse but for animals. These professionals work alongside veterinarians to provide medical care for pets and other animals. They handle many hands-on tasks like drawing blood, taking X-rays, and monitoring patients during surgery. In some states, they might be called Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVT) or Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVT), but the role is essentially the same. Think of them as the veterinarian's right-hand person who helps with everything from routine checkups to emergency care.

Examples in Resumes

Worked as LVT in busy small animal practice managing patient care and laboratory work

Served as lead Licensed Veterinary Technician supervising a team of 5 veterinary assistants

Registered Veterinary Technician specializing in emergency and critical care procedures

Certified Veterinary Technician with expertise in dental prophylaxis and patient monitoring

Typical job title: "Licensed Veterinary Technicians"

Also try searching for:

Veterinary Technician Registered Veterinary Technician Certified Veterinary Technician Vet Tech Animal Health Technician Veterinary Nurse

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle training new veterinary technicians and establishing protocols for the clinic?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that show leadership experience, ability to create clear procedures, and understanding of both technical skills and clinic operations. They should mention training programs, documentation, and maintaining quality of care.

Q: Describe a challenging emergency situation you've managed and how you handled it.

Expected Answer: Senior LVTs should demonstrate quick thinking, ability to prioritize in emergencies, leadership during crises, and strong communication with both the veterinary team and pet owners.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you ensure accurate medication calculations and proper drug administration?

Expected Answer: Should explain double-checking calculations, understanding different medication forms, proper administration routes, and monitoring patients for adverse reactions.

Q: What experience do you have with laboratory work and interpreting results?

Expected Answer: Should discuss common lab tests, proper sample handling, basic result interpretation, and when to alert the veterinarian about concerning values.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What safety precautions do you take when handling animals?

Expected Answer: Should mention proper restraint techniques, reading animal body language, using appropriate protective equipment, and following clinic safety protocols.

Q: How do you maintain medical records and client communications?

Expected Answer: Should discuss accurate documentation, clear communication with pet owners, proper filing systems, and maintaining client confidentiality.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic animal restraint and handling
  • Taking vital signs
  • Assisting in routine procedures
  • Basic lab work and sample collection

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced nursing care
  • Anesthesia monitoring
  • Dental procedures
  • Client education

Senior (5+ years)

  • Team leadership
  • Emergency and critical care
  • Training new staff
  • Advanced medical procedures

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No state license or certification
  • Uncomfortable handling multiple species of animals
  • Poor understanding of medical terminology
  • Lack of experience with common veterinary software