Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (6%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 6 (19%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 23 (74%)

• Maintain controlled drug inventory and related log books.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Perform a variety of office, clerical, or accounting duties, such as reception, billing, bookkeeping, or selling products.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, or feces, such as urinalyses or blood counts, to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Take and develop diagnostic radiographs, using x-ray equipment.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Maintain laboratory, research, or treatment records, as well as inventories of pharmaceuticals, equipment, or supplies.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Schedule appointments and procedures for animals.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Provide information or counseling regarding issues such as animal health care, behavior problems, or nutrition.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Monitor medical supplies and place orders when inventory is low.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Administer anesthesia to animals, under the direction of a veterinarian, and monitor animals' responses to anesthetics so that dosages can be adjusted.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Care for and monitor the condition of animals recovering from surgery.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, serums, or treatments, as prescribed by veterinarians.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Restrain animals during exams or procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Administer emergency first aid, such as performing emergency resuscitation or other life saving procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean and sterilize instruments, equipment, or materials.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Provide veterinarians with the correct equipment or instruments, as needed.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform dental work, such as cleaning, polishing, or extracting teeth.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Observe the behavior and condition of animals and monitor their clinical symptoms.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Give enemas and perform catheterizations, ear flushes, intravenous feedings, or gavages.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Fill prescriptions, measuring medications and labeling containers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Collect, prepare, and label samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare animals for surgery, performing such tasks as shaving surgical areas.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Discuss medical health of pets with clients, such as post-operative status.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Clean kennels, animal holding areas, surgery suites, examination rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Take animals into treatment areas and assist with physical examinations by performing such duties as obtaining temperature, pulse, or respiration data.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Prepare treatment rooms for surgery.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Maintain instruments, equipment, or machinery to ensure proper working condition.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Dress and suture wounds and apply splints or other protective devices.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Provide assistance with animal euthanasia and the disposal of remains.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Supervise or train veterinary students or other staff members.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Bathe animals, clip nails or claws, and brush or cut animals' hair.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Conduct specialized procedures, such as animal branding or tattooing or hoof trimming.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about veterinary technologists and technicians and AI