Would you trust a stranger off the street, with little to no pharmaceutical knowledge, to accurately fill a prescription for your pet? We didn’t think so, yet everyday here in the U.S., that’s exactly what many of us do.
The typical staff of a veterinary hospital is made up of 6 key positions, veterinarian(s), veterinary technician(s), veterinary assistant(s), office manger(s), receptionist(s) and kennel staff. Veterinary technicians, like veterinarians have received specialized training through an accredited educational facility, but what of their counter parts, veterinary assistants?
Veterinary assistants are unlicensed individuals, who require little to no formal educational training. While some chose to attend formal classes, many are individuals promoted from within the company. Some may have a college education, while others may lack so much as a high school education. So why is a veterinary assistant’s lack of education important? The answer is simple. It uncovers a hidden truth. In smaller busy hospitals, where resources are at a minimum, veterinary assistants are often tasked with the responsibility of filling your pet’s prescriptions.
A typical prescription before it has been filled might look something like this, RX: amoxicillin 200mg bid x 14 days. In order to accurately fill this prescription, (more…)
