Veterinary specialist
Veterinary specialist for short TFA (in Switzerland : veterinary practice assistant , for short TPA ) is a training occupation in veterinary medicine . This profession used to be called a veterinary assistant . The basis is a three-year training course, which is organized by a state veterinary association and consists of theoretical modules (vocational school) and part-time practical work at a veterinarian . In the theoretical training, basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, diagnostics and diseases of animals is acquired. Further training contents include word processing, economics and social studies and the implementation of billing for veterinary services according to the fee schedule for veterinarians (GOT).
activities
Veterinary specialists help veterinarians treat and examine the animals. You do the preparation of the operation (e.g. shaving and disinfection of the operating theater area) and follow-up (e.g. cleaning and sterilization of the instruments) and, according to the veterinarian's instructions, the preparation for anesthesia. They assist the vet during anesthesia and surgery. Another task of TFA in this context is the monitoring of the animals after operations or anesthesia. If sick animals need medical treatment for a longer period of time, the TFA will take care of them as instructed by the veterinarian (e.g. administering medication, changing bandages) and are also responsible for care (e.g. feeding the animals and cleaning the cages or boxing). Depending on the equipment of the veterinary practice, they also undertake laboratory tests or prepare samples for dispatch to special laboratories. With the corresponding additional certificate of competence, you can also take x-rays under the supervision of the veterinarian . They advise pet owners and ensure hygiene in the practice. Other areas of responsibility include organizing the practice (e.g. making appointments, correspondence, purchasing consumables) and billing the veterinary services performed using the documentation. Finally, they also look after the veterinary medicine chest in the practices, which veterinarians are allowed to keep due to their dispensing rights (e.g. regular checking of the shelf life and re-ordering of medicines).
In addition to working for veterinarians, they can also work in zoos , animal shelters or in animal husbandry .
There is the possibility of further training as a biotechnician , but also further qualification (with certificate) in the fields of anesthesia and pain treatment, parasite control and dental care for animals as well as dealing with animal owners.
education
Germany
The training of veterinary specialists usually takes three years. It takes place both in the company and in the vocational school. Since 2008/2009, both vocational training and the final practical examination before the competent veterinary chamber have been applied in learning fields with role-play implementation of what has been learned (case studies from veterinary practice: reception, waiting room, treatment, operating theater, veterinary pharmacy, x-ray, laboratory, feed and animal husbandry advice , Billing according to GOT , customer conversation , etc.).
As in all apprenticeships, a shortening of the training period is possible in accordance with § 7 and § 8 BBiG before the start of the training. At the joint request of trainees and trainees, the responsible body has to shorten the training time if it is to be expected that the training goal will be achieved in the shortened time.
The shortening depends on the previous education and is 6 to 12 months. In addition, early admission to the final examination ( § 45 (1) BBiG) can be made, provided that the grade point average is at least 2.4.
Training allowance
If paid according to the collective wage agreement, the apprenticeship allowance is € 630 per month in the first year of training, € 680 in the second year of training and € 730 in the third year of training.
Switzerland
The training lasts three years. Training in a veterinary practice is common, and rarely in an animal hospital. The vocational school is attended one day per week.
Web links
Germany:
- Federal Veterinary Association
- State School Health Care W4 too
- Hamburg Veterinary Association
- Hamburg Chamber of Commerce: How and when can the training be shortened before it begins?
Switzerland:
career information