Veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants

Veterinary technicians are skilled and trained professionals who assist in providing high-quality veterinary care and service.

If you care about animals, enjoy working with your hands, are good at basic math and decision-making, and like working with people and handling a variety of responsibilities, then the challenging career of veterinary technology may be just right for you.

Duties and responsibilities

Veterinary technicians are integral members of the veterinary team. They have been educated in the care and handling of animals, the basic principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and in many laboratory and clinical procedures. Veterinary technicians work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian and assist in performing a wide variety of tasks. However, they cannot diagnose, prescribe, perform surgery, or engage in any other activity prohibited by a state’s veterinary practice act.

In private practice

A veterinary technician employed in a veterinary clinic or hospital handles many of the same responsibilities that nurses and other professionals perform for physicians. These are some of the many things they are trained to do:

• Obtain medical histories
• Collect specimens and perform laboratory procedures
• Provide specialized nursing care
• Prepare animals, instruments, and equipment for surgery
• Administer medications
• Administer and monitor anesthesia
• Perform certain diagnostic and medical procedures
• Assist in surgical procedures
• Perform dental prophylaxis
• Perform X-rays and assist with other diagnostic imaging
• Educate clients
• Supervise and train practice personnel

In research

In addition to the responsibilities described for clinical practice, veterinary technicians who work in a biomedical research facility perform other duties under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, a biomedical research worker, or other scientist. For example, they may supervise the humane care and handling of research animals, and assist in the implementation of research projects.

Other career opportunities

While most veterinary technicians are employed in private practice, the demand for these educated team members is rapidly expanding to include opportunities in human and animal health-related areas and specialties like these:

• Military service
• Government/regulatory agencies
• Animal shelters and humane societies
• Livestock health management
• Research or academia
• Zoo animal and wildlife care
• Diagnostic laboratories
• Telehealth businesses
• Veterinary supply sales and service
• Veterinary practice management

Education

A veterinary technician employed in a veterinary clinic or hospital handles many of the same responsibilities that nurses and other professionals perform for physicians.

Students interested in a career in veterinary technology must have an aptitude for general science, math, and biology, and demonstrate excellent decision-making and strong communication skills. The AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities® (AVMA CVTEA®) accredits hundreds of veterinary technology programs throughout the United States and Canada. Click here to find an accredited program near you.

Most AVMA CVTEA®-accredited programs lead to an associate’s degree after two years, while others lead to a four-year bachelor’s degree. Veterinary technicians with bachelor’s degrees usually receive higher salaries and a higher level of job responsibilities.

A period of clinical experience in a veterinary practice is required for all students in an AVMA CVTEA®-accredited veterinary technology program. This period of hands-on training is called a preceptorship, practicum, internship, or externship and is critical to expanding student knowledge and building proficiency in needed skills.

Distance or hybrid learning

To accommodate work and family obligations, distance or hybrid (HyFlex) learning is an option for students wishing to earn a degree in veterinary technology on a flexible schedule. The AVMA CVTEA® accredits several such programs, provided they meet the same standards of accreditation as traditional programs and include a clinical component. Find accredited distance education programs here.

Salary

Salaries vary according to experience, qualifications, responsibilities, employment type, geographic location, and other factors.

Professional regulation

Most states have regulations that provide for credentialing (certification, licensure, or registration) of veterinary technicians. Candidates are typically tested for competency through an examination regulated by the state veterinary board. Most states require candidates to pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination.

Continuing education

Most state licensing boards require that veterinary professionals undergo a certain number of hours of continuing education (CE) to renew their professional licenses. In addition, with ongoing advances in technology and veterinary medical care, most veterinary technicians find it important to participate in CE opportunities to keep their skills and knowledge current.

Veterinary technician specialties

Some veterinary technicians decide to specialize in a specific area of expertise. According to the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), an academy is a group of credentialed veterinary technicians who have completed a formal process of work experience, specialized training, testing, and certification. The recognized academies include specialties like these:

• Animal behavior
• Anesthesia and analgesia
• Clinical pathology
• Clinical practice
• Dental technology
• Dermatology
• Emergency and critical care
• Equine nursing
• Internal medicine
• Nutrition
• Physical rehabilitation
• Surgery
• Zoological medicine

Click here for a complete list of veterinary technician academies