What is a Veterinary Assistant or Tech?

Veterinary Assistants possess certification and education that enables them to support licensed and practicing veterinarians in performing veterinary procedures, providing care, and administering specialized treatments as required by individual practices. Consequently, despite having acquired an education, Veterinary Assistants or Vet Technicians must continually update their knowledge to align with the prevailing protocols at a higher level. This may involve adhering to local or state regulations, as well as obtaining accreditations from professional organizations like the AVMA, which evaluate schools based on their compliance with federal and state guidelines. The certification process is overseen by governing authorities that ensure veterinary technicians acquire the necessary knowledge and practical skills to deliver comprehensive animal care.

Moreover, aspiring Veterinary Technicians must complete an internship before obtaining certification, and if they choose to specialize, they must obtain certification from NAVTA. NAVTA offers certification for specialized areas of veterinary medicine that require closer monitoring of care. While such specialized areas may offer higher remuneration, they necessitate additional education and specialized training through intensive internships or ongoing education beyond work experience.

The role of a Veterinary Technician encompasses both practical knowledge and specialized skills that are essential in providing support to licensed veterinary doctors. This support includes tasks such as surgical preparation and euthanasia assistance. The presence of multiple Vet Techs in a veterinary office allows for each individual to develop expertise in a specific area of care. It is important to note that Veterinary Technicians are not qualified to act as Veterinarians themselves, but rather are certified to work as support staff and contribute to the overall practice of veterinary medicine.

The responsibilities of a Veterinary Technician extend beyond direct animal care. They are responsible for maintaining records, handling billing, collecting specimens, and obtaining laboratory results. Additionally, Veterinary Technicians are involved in surgical preparation, including both the animals and the necessary equipment, as well as retrieving diagnostic information through procedures such as x-rays and blood work. Depending on their level of experience, Veterinary Technicians may also assist in training other staff members in routine care protocols.

Furthermore, Veterinary Technicians may find employment outside of companion care facilities. They play a crucial role in research settings, where their duties may involve the handling of laboratory animals. In these contexts, Vet Techs often administer research protocols under the supervision of a Veterinarian, whether it be in a private organization, academic institution, or larger entities such as food services factories or product development centers.