Many children dream of becoming veterinarians. Unfortunately for many, real, adult life gets in the way and those dreams go unrealized. Whether you don’t have the money to attend college for seven-plus years, or you took another path in life and are revisiting the idea of working with animals, you don’t have to give up your dreams. Working as a veterinary technician or a veterinary assistant can fulfill your desire to work with animals.
Vet techs and vet assistants work alongside veterinarians in private practices, large clinics and emergency hospitals. If you love animals and want to work with them on a daily basis, either job may be perfectly suited to you. Before you jump into the world of animal care, it’s important that you understand the difference between the two titles.
Most states have laws or regulations which govern the duties that vet techs and vet assistants may perform. The states that do not have regulations in place do indicate the procedures that may not be performed. Although state laws may differ, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has summarized state laws as they pertain to the duties of veterinary technicians and assistants.
According to the AVMA, most states label a veterinary technician as “someone who is validly and currently licensed to practice as a veterinary technician” in that state. Many states specify that a vet tech must have graduated from an accredited, two-year program as specified by the AVMA or state licensing board. This makes sense as, in most states, a person cannot sit for the veterinary technology exam without having first earned a two-year degree.
A vet assistant is a person who works under the direction of a licensed veterinarian, much like a vet tech. Although there are veterinary assistant programs available in many states, the job does not require licensure. Many veterinarians will hire assistants and provide on-the-job training. Whether or not a veterinarian requires that an assistant have a certificate or diploma is strictly a personal decision.
Now that you know the difference between a veterinary technician and a veterinary assistant, it’s time to understand the duties of both. While a veterinary technician can legally do anything that a veterinary assistant can do, a veterinary assistant is not permitted to do all of the things that a vet tech can.
When it comes to performing tasks in a clinic, most states require that technicians and assistants are supervised by a licensed veterinarian. Shared duties include:
1. Preparation of patients, instruments, equipment, and medications for surgery. The line is drawn for veterinary assistants when it comes to readying anesthetic agents and controlled substances. These chemicals are only prepared and administered by licensed vet techs and veterinarians.
2. Perform laboratory procedures such as fecal studies, urinalysis, and blood analysis. Veterinary assistants are only permitted to collect voided substances. This means that an assistant cannot biopsy organs or tissues, but that a veterinary technician can.
3. Perform diagnostic radiographic procedures. Both vet techs and assistants perform X-rays on animals that are sick or injured. These radiographs help veterinarians make a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
4. Vet techs and vet assistants are both able to perform venipuncture, or the collection of blood from a vein. These samples are then analyzed to determine the overall health of an animal, or to perform further diagnostics in the case of a sick or injured animal.
As has been said, veterinary technicians are able to perform tasks that veterinary assistants are not. These tasks may include:
1. Suturing skin incisions or performing wound repair on injured animals.
2. Administration of anesthetic chemicals in preparation for surgeries or procedures.
3. Monitoring animals’ vital signs during surgical procedures.
4. Assisting veterinarians during surgical procedures.
5. Collection of specimens for laboratory analysis.
6. Administer or supervise the administration of oral, topical, or parenteral medication.
7. Dental prophylaxis and periodontal care, including extractions that do not involve sectioning of teeth, resection of bone, or both of these.
8. Implant permanent identification devices.
9. Euthanasia of animals.
These lists are by no means all-encompassing. They are merely an example of the regulations that many states have in place when it comes to the job duties of veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants. When it comes to choosing veterinary technician vs. assistant, the choice is a personal one; there are advantages to both positions.
For some people, the ability to assist in surgeries is the most important aspect of becoming a veterinary technician. As a licensed tech, you will be able to get hands-on, literally, with regards to surgical procedures. Vet techs have the knowledge and skill necessary to not only assist in surgery, but to make sure the animal is properly monitored and cared for during a procedure.
As a licensed veterinary technician, you have a variety of positions open to you. You may work in a clinical setting or in a zoo or aquarium. You can choose to work with large, exotic animals, or you can opt to work with household pets. Additionally, your license is transferable from state to state, making it easy to find a job if you move from your current location.
Because veterinary assistants receive on-the-job training, you do not need to spend two years in school, nor do you have to spend money on tuition. If you are looking for a job with animal, you can begin a job as a veterinary assistant immediately, assuming a veterinarian in your area is hiring.
As a veterinary assistant, you do not assist in surgeries; an advantage if the mere thought of a pet’s insides makes you squeamish. Veterinary assistants often have more face time with pets’ owners, making this a great job if you love people as much as you love animals. Becoming a veterinary assistant is also a great way to get your foot in the door and try out the occupation if you think that you may want to pursue a license as a vet tech.
No matter which position you choose, veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants are in high-demand. These skilled professionals care for others’ pets as if they were their own. By working with a veterinarian, you will be an integral part in the health and well-being of animals, and a trusted source of information for those animals’ caretakers. If you have always dreamed of working with animals but don’t want to pursue a career as a licensed veterinarian, becoming a vet tech or vet assistant can be the perfect choice.