The Distinctions Between A Veterinary Technician And A Vet Assistant

Have you ever wondered whether there’s any difference between a vet assistant and a vet tech? They are not the same thing, actually. There is a difference in training, duties, schooling, earnings, and professional outlook.

Training and schooling sets up the difference right from the start. Veterinary technicians have much more working knowledge of veterinary techniques. They have graduated from a two-year program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

That’s not all. After they successfully complete and graduate from the two year program, they take an examination. It’s a state board examination, which they have to pass in order to be licensed as veterinary technicians in their state.

Veterinary assistants have a lot less training. Sometimes they have had some training in high school, or have completed a certificate program, but generally they only have on-the-job training from their employers. They don’t have any license, nor have they completed an accredited degree program.

Because of the difference in training, obviously, the two groups have different duties and responsibilities. The tasks performed by veterinary technicians are far more challenging than those performed by veterinary assistants. Assistants do basic things like hold animals still for checkups, and clean up after animals in the exam rooms and kennels. They may also do clerical work, like answering the clinic phones and filing patient records.

The veterinary technician, on the other hand, will complete much more complex tasks like giving x-rays to animals, administering vaccinations, assisting vets in surgery, collecting and analyzing samples, to name just a few.

When you compare the two jobs, it should not be surprising that there is a difference in pay. Veterinary technicians earn more and are in higher demand. A veterinary assistant can expect to earn around $9-10 on average per hour. A licensed tech with a few years of experience can bring in $15 per hour or even more.

If you want to work with animals as a long-range career path, you are far better off spending time becoming a veterinary technician. For those who just want perhaps part time or short term employment with little need for schooling, veterinary assistant is the better choice.

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