In every veterinary clinic, regardless of its location or scope of practice, there is a team of providers who work to ensure that their animal patients receive the best possible care. Both veterinary assistants and veterinary technicians play important roles in clinical settings, supporting veterinarians, caring for animal patients, and educating pet owners. The veterinary assistant vs. veterinary technician plays an important role in clinical settings, as they actively support veterinarians, care for animal patients, and educate the people who bring their animals in for treatment.
Exploring the Roles: Vet Technician vs Vet Assistant
If you are considering a career in the animal care field, you may find yourself wondering about the difference between a veterinary assistant vs. vet tech. While these two positions are relatively similar in scope, there are key differences between the two that you should be aware of before you begin planning out your career path.
Key Responsibilities of Vet Technicians
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, vet technicians are akin to nurses in the healthcare field. Their primary responsibilities include providing animal nursing care, collecting specimens for laboratory procedures, preparing animals for procedures, and assisting during procedures.
Daily Duties of Vet Assistants
Veterinary assistants, on the other hand, handle more of the basic daily duties around the veterinary clinic. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) clarifies that vet assistants’ responsibilities consist of providing routine animal care and assisting with administrative duties as required.
Educational Pathways: From Classroom to Clinic
Both vet techs and vet assistants need to have an advanced understanding of the current landscape within the veterinary field. However, the educational requirements for these two roles vary distinctly.
Degree and Certification Requirements for Vet Technicians
To become a veterinary technician, you will need to complete a two-year associate’s degree program in veterinary technology. All states require veterinary technicians to be licensed and certified, requiring you to evaluate the requirements for the state where you intend to practice and successfully pass the certification exam.
Training and Certification for Vet Assistants
Veterinary assistants are not required to be certified. Most complete their training on the job. However, you may find that a veterinary assistant diploma program allows you to develop the niche skills required for this field and gain a competitive advantage in the job market.
Career Trajectories and Opportunities
Demand for qualified and experienced veterinary technicians and assistants is rising, with the BLS anticipating a 19 percent increase in jobs between 2023 and 2033. As a result, this field is expected to have plenty of room for advancement and growth.
Advancement Opportunities for Vet Technicians
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America maintains that vet techs can advance in their careers by pursuing leadership roles or by exploring specialty areas. Some of the most popular specializations for vet techs include:
- Dental care
- Anesthesia and analgesia
- Zoological medicine
- Physical rehabilitation
- Equine care
- Surgery
- Diagnostic imaging
Growth Path for Vet Assistants in the Veterinary Field
By prioritizing education and ongoing training, veterinary assistants can advance their careers and pursue higher-level opportunities in the field. Many veterinary assistants choose to pursue an undergraduate degree to become qualified for vet tech positions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the core differences between a vet technician and a vet assistant?
Vet technicians typically have more clinical responsibilities and can complete more complex tasks, whereas vet assistants often provide basic animal care and administrative support.
Can a vet assistant advance to become a vet technician?
By pursuing additional education and prioritizing ongoing training, vet assistants can advance their careers to become vet technicians.
What kind of specializations are available for vet technicians?
Vet technicians can pursue various specializations based on their professional strengths and personal interests. Some common vet tech specialty areas include dental, surgery, physical rehabilitation, ophthalmology, and emergency care.
Are there online programs available for aspiring vet technicians and assistants?
Yes, online, skills-based degree and diploma programs are available for students who want to become vet techs or vet assistants.
How important is certification for vet technicians and vet assistants?
Vet technicians must be certified to practice, whereas vet assistants do not have to be certified. However, pursuing certification and additional educational credentials can provide vet techs and assistants with the advanced skills required to gain a competitive advantage in today’s dynamic job market.
Discover the Difference Between Veterinary Technician vs. Veterinary Assistant at Florida Technical College
Ultimately, choosing between a career as a veterinary technician vs. veterinary assistant depends on your long-term goals, interest in specialized care, and desired educational commitment. At NUC University Florida Technical College, we offer skills-based degree and diploma programs that allow students to become well-versed in the latest veterinary technology while exploring the dynamic landscape of the veterinary field.
Request more information about our skills-based degree and diploma programs today.
This article presents a general overview of the field of Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Assistant , including job opportunities within that field; it does not describe the educational objectives or expected employment outcomes of a particular NUC University Florida Technical College program. NUC University Florida Technical College does not guarantee that students will obtain employment or any particular job. Some positions may require licensure or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular career you desire.
Sources
https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/yourvet/veterinary-technicians-and-veterinary-assistants
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-assistants-and-laboratory-animal-caretakers.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm
