If you’re interested in working with animals but hesitant to spend several years in school to become a veterinarian, there are other excellent career paths to consider – namely, veterinary assistant and veterinary technician.
While these titles are sometimes used interchangeably by those outside of the veterinary field, there are some notable differences between the two. Both involve caring for animals, but they differ in terms of education, licensing requirements, and job responsibilities.
So, what exactly is the difference between a veterinary technician and veterinary assistant? Understanding what sets these roles apart can help you determine which path is better suited to your career goals and interests.
Educational Requirements for Veterinary Assistants and Technicians
When comparing the work of a veterinary technician vs. veterinary assistant, it’s helpful to start by recognizing what they have in common. Both positions involve working directly with animals in settings such as veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and even research labs. In each case, these professionals play a vital role in supporting veterinary care teams while ensuring animals are treated with care and compassion.
The primary difference between them is that vet assistants typically handle more administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and keeping facilities clean. Vet techs, meanwhile, handle more advanced clinical responsibilities, including collecting lab samples and assisting with procedures.
From an educational standpoint, veterinary assistants and technicians have different requirements. To become a veterinary technician, you usually need an Associate degree in Animal Science or a related field. Veterinary assistants, on the other hand, can typically find work with a high school diploma. However, having a dedicated Veterinary Assistant diploma from a reputable school can help applicants stand out in a competitive job market.
Differences Between Degree/Diploma Programs
An Associate degree in Animal Science or a related field generally takes around two years to complete, depending on whether you’re enrolled part-time or full-time. In contrast, a Veterinary Assistant diploma program can usually be completed in about 16 months, allowing students to enter the workforce more quickly.
Veterinary Assistant Education
Veterinary assistant diploma programs are designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in veterinary settings. Coursework typically focuses on foundational topics such as:
- Animal nutrition
- Veterinary medicine
- Animal anatomy and physiology
- Veterinary clinical practice
Veterinary Technician Education
Veterinary technician programs cover the above topics, as well as these more advanced skills:
- Pharmacology
- Diagnostic imaging (through X-rays, ultrasounds, and other imaging options)
- Veterinary pathology
- Veterinary surgical nursing
Key Job Responsibilities of Veterinary Assistants vs. Technicians
Now that you have a better understanding of the veterinary assistant vs. veterinary technician training process, you may be wondering what the typical day-to-day is like for these roles.
Veterinary Assistant Job Responsibilities
Veterinary assistants work in a wide variety of settings, including veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, pet shelters, animal rescue organizations, and even research laboratories. Their work centers on providing basic care to animals and support to veterinarians, as well as handling some administrative tasks around the facility.
Animal care responsibilities for veterinary assistants may include:
- Feeding animals, taking them for walks, and giving them care/attention
- Bathing animals
- Safely restraining animals during procedures and/or exams
- Administering medication or immunizations, under the supervision of a Veterinarian
- Assisting in administering the collection of lab samples
On the administrative side of things, common duties and responsibilities include:
- Answering phones and scheduling appointments
- Greeting pet owners and pets as they arrive for appointments
- Assessing inventory and ordering supplies
- Cleaning kennels and sanitizing examination rooms
Veterinary Technician Job Responsibilities
Veterinary technicians focus less on administrative duties and more on animal care. While specific duties can vary, common responsibilities often include:
- Working alongside veterinarians to perform wellness exams
- Performing lab tests, including X-rays and ultrasounds
- Assisting veterinarians with surgeries and other basic procedures
- Maintaining veterinary records
- Providing emergency care to animals in need
- Administering anesthesia and monitoring animals’ vital signs before surgery
When comparing veterinary assistants and vet technicians, it can be helpful to think of vet techs as the nurses of the veterinary world. Nurses work directly with patients under the supervision of doctors; similarly, technicians work with animals under the supervision of veterinarians.
Veterinary assistants, meanwhile, can be compared to medical assistants. Although they usually don’t provide direct clinical care, they can offer crucial support while carrying out administrative duties.
Certification and Licensing for Veterinary Assistants and Technicians
In addition to differences in education, training, and job duties, veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants differ in their certification and licensing requirements. Each state sets its own requirements in terms of credentials – however, in most states, vet techs need to be certified while veterinary assistants do not.
Certification for Veterinary Assistants
Even though veterinary assistants aren’t required to be certified, there are certification options available for those who want to differentiate themselves in the job market. One widely recognized option is the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) designation, offered by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians (NAVTA). To earn this credential, applicants must:
- Complete an approved diploma/certificate program
- Pass a standardized exam
The AVA designation needs to be renewed every two years, during which time the holder must complete at least 10 continuing education credits.
For veterinary assistants interested in laboratory settings, the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certification – offered through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) – may be worth looking into.
Licensing and Certification for Veterinary Technicians
In most states, veterinary technicians need to at least pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Offered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards, the exam covers topics ranging from anesthesia and surgical nursing to imaging and pharmacology. After passing, veterinary technicians can proceed to get certified and/or licensed in the state where they work.
Career Opportunities and Job Outlook for Veterinary Assistants and Technicians
As long as animals need medical care, there will continue to be a strong demand for both veterinary assistants and veterinary technicians.
Veterinary Assistant Career Growth
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is projected to grow 19% between 2023 and 2033. That’s much faster than the national average for all occupations, making now a great time to explore this career path.
Depending on your unique interests and strengths, there are many opportunities for specialization in this field. If you enjoy working with household pets and other small animals, then a role as a vet assistant in an animal clinic or veterinary office may be ideal for you. Conversely, if you’re more interested in emergency and critical care, you might look for work in a 24/7 animal hospital.
With additional training and education, veterinary assistants can also explore other specializations that range from working with large animals (such as horses and livestock) to working with exotic animals. For those who enjoy the scientific side of veterinary medicine, pursuing roles in laboratory and research settings could be ideal.
Veterinary Technician Job Opportunities
Like veterinary assistants, there is a strong job outlook for veterinary technicians. According to the BLS, employment for vet techs and technicians is also projected to grow by 19% between 2023 and 2033, with over 23,000 new positions expected to be created during that time.
Veterinary techs can expand their experience by pursuing specializations. Some vet techs, for example, may become veterinary anesthesia technicians, who are responsible for administering anesthesia to animals and monitoring vital signs before and during surgical procedures. Other vet techs may specialize in veterinary dentistry, where they assist with dental cleanings and extractions.
Similar to veterinary assistants, veterinary technicians can specialize in working with certain types of animals. Some may work with exotic animals in a zoological setting, while others may work on farms with livestock and horses. Specialization not only allows vet techs to focus on areas that align with their interests but can also lead to higher earning potential and career advancement.
Ready to Make a Difference in Animals’ Lives?
Whether you’re looking for a hands-on role that involves direct clinical care or are interested in more of an administrative/support role, a career as a veterinary technician or veterinary assistant can be incredibly rewarding. Along with helping animals in need, you join a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of animals (and their caretakers).
If you’re looking for a diploma program that could help you set yourself apart in the job market, Florida Technical College (FTC) offers a Veterinary Assistant with Pet Grooming diploma program. This program, which can be completed in as little as 16 months, is specifically designed to help students prepare for roles as veterinary assistants. It offers coursework in veterinary radiology, lab procedures, anatomy, and safe pet handling, as well as a unique pet grooming competency.
Ready to take the next step toward your future career? Learn more about FTC’s Veterinary Assistant with Pet Grooming diploma program by reaching out to our team, or start your application for admission now!
This article presents a general overview of the field of veterinary assisting, including job opportunities within that field; it does not describe the educational objectives or expected employment outcomes of a particular Florida Technical College program. 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://ftccollege.edu/program/diploma/veterinary-assistant-program-with-pet-grooming/
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-assistants-and-laboratory-animal-caretakers.htm
