Veterinary Assistant Vs. Veterinary Health Technician

If you like animals, consider a job as a vet tech or assistant.

Many people use the terms veterinary technician and veterinary assistant interchangeably, but they are not the same. It is similar to comparing a registered nurse to a nursing assistant. Vet techs have a wider range of practice, have more schooling and---in turn---earn more money. They also have more job opportunities and chances for advancement in their career.

Schools

Many vet assistants are trained on the job, with little or no experience. There are some schools that offer a certificate for veterinary assistants, typically after about nine months of coursework. The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America is starting to approve programs to allow assistants to become credentialed. In order to become a credentialed veterinary technician, one must attend a school accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The programs last from two years to four years.

Education

A vet tech will do dissections to learn more in-depth anatomy of animals

The education received from these two programs is quite similar. Basic classes for those seeking to become credentialed assistants and those studying to become credentialed technicians are the same. Both students will learn anatomy and physiology, laboratory procedures, radiology, pharmacology, and surgery assisting. The assistant program might focus on restraint, animal husbandry, and front office procedures. The technician, though, will spend more time on anesthesia and disease processes.

Duties

Vet techs do most of the calculating and drawing up of medications.

While vet techs are usually more specialized and provide direct nursing care to the animals, the assistant's role is more diversified. They might work in the kennels, feeding or cleaning cages. Some answering phones and check in clients. Others work side-by-side with vets and techs, restraining animals. The technician performs more of the clinical procedures: blood draws, IV and urinary catheter placement and calculation of drug dosages.

Job Prospects

If you wish to teach in a technician or assistant program, the minimum requirement is a vet tech degree.

Job outlook should be excellent in the coming years for both veterinary technicians and assistants. The demand should exceed the number of qualified applicants entering either field. There will be noticeable job growth in the next decade, though more job openings for technicians. Supervisory roles, teaching and research positions will be open to credentialed veterinary technicians only.

Salary

A veterinary technician will earn more than a veterinary assistant. Technicians have more education and are legally able to perform more procedures. Technicians are more likely to remain in the veterinary field for their entire careers. Because of all of these factors, technicians earn on average nearly $3.00 more per hour than assistants. Depending on where they work, their salary can be much higher.

References

• National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America
• American Veterinary Medical Association: Animal Health: Veterinary Technicians
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
• CareerOneStop: Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers: Colorado
• CareerOnStop: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians: Colorado

Resources

• AVMA: Animal Health: The Veterinary Health Care Team