VET TECH VS. VET ASSISTANT

It’s easy to confuse a veterinary technician with a veterinary assistant, if you aren’t familiar with them. Both work in animal health care facilities but generally are different in education level, procedures they are able to perform, and salary levels.

Veterinary technicians generally graduate from 2-year programs and must be licensed by their state. Veterinary assistants are usually trained on the job by veterinarians.

Veterinary technicians usually have more complex responsibilities, can legally practice state-regulated skills without the presence of a veterinarian in the room, and may be able to work in a wider variety of environments. Veterinary assistants often will focus on administrative tasks, making sure patients are groomed and fed, cleaning and sanitizing equipment and patient rooms, and restraining patients.

As a result of their greater value to veterinarians, veterinary technicians generally can command materially higher salaries and better benefits.