What’s the Difference Between a Veterinary Assistant and a Veterinary Technician?

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A Veterinary Assistant helps the Veterinarian and the Vet Technician by handling direct animal care like feeding, cleaning, and restraining pets during exams. A Vet Technician, on the other hand, can take on more advanced responsibilities like assisting in surgeries, administering anesthesia, and conducting lab tests. And while you might answer to a Vet Tech as a Vet Assistant, it doesn’t work the other way around; a Vet Tech would not report to a Vet Assistant. In either role, though, you get to spend your days caring for animals, so if you love animals, check out the difference between a Vet Assistant and a Vet Technician to see which path might be for you.

Job Responsibilities of a Vet Tech vs. Vet Assistant

Think of a Veterinary Technician as an animal nurse. You’re second-in-command to the animal doctor and you have a lot of responsibilities. You perform medical tasks such as drawing blood, inserting catheters, taking X-rays, and assisting the Veterinarian during surgery. You can also administer anesthesia and medication and update animal medical records.

If the Vet Tech is the nurse, then the Veterinary Assistant is more like a medical assistant. You perform some clerical work to keep the veterinary practice running well and you also take care of the animals. You feed, bathe, and groom them. You clean the kennels and sterilize the equipment. During an exam or surgery, you might restrain the animal. And you might help out in emergencies. When you aren’t in the exam room, you schedule appointments, greet new patients, and help with office work.

Training: Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant

Because a Veterinary Technician performs medical tasks, they need more training than a Veterinary Assistant. The exact requirements vary by state, but most states will expect you to have at least an associate degree to qualify for jobs. Your program should teach you about animal anatomy and physiology, veterinary terminology, medications, surgery assistance, X-rays technology, and how to nurse sick and injured animals. And you need to complete clinical hours to get real-world experience.

Timeline: Vet Tech programs that grant associate degrees generally take two years to complete.

Since Vet Assistants don’t handle complex medical tasks, the training to become one isn’t as intense. You can find entry-level employment with a certificate. You still learn important lessons about animal care basics, medical terminology, proper handling and restraint techniques, lab sample collection, and front-office procedures. You learn about infection control, and how to help out during exams. And you get your real-world experience through an externship.

Timeline: Vet Assistant programs that grant certificates can be completed in less than a year.

Licensing Requirements for Vet Techs and Vet Assistants

Licensing for Vet Techs and Vet Assistants varies from state to state. For example, if you want to be a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in California, you need to be at least 18 years old and licensed by the California Veterinary Medical Board. The board requires that you complete at least a two-year curriculum in veterinary technology and that you complete a combination of classroom and practical experience. You also need to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam and undergo a fingerprint-based background check. ​

To become a Vet Assistant in California, you also need to be 18 years old and undergo a fingerprint-based background check. ​But you do not need to be licensed. And you need to apply for a Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substances Permit (VACSP) if your job site allows you to administer medications to animals. The permit verifies that you are qualified to handle controlled substances and maintain safety and compliance within veterinary practices.

Job Demand for Vet Techs and Vet Assistants

Employment of both Vet Techs and Vet Assistants is projected to grow much faster than the average throughout the decade. From 2023 to 2033, more than 15,000 Vet Tech positions and more than 25,000 Vet Assistant positions are expected to become available each year.

Are you interested in a career working with animals? You can find rewarding work as a Vet Tech or a Vet Assistant. Which one is for you? Charter College Oxnard offers a Certificate in Veterinary Assistant that you can complete in as few as 10 months. You learn from seasoned professionals and participate in a 180-hour externship program at a local veterinary hospital or clinic to gain real-world experience. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form for more information.