What is a Veterinary Technician?
The Veterinary Technician is an integral member of the veterinary health care team who has been educated in
the care and handling of animals, the basic principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and in routine
laboratory and clinical procedures. All Veterinary Technicians work under the supervision of a licensed
Veterinarian. While a Veterinary Technician can assist in performing a wide variety of tasks, they cannot
diagnose, prescribe, perform surgery, or engage in any activity prohibited by a state's practice act.
A Veterinary Technician employed in a veterinary clinic or hospital handles many of the same responsibilities
that nurses and other professionals perform for physicians. Examples of the areas of responsibility qualified
Veterinary Technicians are educated to assume include;
Obtain and record patient case histories
Collect specimens and perform laboratory procedures
Provide specialized nursing care
Prepare animals, instruments, and equipment for surgery
Assist in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures
Expose and develop radiographs
Advise and educate pet parents
Supervise and train practice personnel
Perform dental cleanings
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredits veterinary technician programs throughout the
U.S. that are conducted in laboratory or clinical settings. Most AVMA-accredited programs lead to an associate'
degree after two years but some lead to a four-year baccalaureate degree. .
A period of clinical experience in a veterinary practice is required for all students in an AVMA-accredited
veterinary technology program. This period of hands-on training is called an internship or externship, and is a
critical component of the veterinary technician program.
During an accredited Veterinary Technician training/internship program, Veterinary Technicians develop skills in
handling and restraining animal patients, nursing care, anesthesia, instrument sterilization, radiology,
pharmacology, parasitology, hematology, blood chemistry and other procedures. They also understand basic
principles of anatomy, physiology, disease processes, veterinary laboratory procedures, and surgical
techniques.
The majority of states have regulations that provide for technician credentialing (certification, licensing, or
registration). Candidates are typically tested for competency through an examination regulated by the State
Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (or other appropriate agency). Some states require candidates to pass
the Veterinary Technician National Examination before being issued a license to practice.