The Duties and Responsibilities of Veterinary Technologists
Veterinary technologists are a veterinarian’s right hand in both clinical and surgical settings, responsible for everything from conducting diagnostic tests and administering anesthesia to providing emergency care and assisting in surgeries.
What Degrees Must Veterinary Technologists Have?
There is more than one path to becoming a veterinary technologist. Aspiring veterinary technologists complete specialized education and training in veterinary technology, and the most common degree path is an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology, which typically takes two years to complete. These programs are offered at community colleges, technical schools, and some universities, and provide foundational knowledge in animal care, medical terminology, pharmacology, and laboratory techniques. Veterinary technology programs also include clinical experiences, where students gain hands-on training in real-world veterinary settings. Graduates of associate programs are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), which is required to become a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), depending on the state.
While an associate degree is the most common entry-level qualification, some individuals pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Veterinary Technology, which typically takes four years to complete. A bachelor’s degree program in veterinary technology provides more in-depth knowledge and may offer opportunities for specialization in areas such as surgical technology, dentistry, or emergency and critical care. A bachelor’s degree can open doors to higher-paying positions and leadership roles within veterinary practices, research facilities, or academic settings. Additionally, some veterinary technologists choose to continue their education with graduate-level studies in veterinary medicine or related fields to further their career prospects.
What Do Veterinary Technologists Do?
Veterinary technologists play a critical role in animal healthcare, supporting veterinarians in a variety of clinical, surgical, and diagnostic tasks. They are trained to perform diagnostic procedures such as blood work, urinalysis, and tissue samples, as well as maintain and operate specialized medical equipment, and duties can range from performing laboratory tests, administering anesthesia, and assisting in surgeries to providing emergency care, taking radiographs (X-rays), and educating pet owners on animal care. Veterinary technologists also have strong interpersonal abilities, help manage patient records, ensure proper medication administration, and maintain the cleanliness and organization of the clinic or hospital.
Is There A Difference Between Veterinary Technologists and Veterinary Technicians?
Yes, there is a difference between veterinary technologists and veterinary technicians, even though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Both roles involve supporting veterinarians’ care for animals, but the primary difference between these two jobs is within the level of education and training as well as the scope of responsibilities.
Education and Training:
- Veterinary Technologists typically have a four-year bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology or a related field. Their education includes advanced coursework in areas such as pharmacology, surgical techniques, anesthesia, and laboratory procedures. This higher level of education often allows veterinary technologists to take on more specialized tasks and responsibilities, such as research, leadership roles, and certain advanced medical procedures. They may also be trained in specialized areas like emergency and critical care, dentistry, or anesthesia.
- Veterinary Technicians, on the other hand, generally complete a two-year associate’s degree in veterinary technology. Their training covers similar core topics, such as animal anatomy, medical terminology, and laboratory work, but they may not receive the same level of in-depth, advanced training that veterinary technologists do. Veterinary technicians are also eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and become certified (CVT), licensed (LVT), or registered (RVT) in their state, which qualifies them to perform many of the same hands-on duties as technologists.
Responsibilities and Scope of Work:
The day-to-day tasks of both veterinary technologists and veterinary technicians are very similar: taking radiographs (X-rays), performing laboratory tests, administering anesthesia, and providing emergency care. However, veterinary technologists may have more responsibilities in specialized or advanced areas, such as:
- Leading teams or managing staff in veterinary practices.
- Handling more complex cases or procedures, such as advanced diagnostic imaging or surgery.
- Engaging in research or teaching, particularly in academic or research settings.
Veterinary technicians, while performing many of the same tasks, may have a more limited scope of responsibility when compared to technologists, primarily because of their typically shorter education and training.
Career Advancement:
Because veterinary technologists have a bachelor’s degree, they often have greater opportunities for career advancement, including leadership roles, teaching positions, and specialized clinical areas. Veterinary technicians, with their associate’s degree, may still advance in their careers by gaining experience, taking additional certifications, or specializing in certain areas, but their career paths may be more limited in comparison to those of veterinary technologists.
How Much Do Veterinary Technologists Make?
The salary of a veterinary technologist can vary based on factors such as experience, education, location, and the type of facility in which they work. On average, veterinary technologists in the United States can earn between $45,000 and $65,000 per year. For more experienced veterinary technologists–especially those in leadership positions, working in specialized practices, or located in high-cost areas–salaries can exceed $70,000 per year. Veterinary technologists working in fields such as cardiology, oncology, or surgery can earn even higher salaries due to the advanced skills and knowledge required. Additionally, those working in research, academic settings, or specialty veterinary hospitals may also see a boost in their compensation, often earning $75,000 or more, depending on the role and geographic location.
Location plays a significant role in salary differences: veterinary technologists in major cities or regions with a high cost of living (like California or New York) typically earn more to help offset the higher living expenses. However, rural or smaller regions may offer lower base salaries, although they may provide additional benefits, such as housing stipends or signing bonuses, to attract skilled professionals.
Ready to find a new job or looking for a great way to take charge of your veterinarian career? Start searching and explore job opportunities online, or learn more about how Suveto is helping veterinary students kick-start their careers.
