National Veterinary Technician Week

Hi Guys! Kozmo Here.

Me dictating to Mom

I'm talking about Vet Techs and Vet Techs week because I, Kozmo, am lucky to spend lots of time with all of the staff at our Vet's office. I LOVE our vet, the vet techs and the vet assistants! I have been visiting our vet for all 15 years of my life. And I visit a lot, I have thyroid disease and I go in for blood tests at least twice a year. 

Me and the Dr.

When I come to visit, I feel like a ROCK STAR! All the Techs, Assistants and the Vets (and the wonderful office people) ALL WANT Kozmo hugs! (yes I hug and I purr/talk when I am being cuddled). I go from arms to arms and Mom has a tough time getting me to leave. 

My major question has been, "What is the difference between a veterinarian, veterinary technologist, veterinary technician and veterinary assistant?"

At The National Vet Tech Association website I learned, that people with different educational experience staff the hospital. The veterinarian is responsible for diagnosing, prognosing, prescribing medication and performing surgery. They are responsible for all patient care and outcomes. Most veterinarians are like Doctors! They apply to a veterinary medical school admission while getting a bachelor degree first. After 4 years of medical school, they have to pass a licensing exam. Successful candidates are given a license to practice veterinary medicine. 

The veterinary technicians and technologists are educated to be the veterinarian’s nurse, laboratory technician, radiography technician, anesthetist, surgical nurse and client educator. Most veterinary technicians are graduates of an accredited associate’s or bachelor’s program and have passed the VTNE exam. The term “Veterinary Technologist” is specifically designated for bachelor’s program graduates. A veterinary technician or technologist specialist has met the same requirements as above plus spends about 75% of their time doing a specific task and has passed a specialist certification exam administered by a Specialist Academy. Currently, there are eleven academies offering specialty certification. 

 

The veterinary assistant may have training through a high school, college certificate program or through a distant learning program over the Internet. Most, however, are trained on the job by the veterinarian or the veterinary technician. Their role is to assist the veterinarian or the veterinary technician in their daily tasks as well as some basic duties such as setting up of equipment and cleaning of key areas in the clinic like the surgery suite. Some may be asked to do kennel cleaning and janitorial work as well. NAVTA has recently created a Approved Veterinary Assistant program. 

 

I AM impressed!