Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Certified Veterinary Technician?
A certified veterinary technician (CVT) is a person that is a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program and has passed a rigid national competency examination. Upon graduation, students receive an Associate in Science degree in Veterinary Technology and are eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). The veterinary technician's main function is to be client educators, laboratory researchers, nurses and a professional assistant to the Veterinarian.
Why do I need to get certified?
Certified Veterinary Technicians have an educational and employability advantage as they have successfully passed the rigorous Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Certified Veterinary Technicians acknowledge the professional leadership of this profession, increase awareness and raise the status of the Accredited Veterinary Technician.
What is a veterinary technician?
A veterinary technician is similar to a registered nurse for animals. A technician provides assistance to veterinarians in primary animal care, in radiology, anesthesia, nursing, and laboratory. Technicians also assist veterinarians with client education, sales, and marketing.
What is the difference between a veterinary technician and a veterinary assistant?
A technician is a person who has completed a two-year program of study and obtained an Associate in Science Degree. An assistant is primarily responsible for clerical duties, restraint, and assisting the technician.
Is the job market for a technician good? What is the pay?
There are approximately five job vacancies for each graduate. The pay starts at about $14.00 to $16.00 per hour for new graduates. Pay will vary according to experience, locale, market and responsibility. The US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the veterinary technology field will expand by 20% between 2018 and 2028. Details here.
What does a Certified Veterinary Technician do?
In veterinary practices, veterinarians diagnose, prescribe, and perform surgery. Most other tasks are delegated to a certified veterinary technician. The duties of a Certified Veterinary Technician shall include:
* Physical Examination
* Obtaining and recording of information of cases
* Client Education
* Nursing of the Hospitalized Patient
* Dietary Management of Patients
* Administration of Medication and Vaccines
* Laboratory Procedures (performing diagnostic tests, etc)
* Dental Prophylaxis
* Radiology and other imaging procedures
* Anesthesiology
* Surgical preparation and assisting
* Application of Wound Dressings
* Office/Hospital Management
* Biomedical Research
* Preparation of pharmacological and biological agents