National Veterinary Technician Week
October 9-15 2011
You see the letters RVT behind the name of the person assisting the veterinarian with your pet. But what does RVT stand for?
RVT stands for Registered Veterinary Technician. An RVT is similar to an RN (registered nurse) in human medicine. In fact, RVT's are sometimes called veterinary nurses. This week is National Veterinary Technician Week to celebrate this hard working group of people who are important to the care and well-being of your pet.
Veterinary Technicians are different from veterinary assistants, most of who have received only on the job training and have had no formal schooling toward a veterinary technology degree. Veterinary Technicians are licensed by the state just as nurses and doctors/veterinarians are. They have had formal schooling (usually a 2 or 4 year degree), practical experience while in school, and have taken a national board exam.
Most veterinary technicians have completed a 2 year program in veterinary technology and usually graduate with an associate's degree. Classes technician students take include anesthesiology, hematology, pharmacology, radiology, parasitology, microbiology, anatomy & physiology, and health and disease for large and small animals. Students participate in labs and practical experience while in school, allowing them to learn to draw blood, place intravenous catheters, administer medications, take radiographs, analyze laboratory samples, perform dental cleanings and more.
While in school, students also complete internships with veterinary hospitals where they put their skills and knowledge into practice while working alongside experienced registered technicians.
Once students have completed the veterinary technician program, they must take the Veterinary Technician National Exam. A passing score allows them to register as a veterinary technician. Licensing requirements regarding veterinary technicians varies from state to state. Students and currently registered veterinary technicians should consult their local state licensing board for licensing and continuing education requirements.
During a typical day in a veterinary hospital, veterinary technicians will complete the above tasks and more. They will assist veterinarians in appointments and surgery. They will do nail trims on patients and possibly bathe a patient. They also may be doing laundry or cleaning cages and mopping floors. In some clinics, technicians are also responsible for some receptionist duties such as answering client phone calls and scheduling appointments. They will answer client questions and counsel them on healthcare. Technicians help their veterinarians serve as behaviorists, nutrition counselors, and grief counselors. Some veterinary technicians specialize in a certain area and work only in that area, while most work in general practice or a laboratory setting.
Veterinary technicians do a little bit of everything in a clinic setting! Sometimes it's not a very fun or glamorous job. There's always the chance that a patient will bite you. You may get dirty working with the patients. Sometimes an emergency comes in and you have to work later than planned, come in overnight or work holiday weekends. But most veterinary technicians will say that they're in the field because they love animals and want to help them get well and stay healthy.
If you are interested in becoming a veterinary technician, please check with your local Veterinary Technician Association for requirements and schools that offer a program in your area. Please note that some online only programs are designed for veterinary assistants, not veterinary technicians. So be careful in your search for the perfect program for you!