Both veterinary assistants and veterinary technicians share a love of animals, but fulfill different roles in a vet clinic. Here, we’ll look at the difference between veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants so you can make an informed decision about which career best fits you.
What Is a Veterinary Assistant?
Veterinary assistants are support professionals. They help veterinarians and veterinary technicians care for animals and handle daily tasks that do not require veterinary licensing. In addition to animal care, veterinary assistants may handle the clinic’s administrative duties. (1)
What Is a Veterinary Technician?
Veterinary technicians perform medical tests that help diagnose animal injuries and illnesses. Vet techs work under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Typical daily duties include preparing vaccines, assisting with surgeries, and performing lab tests. (2)
Education and Certification Requirements
A veterinary assistant program typically results in a Certificate of Achievement and includes an externship in an animal care facility. Certification is not mandatory for veterinary assistants, but it does allow workers to demonstrate competency in animal husbandry, health and welfare, and facility administration. (1)
Veterinary technicians typically complete an associate’s degree in veterinary technology. Technicians must also pass a credentialing exam to become registered, licensed, or certified, depending on the requirements of the state in which they work.* (2)
The Veterinary Technology programs at the Ontario, Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro and
Stockton Carrington College campuses are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. 1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360; 800 248 2862, http://www.avma.org/professionaldevelopment/education/accreditation/programs/pages/default.aspx.
Typical Daily Duties
Veterinary assistants handle routine animal care and help veterinarians, veterinary technologists, and technicians with daily tasks. They typically do the following:
- Feed, bathe, and exercise animals
- Restrain animals during examination and laboratory procedures
- Monitor and care for animals after surgery
- Give medication or immunizations that veterinarians prescribe
- Clean and disinfect cages, kennels, and examination and operating rooms
- Customer service and front-office tasks (1)
Veterinary technologists and technicians, under the supervision of licensed veterinarians, perform medical tests that help diagnose an animal’s injuries and illnesses. Typical duties include:
- Providing nursing care or emergency first aid to recovering or injured animals
- Restraining animals during exams or procedures
- Administering anesthesia to animals and monitoring their responses
- Administering medications, vaccines, and treatments prescribed by a veterinarian
- Performing lab tests such as urinalysis and blood counts
- Assisting during surgery
- Taking x-rays
- Sterilizing instruments
- Collecting and recording animals’ case histories
- Observing animal behavior and condition (2)
Where Do Veterinary Assistants and Veterinary Technicians Typically Work?
Veterinary assistants may work in a variety of environments, including:
- Private veterinary clinics
- Animal hospitals
- Veterinary specialty centers
- Humane societies and animal shelters
- Laboratories
- Colleges and universities
Can a Veterinary Assistant Become a Veterinary Technician?
Yes. Veterinary assistants who want to expand their clinical responsibilities can pursue a veterinary technology program.
Which Path Is Right for You?
Choosing between a veterinary assistant and a veterinary technician can be difficult. You may be well-suited for veterinary assisting if:
- You want a quick entry into animal care with a program you can complete in as little as 9 months.
- You enjoy supporting other staff and patients. You enjoy working with people and animals.
- You thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
- You like a job with a mix of administrative and physical job duties.
- You want to explore your animal care options before enrolling in a veterinary technician program.
In contrast, a veterinary technology program may be a good fit if:
- You want a broader education focused on animal care.
- You’re a self-directed worker who enjoys being part of a team.
- You’re working toward an animal care specialization, such as dentistry or emergency care.
- You have an analytical mind.
- Science and medical technology fascinate you.
Start Your Veterinary Career Training at Carrington College
If you’re interested in working with animals, becoming a Veterinary Assistant or Veterinary Technician can lead to a rewarding career.
Carrington College offers a Veterinary Assisting program that leads to a Certificate of Achievement and a Veterinary Technology program that leads to an Associate of Science degree. To learn more about these programs, contact Carrington College and request more information to get started!
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-assistants-and-laboratory-animal-caretakers.htm. Accessed 26 September, 2026. a b c
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Veterinary technologists and technicians. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm. Accessed 26 September, 2026 a b c
Disclaimer
*Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.
