What is the difference between a Veterinary Assistant and a Registered Veterinary Technician?
A Veterinary Assistant is someone who has little to no formal training in veterinary medicine or animal care. Veterinary Assistants can only assist a veterinarian or a RVT with non-technical duties, such as animal restraint, and the care of the animals housed in the kennel. They cannot draw blood, perform physical exams, run diagnostic laboratory tests, educate clients, assist with or monitor anesthesia, assist with surgical procedures, fill or dispense prescription drugs under the supervision of a veterinarian, place catheters or any of the other specialized areas that a RVT is trained in. Most Veterinary Assistants do not have degrees, but may have been awarded a certificate.
