By: Amit Kothiyal
Submitted: 2011-03-29 23:26:23 | Word Count: 374
There are a few attributes that mark the difference between veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants. People outside of the industry usually don't even realize that there is any difference at all between these two job titles. Those thinking about entering the veterinary industry, however, should know the important distinctions between the two, despite the apparent similarities.
Scope of the Job
The tasks and job duties that veterinary technicians are responsible for vary greatly in scope compared to that of veterinary assistants. In fact, a veterinary technician may act as an anesthetist, laboratory technician, nurse, and radiology technician throughout the course of his or her work day at a veterinary office. And that is in addition to hands-on work with animals. A veterinary assistant will perform tasks such as the following:
• Answering phones
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• Greeting patients and their owners
• Scheduling appointments
• Cleaning veterinary tools
• Sanitizing surgical tables
• Taking care of animals that are staying overnight
Veterinary assistants also perform a variety of important tasks, but their job duties tend to be more administrative. They may act as an extra set of hands for the veterinarian.
Education and Training
Veterinary technicians also have very different education and training requirements compared to assistants. Vet techs must complete at least two years of veterinary schooling at an accredited institution of higher learning, although many go beyond the associate's degree and complete a four-year bachelor's degree. Veterinary assistants aren't necessarily required to have any education beyond high school, although the employer may require a training program.
Salary
Since veterinary technicians have more responsibilities on the job and are required to complete a higher level of education, it should be obvious that they also earn more money than veterinary assistants. While a veterinary assistant may earn between $14,000 and $25,000 annually, a veterinary technician typically earns between $26,000 and $40,000. There are also more job opportunities for vet techs beyond the veterinary office. Jobs in animal shelters and hospitals, biomedical facilities, diagnostic research labs and zoos may be available for veterinary technicians.
From the looks of it, there is a pretty big difference between veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants.
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