What is the difference between a veterinary assistant and a veterinary technician?

AnswerThe difference between a veterinary techician and a veterinary assistant is the amount of education and credentialling required.

Veterinary assistants are not required to have any education related to the field of veterinary medicine or veterinary technology. There are voluntary educational opportunities; however these are not equivalent to a college degree programs and are instead basic vocational training. There is no over-sight by a professional body to ensure that the majority of these programs provide adequate or correct information. There is no requirement for hands-on training and instructors often have little or no experience or education in the veterinary field. There are a handful of certification programs that are designed and approved by veterinary professional organizations or that are offered by colleges which also offer accredited veteirnary technology programs and these are better choices for someone who wants to be a veterinary assistant. This is an entry level position for working in the veterinary field and is not a recognized profession in any state.

In contrast, veterinary technicians or technologists (the terminology varies somewhat depending upon clinic and degree) have generally completed a college program and received either an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in vet tech. In many states, vet techs also have to maintain state licensure, including ongoing continuing education.