Certified Veterinary Technicians have an educational and employability advantage as they have successfully passed the rigorous Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Certified Veterinary Technicians acknowledge the professional leadership of this profession, increase awareness and raise the status of the Accredited Veterinary Technician.

A veterinary technician is similar to a registered nurse for animals. A technician provides assistance to veterinarians in primary animal care, in radiology, anesthesia, nursing, and laboratory. Technicians also assist veterinarians with client education, sales, and marketing.

A technician is a person who has completed a two-year program of study and obtained an Associate in Science Degree. An assistant is primarily responsible for clerical duties, restraint, and assisting the technician.

There are approximately five job vacancies for each graduate. The pay starts at about $14.00 to $16.00 per hour for new graduates. Pay will vary according to experience, locale, market and responsibility. The US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the veterinary technology field will expand by 20% between 2018 and 2028.

There are currently over 200 Veterinary Technology Programs in the United States accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

In veterinary practices, veterinarians diagnose, prescribe, and perform surgery. Most other tasks are delegated to a certified veterinary technician. The duties of a Certified Veterinary Technician shall include:

• Physical Examination
• Obtaining and recording of information of cases
• Client Education
• Nursing of the Hospitalized Patient
• Dietary Management of Patients
• Administration of Medication and Vaccines
• Laboratory Procedures (performing diagnostic tests, etc)
• Dental Prophylaxis
• Radiology and other imaging procedures
• Anesthesiology
• Surgical preparation and assisting
• Application of Wound Dressings
• Office/Hospital Management
• Biomedical Research
• Preparation of pharmacological and biological agents