The Veterinary Technician’s Oath encapsulates the core principles of professionalism integral to the daily practice of veterinary medicine, blending art and science. Veterinary technicians are called to cultivate lifelong habits that reflect the values and philosophy enshrined in this oath.
What is a veterinary technician?
A veterinary technician, as defined by CACVT, is a veterinary professional that applies their medical knowledge and clinical skills to provide routine, emergency, and specialized care for a variety of animals, all while under the direction and supervision of a veterinarian.
There is more than one path to become a veterinary technician; however, the most common path involves formal education and a minimum competency exam. This pathway allows the most credential portability and opportunity for advancement in the field.
Veterinary technicians are qualified to do almost any task under the supervision and direction of a veterinarian, except prescribing medications, diagnosing medical conditions, making a prognosis, and performing surgery.
RVTs are trained to work in every area of a veterinary practice and are generally highly involved with client communication.
RVTs safely and effectively dispense and administer prescribed drugs to patients, by understanding pharmacokinetics, calculations, and normal and adverse responses.
RVTs are proficient in providing care to animal patients by understanding all body systems. RVTs are trained to provide nursing care in normal and emergent situations.
RVTs safely and effectively manage and maintain patients throughout all phases of anesthetic events. RVTs administer anesthetic medications, monitor vital signs, and respond to anesthetic-related complications.
RVTs provide nursing care during any surgical procedure by understanding surgical procedures, assisting veterinarians in performing surgery, and managing all aspects of patient care during a surgical event.
RVTs are educated on various laboratory tests, including sample collection and handling, operating lab equipment, and interpreting results.
RVTs can perform many imaging techniques, including obtaining radiographs, ultrasounds, MRIs, and CTs.
RVTs are a valuable resource in a laboratory animal setting. RVTs can obtain additional certifications in this area to perform advanced procedures and contribute to research studies.
What is a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS)?
A VTS is a veterinary technician who has achieved advanced certification from a VTS specialty academy, based on their advanced knowledge and skills in one of 16 focus areas. Beginning in 2026, VTSs can receive a designation from the state of Colorado, allowing them to perform delegated tasks under indirect supervision. VTS will also be titled protected, meaning only individuals who have met the qualifications can legally use the title!
NAVC’s research shows credentialed veterinary technicians use less than one-third of the competencies they are trained to perform. By elevating this essential position and spreading awareness around the skill set of veterinary technicians, we hope to improve the performance of interdependent healthcare teams.
Although this information lays the groundwork for the basis of the field of veterinary technology, the upward mobility within the field leads to many possible specialties and career tracks for veterinary technicians.
To learn more about diverse career paths for veterinary technicians, CLICK HERE.
Erin Henninger, Executive Director
Jen Steckline, Membership Director
Lisa Visnosky, Credentialing Coordinator
2000 S Colorado Blvd
Bldg 1-2000
Denver, CO 80222
Business Hours
Mon-Thurs: 8am-4pm
Friday: 8am-11am
Sat-Sun: Closed
© Copyright 2024 Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians. All rights reserved.
