Vet Tech or Vet Asst.?

Question

Hey what is the difference between a Veterinary assistant and Veterinary technician. I want to be able to work with horses mainly no small animals so what program would be better the Veterinarian Technician program with Penn Foster or the Veterinary Assistant program with Ashworth Carrer school. I really need to make a decision because I would have to start classes in August. Thank-you so much!!

Answer 1

In all the clinics I have worked at, vet techs and vet assistants end up doing pretty much the same thing - especially the large animal clinics because less people get into large animals.  The big defining difference is that the vet tech is certified to do what they are doing.  That means they get more money, and they are more sought after by vet clinics.

If it were me, I would try the vet tech program - it will open up more doors for you.

Answer 2

Depends on your state.   Some require the vet techs to be certified.    Check your own state's requirements.  Why not ask a vet or vet tech to find out more?

Answer 3

Vet Techs will make more $ and be able to perform minor vet procedures, most states require them to be licensed.  Vet assistants generally just assist with things, they aren't nearly as involved in the actual vet work as the Techs are, as far as I know, vet assistants are not usually licensed or certified.

Answer 4

A Vet Tech checks out the diseases and other stuff and is also a Vet Asst.

But I would aim for being an Equine Vet (which is what I want to do) You make more money than Vet Techs and Vet Asst. And you would work with horses =D