What is a Vet Tech?

What is a "Vet Tech"?

In the state of Indiana, “vet tech” stands for Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).  To be an RVT,  one must graduate from an AVMA accredited veterinary  technology program and pass the Indiana State Board examination.  At this time they are registered by State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (SBVME). In other states vet techs can be called licensed or certified rather than registered. 

As a part of the veterinary team, RVT’s perform a wide range of veterinary nursing, client education, imaging, anesthesia, dental hygiene, and diagnostic laboratory procedures in a practice setting. (click here for more)

Careers in the credentialed veterinary technician field require maintaining Continuing Education according to State regulations.  Continuing Education programs are available to members in the “members only” pages of this website.

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

The term "technician" refers to an individual who graduated from a veterinary technology school.  The term “assistant” refers to an individual who has been educated on the job, rather than at a school for veterinary technology.

According to Indiana State legislation:

"A person who knowingly acts as a registered veterinary technician in this state without being registered as a veterinary technician with the board or having a special permit issued by the board; or supplies false information on an application for registration as a veterinary technician; commits a Class B misdemeanor."  IC 15-5-1.1-35

How does one become a vet tech?

There are several regulations for a person to become a registered veterinary technician.  The following is taken directly from the Indiana Code CHAPTER 1.1. INDIANA VETERINARY PRACTICE:

IC 15-5-1.1-10

Veterinary technician; requirements for registration
Sec. 15. To become a registered veterinary technician, a person must:
        (1) not have a conviction for a crime that has a direct bearing on the 
               person's ability to practice competently;
        (2) pay the fees required under this chapter in an amount established
               by the board by rule;
        (3) have attained the age of eighteen (18) years;
        (4) have successfully completed four (4) years of high school
               education or an acceptable equivalent;
        (5) have either successfully completed an approved program of
               veterinary technology or have been a registered veterinary
               technician on August 31, 1981; and
        (6) show that the person has the necessary knowledge and skills to be
               a registered veterinary technician, demonstrated by successfully
               passing the required examinations.

As added by Acts 1979, P.L.146, SEC.1. Amended by Acts 1981, P.L.222, SEC.14; Acts 1982, P.L.113, SEC.5; P.L.169-1985, SEC.10; P.L.149-1987, SEC.7; P.L.33-1993, SEC.5.