Difference Between a Licensed Veterinary Technician and a Veterinary Assistant
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT):
Must complete an accredited veterinary technology program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
Licensed, registered, or certified depending on state regulations.
Trained to perform advanced clinical procedures under a veterinarian’s supervision, including anesthesia monitoring, dental cleanings, radiology, laboratory diagnostics, and client education.
Veterinary Assistant:
Typically trained on the job or through certificate programs (no license required).
Provides supportive care such as handling and restraining animals, cleaning and preparing equipment, feeding, and assisting with routine tasks.
Cannot legally perform the same medical procedures as an LVT.
Technician Appointments
At Premier Equine we are able to provide veterinary technician appointments. Once you are an established client and have an established VCPR by a Premier Equine veterinarian, there are some veterinary technician appointments that can be available to you and your horse.
A veterinary technician appointment typically involves assisting the veterinarian in providing medical care to an animal. Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVTs) perform a wide range of clinical tasks, such as obtaining a patient’s history, performing physical exams, collecting samples for laboratory testing, administering medications, administering booster vaccines, taking radiographs, monitoring anesthesia, triaging emergencies, and educating pet owners on preventive care and treatment plans. They serve as an essential link between the veterinarian and the client, ensuring that both the animal’s medical needs and the owner’s concerns are addressed.