What is a CVT?

Essentially, a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) is the trained right hand of the veterinarian. The CVT is able to perform all duties not specifically reserved by law for the veterinarian. Only a veterinarian is allowed to diagnose, prescribe and perform surgery. Almost everything else can and should be done by a technician.

This leaves a very large range of duties to veterinary technicians. Tasks range from collecting laboratory samples, taking X-rays, performing lab work, administering/monitoring anesthesia, taking an initial history and vital signs, assisting in surgery, providing most of the direct hospitalized patient monitoring and care, client education and animal restraint, to taking certain appointments not requiring a doctor. The list is too extensive to put in this article. A veterinarian must supervise all of these activities. Licensed veterinary technicians in Wisconsin are allowed to perform dentistry and administer rabies vaccine under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. Because of their training and continued use of skills, CVTs are much better at certain tasks than veterinarians. A veterinarian should be able to tell a technician what diagnostics and/or treatments are needed and then proceed to other tasks.

Training for these activities is extensive. To become a Certified Veterinary Technician, a person must complete a 2-year technical degree in veterinary technology at an accredited college followed by an internship. Once the degree is earned, licensing requires state and/or national board and state law examinations. Continuing education is required to maintain certification.

If desired, CVTs can pursue advanced training and become certified in specialty areas of veterinary medicine such as emergency and critical care, radiology, dentistry or anesthesia. Many CVTs will pursue training in management and eventually manage veterinary hospitals. In veterinary schools, veterinary students receive much technical training from technicians.

Being a veterinary technician is not all fun and games though. They do not just play with animals all day. Veterinary professionals often see patients at their worst. We see them sick, severely traumatized, dying of cancer, kidney disease and other problems. A very important part of the profession is to provide a dignified and humane death for many patients. Veterinary technicians are vital for these important duties. Veterinary professionals all care deeply for animals and the emotional toll can be high at times.

I have had the good fortune to work with many very skilled and wonderful technicians over the years, including the technicians I am currently work with. Their skills, observations, and willingness to help have saved more than a few lives. I could not do my job without the assistance of good veterinary technicians.

October 21 to 27 is National Veterinary Technician Week. Please take the opportunity to thank your veterinary technician for their invaluable service.

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