🩺 How Veterinary Technicians Shape Clinic Success – A 2025 Vet Guide by Dr Duncan Houston

Think veterinary technicians just hold animals still? Think again. In this 2025 guide, Dr Duncan Houston highlights the skilled, compassionate, and essential role credentialed veterinary technicians play in delivering high-quality care, keeping clinics running smoothly, and improving outcomes for pets and owners alike. 🐶🐱

👩‍⚕️ What Does a Credentialed Vet Tech Do?

Depending on your state, they may be called CVT, RVT, LVT, or AHT. These professionals complete accredited college programs and pass state licensing exams. Their work is often compared to that of a nurse in human healthcare—but their scope is broader. ✨

• 🩺 Assist in surgery
• 💉 Administer vaccines and medications
• 🧪 Perform lab tests
• 📸 Take X-rays
• 💬 Educate and support clients
• 📋 Schedule, manage inventory, and follow up after procedures

🎓 Education & Specialization

Credentialed technicians hold either an associate or bachelor’s degree from an AVMA-accredited program and must complete continuing education to remain licensed. 🧠

They can also become a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) by pursuing advanced training in areas such as:

• 🦷 Dentistry
• 🧠 Behavior
• 💉 Anesthesia
• 🚨 Emergency/Critical Care
• 🧬 Clinical pathology
• 🏇 Equine, internal medicine, or zoo animal care

🧭 Why Vet Techs Matter to You

• 💬 They often speak with clients more than the vet—and translate medical terms into plain English
• ⏱️ They free up the veterinarian’s time for diagnostics, surgery, and medical planning
• 💰 Their involvement reduces your costs and boosts clinic efficiency
• 🧍 They are often the ones making follow-up calls, checking on healing, and ensuring your pet gets top-notch care

📞 Behind the Scenes & Beyond

Many technicians manage inventory, coordinate appointments, train new team members, and keep the entire clinic operating. Some move into leadership or management roles—becoming the backbone of veterinary business success. 🧾📈

🎉 Celebrate National Veterinary Technician Week

🗓️ Held the third week of October every year, this is the perfect time to thank the vet techs who care for your pets. A handwritten card, baked treat, or kind word goes a long way! 🎁💌

💬 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Veterinary technicians are more than helpers—they’re highly trained, deeply dedicated professionals who make compassionate, high-quality veterinary care possible. They’re our partners, our translators, and often, our lifelines in moments of crisis. ❤️🐾

📲 Want to Learn More About Your Clinic’s Team?

Download the Ask A Vet app and connect with licensed professionals like Dr Duncan Houston to understand who’s caring for your pet and how you can support them. 🐕📱