Veterinary technicians are an important part of the veterinary team. Whether your pet is visiting for a routine checkup, recovering from surgery, or receiving emergency care, these skilled professionals help provide the care and attention animals need.
You may recognize a veterinary technician as the person who checks your pet’s vital signs, assists during an appointment, or explains how to care for your animal at home. But much of their work happens behind the scenes.
Understanding what Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) do, the training they receive, and the role they play in veterinary medicine can help pet owners better appreciate the team caring for their animals.
What Does a Registered Veterinary Technician Do?
A Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) works alongside licensed veterinarians and other members of the veterinary healthcare team. RVTs receive specialized education and training that prepares them for a variety of responsibilities.
Depending on the practice and the veterinarian’s direction, an RVT may:
- Monitor anesthesia and vital signs. Carefully observe patients before, during, and after procedures.
- Perform laboratory testing. Collect and evaluate samples that help veterinarians diagnose medical conditions.
- Provide nursing care. Monitor hospitalized animals, administer treatments as directed, and assist with recovery.
- Assist with procedures. Prepare patients, instruments, and equipment and support veterinarians during medical and surgical procedures.
- Educate pet owners. Explain medications, preventive care, and instructions for caring for animals at home.
- Support patient comfort. Help animals feel safe and comfortable during examinations and treatment.
RVTs combine medical knowledge with hands-on skills, careful observation, and compassion. Their work helps veterinarians provide quality patient care.
What Makes Someone a Registered Veterinary Technician?
Becoming an RVT involves more than learning skills on the job.
In Indiana, individuals seeking registration generally complete an accredited veterinary technology program, pass required examinations, and meet the registration requirements established by the Indiana Board of Veterinary Medicine.
Their education includes animal anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, anesthesia, laboratory procedures, and nursing care.
Once they meet Indiana’s requirements and receive their registration, they may use the professional designation Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).
What’s the Difference Between a Veterinary Technician and a Registered Veterinary Technician?
In Indiana, the titles veterinary technician and Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) refer to professionals who have met the state’s education, examination, and registration requirements. They are not two separate credential levels.
Indiana law protects these professional titles, meaning individuals must be registered with the Indiana Board of Veterinary Medicine to use them.
This distinction is important because RVTs have completed specialized training that prepares them for responsibilities such as anesthesia monitoring, laboratory testing, nursing care, and assisting veterinarians with medical procedures.
For more information, see Indiana Code § 25-38.1-4-1.
What About Veterinary Assistants?
Veterinary assistants are also important members of the veterinary team, but their roles and credentialing requirements differ from those of RVTs.
Veterinary assistants may help with animal handling, preparing examination rooms, cleaning and organizing equipment, assisting with patient care, and supporting the daily work of a veterinary practice.
They may receive training through educational programs or on the job, but they do not hold the same Indiana registration as an RVT.
Both veterinary assistants and RVTs contribute to patient care under appropriate veterinary supervision. However, Indiana law distinguishes between these positions and the professional titles they may use.
Caring for Animals Big and Small
RVTs work in many areas of veterinary medicine, not just small animal clinics.
Some care for dogs and cats, while others work with horses, livestock, exotic pets, and wildlife. They may be employed in general practices, emergency hospitals, specialty facilities, animal shelters, zoos, research settings, or educational institutions.
Some RVTs also pursue additional training and specialty credentials in areas such as anesthesia, emergency and critical care, dentistry, or internal medicine.
No matter where they work, RVTs bring valuable skills to the veterinary healthcare team.
Recognizing the Important Work of Veterinary Technicians
Veterinary technicians are there for routine appointments, difficult cases, emergencies, and recovery. Their work helps veterinarians care for animals and provides valuable support to pet owners.
While veterinarians diagnose medical conditions, prescribe treatments, and perform surgery, RVTs carry out many important patient care responsibilities under veterinary supervision.
Their knowledge, technical skills, and compassion help veterinary teams deliver quality care every day.
To Indiana’s Registered Veterinary Technicians, thank you for caring for animals big and small and for being such an important part of the veterinary team.
The next time you visit your veterinary clinic, take a moment to thank an RVT. Their work makes a difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them.
References and Additional Information
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Veterinary technician education, training, and professional responsibilities.
https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/mcm-clientbroch-veterinary-tech-2024.pdf - National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA): Veterinary technician professional resources.
https://navta.net/ - Indiana Code § 25-38.1-4-1: Veterinary technician title protection.
https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-25/article-38-1/chapter-4/section-25-38-1-4-1/ - Indiana Board of Veterinary Medicine: RVT Title Protection Notice.
https://www.in.gov/vetboard/files/Dear-Colleague_RVT-Title-Protection_April-2025.pdf