If you have a passion for animals, a career in veterinary science could be a perfect fit for you. Two popular options in this field are becoming a veterinarian or a veterinary technician. Both roles are crucial when it comes to caring for animals, but they differ in several important ways.
In this article, we’ll break down what it means to be a vet or a vet tech, highlight the main similarities and differences between the two careers, and share some helpful tips to help you choose the right path for you.
What Does a Veterinarian Do?
Imagine a world without doctors for animals — that’s where veterinarians step in. Veterinarians are the lifesavers, healers, and health protectors for pets, farm animals, wildlife, and sometimes even exotic creatures. Whether it’s performing delicate surgeries, diagnosing mysterious illnesses, or simply making sure a puppy gets its first vaccinations, veterinarians are at the heart of animal healthcare.
Their Main Roles:
Veterinarians don’t just “treat” animals — they do a whole lot more:
- Diagnose illnesses and injuries – from a limping dog to a coughing parrot.
- Create treatment plans – prescribing the right medicines or therapies.
- Perform surgeries – this could be routine spay/neuter surgeries or complex procedures like repairing broken bones.
- Prevent diseases through regular vaccinations and health checkups.
- Educate pet owners on how to feed, care for, and protect their furry (or scaly) family members.
In short, they are the decision-makers, caregivers, and educators — all rolled into one.
What It Takes to Become a Veterinarian?
Becoming a vet isn’t something you stumble into — it’s a journey that demands passion, patience, and plenty of studying.
- Bachelor’s Degree (around 4 years) — usually in a science-related field like biology or animal science.
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) (another 4 years) — studying at a veterinary college, where you get hands-on training.
- Licensing — passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and meeting any state-specific rules.
Fun fact: In total, becoming a vet often takes longer than becoming a human doctor! That’s how much expertise is needed to care for different species.
Where Vets Work?
Veterinarians are not confined to a single type of workplace. You’ll find them in:
- Private clinics (your neighborhood pet doctor)
- Animal hospitals (for surgeries, emergencies, and serious care)
- Zoos and wildlife sanctuaries (caring for lions, elephants, or rescued owls)
- Research centers (developing vaccines and studying diseases)
- Public health agencies (working to prevent zoonotic diseases that could jump from animals to humans)
Veterinarians also often lead a team that includes Vet Techs and Veterinary Assistants, ensuring every animal gets the best care possible.
What Does a Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech) Do?
If veterinarians are the doctors, Vet Techs are like the nurses, paramedics, and right hands of the veterinary world. They’re the ones who are constantly hands-on, soothing scared pets, preparing surgical equipment, running lab tests, and being the comforting presence animals (and owners) need.
Their Key Roles:
Vet Techs might not diagnose or prescribe, but they are the backbone of daily animal care. Here’s what they do:
- Assist during exams and surgeries – think of them handing tools to the vet or calming a nervous dog.
- Perform diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, blood draws, and lab work.
- Administer medications – giving injections, pills, or treatments as directed.
- Monitor anesthesia – making sure animals are safe and stable during operations.
- Guide pet owners – explaining how to care for their pets after treatment.
Simply put, Vet Techs ensure that everything runs like clockwork in a veterinary setting.
How to Become a Vet Tech?
The path to becoming a Vet Tech is much shorter than becoming a vet, but still very specialized:
- Associate Degree (around 2 years) — in veterinary technology.
- Licensing — passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and meeting any local certification requirements.
Some Vet Techs go even further by specializing in areas like anesthesia, dentistry, critical care, or lab animal medicine.
Where Vet Techs Work?
Like veterinarians, Vet Techs work in a wide range of environments:
- General animal clinics (for everyday care)
- Emergency and specialty hospitals (dealing with urgent or complex cases)
- Research facilities (helping advance animal medicine)
- Zoos and aquariums (caring for exotic animals)
Vet Techs are often the ones ensuring that an animal’s experience — whether it’s surgery or a simple vaccine — is as gentle, safe, and smooth as possible.
Quick Summary: Veterinarian vs. Vet Tech
| Category | Veterinarian | Vet Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Main Role | Diagnoses, treats, and performs surgeries | Assists with exams, surgeries, and patient care |
| Education | 8+ years (Bachelor’s + DVM) | 2 years (Associate Degree) |
| Licensing | NAVLE exam + State license | VTNE exam + Certification |
| Scope of Practice | Full medical authority | Works under vet supervision |
| Common Workplaces | Clinics, hospitals, zoos, research, public health | Clinics, hospitals, research labs, zoos |
FAQs
Q1. Can a Vet Tech become a Veterinarian?
Yes! Many Vet Techs later go back to school to earn a DVM degree. Their experience often gives them an advantage in veterinary school.
Q2. Is the salary very different between a Vet and a Vet Tech?
Yes, veterinarians earn significantly more because of their level of responsibility and years of education. Vet Techs earn good salaries, too, but typically less.
Q3. Which career is better if I want to work sooner?
Vet Tech! You can be job-ready in about two years, compared to eight or more years to become a vet.
Q4. Do both vets and vet techs need to love animals?
Absolutely! Both careers require deep compassion, patience, and a genuine love for animals — it’s the heart of everything they do.
Q5. Are there opportunities to specialize in both careers?
Yes. Vets can specialize in fields like cardiology, oncology, or surgery. Vet Techs can specialize too — in anesthesia, dentistry, emergency care, and more.
