What Is a Veterinary Technician? A Complete Guide to Their Roles and How to Become One

ImmunityQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Veterinary technicians are specialized medical professionals in animal hospitals who assist veterinarians by taking charge of animal care, examinations, and surgical support. Here’s an overview of their roles, how to become one, and the current situation in Korea.

What Is a Veterinary Technician?

A veterinary technician assisting with blood collection in cats

Veterinary technicians are specialized medical professionals in animal hospitals who assist veterinarians by taking full responsibility for animal nursing, examinations, surgical assistance, and inpatient care. In simple terms, you can think of them as performing the combined roles of nurses, clinical pathologists, and operating room nurses in human hospitals, but specifically for animals. While only veterinarians can perform diagnoses, prescribe medications, and conduct surgeries, veterinary technicians handle most other practical tasks, such as blood collection, intravenous fluid administration, anesthesia assistance, and preparing for imaging tests. In South Korea, this profession gained official legal status with the introduction of the national certification for "Animal Health Technicians" in 2022.

Why Are Veterinary Technicians Gaining Attention Recently?

With the pet population reaching 15 million, the volume of veterinary clinic visits has increased, but the number of veterinarians remains limited. This has made it essential to have specialized staff dedicated to nursing, testing, and pre- and post-operative care. These professionals assist veterinarians by allowing them to focus on diagnosis and surgery, while also serving as a key communication channel with pet owners. Veterinary technicians are responsible for monitoring hospitalized animals’ temperature, respiration, and appetite at regular intervals and reporting their status to the veterinarian. The quality of veterinary care depends heavily on this specialized workforce.

What Veterinary Technicians Actually Do

The veterinary textbook *Assessing Essential Skills of Veterinary Technology Students* (4th edition) covers the core competencies required of veterinary technicians across a broad range of areas. Key domains include: (1) nursing care, such as monitoring vital signs like body temperature and animal restraint; (2) diagnostic support, including phlebotomy, microscopic evaluation, staining, and culture assistance in clinical pathology; (3) anesthesia and surgical assistance, encompassing implementation of anesthesia plans and aseptic techniques; (4) proper administration of medications and vaccines via appropriate routes; and (5) client communication and professional ethics. Please note that this categorization is intended to aid understanding, as these skills are interconnected in practice. The table below provides a clear overview of tasks commonly performed in clinical settings.

Key Roles by Area of Responsibility

Item	Nursing Area	Diagnostics Area	Surgery/Anesthesia Area
Representative Tasks	Checking body temperature, respiration, and appetite of hospitalized animals	Blood draw, urine collection, and imaging preparation	Anesthesia monitoring and operating room sterilization prep
Required Skills	Animal restraint and medication administration	Venous blood draw and microscopy reading assistance	Aseptic technique and anesthesia equipment operation
Frequency	Daily	Daily	According to surgery schedule

Performed under the direction and supervision of a veterinarian; diagnosis and prescription are the exclusive authority of the veterinarian.

What’s the Difference Between Animal Health Technician and Veterinary Technician?

These three terms are often used interchangeably, but here’s how they break down. Animal Health Technician is the official national certification title introduced in 2022. Veterinary Technician is the international term used in countries like the U.S. and Japan, and it’s also widely used within Korea’s veterinary industry. Veterinary Nurse is a general term that has been commonly used in practice for years, though it’s not an official legal title. In reality, all three refer to nearly the same role. In official documents and job postings, you’ll most often see the term Animal Health Technician.

The hands of a veterinary technician preparing for surgery

Do Veterinary Technicians Administer Injections and Perform Surgeries Directly?

Veterinary technicians can only perform procedures such as blood draws, IV fluid administration, and anesthesia assistance under the direct supervision and instruction of a veterinarian. It is illegal under the Veterinary Medical Act for them to independently diagnose conditions or perform surgeries. Occasionally, you may hear claims that a technician performed surgery, but this is a misrepresentation of their role in assisting with the procedure, such as passing instruments or monitoring anesthesia. As a pet owner, it is important to understand this distinction.

How to Become a Veterinary Technician

In Korea, passing the national Animal Health Technician exam is the official pathway. There are three main ways to qualify for the exam: 1. Graduation from an animal health-related program: Obtain a 2- to 4-year degree from an accredited college program in animal health. 2. Recognition of work experience: Complete a required period of hands-on experience at an animal hospital plus fulfill specific educational requirements. 3. Recognition of foreign degrees: Hold a veterinary technician license from abroad (subject to review). The exam covers four subjects, including animal anatomy and physiology, animal diseases, and animal health toxicology. It is administered once a year, typically around February.

A scene from a veterinary technician training session

What Are the Salary and Working Conditions Like?

In Korea, the average starting salary for veterinary technicians (animal health technicians) is around $17,000 to $20,000, based on industry job postings. With 3 to 5 years of experience, salaries can exceed $25,000, and at large secondary hospitals or specialty clinics, they can reach the $29,000 range. Work schedules typically align with clinic hours, requiring 5 to 6 days a week, and many clinics also have night and emergency shifts. Given the potential for animal allergies, physical exhaustion, and emotional labor, it’s wise to consider your personal temperament and stamina when choosing this career path.

Key Points for Pet Owners to Know When Visiting the Clinic

At the veterinary clinic, the person responsible for blood draws, IV fluids, and inpatient care is likely a veterinary technician (animal health technician). Since they monitor your pet’s condition most frequently, providing them with detailed information about your pet’s usual appetite, bowel movements, and activity levels can greatly assist in the diagnosis and treatment. They also typically provide guidance on post-discharge care and medication administration.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a veterinary technician and a veterinarian?

Veterinarians are licensed medical professionals with the authority to diagnose, prescribe, and perform surgeries, while veterinary technicians assist with nursing, diagnostics, and surgical support under a veterinarian’s direction. This is similar to the doctor-nurse relationship in human hospitals.

Can I work at a veterinary clinic without a license?

While you can assist with basic tasks like reception, grooming, and training support, legally assisting with medical procedures such as blood draws, medication administration, or anesthesia requires a certified veterinary technician license.

How difficult is the Animal Health Technician exam?

The recent pass rate is around 70-80%. This is relatively high, as it applies to graduates of accredited programs. However, you need to score at least 60 points on average in all four subjects, so consistent study is essential.

Can someone who studied humanities become a veterinarian?

Yes, most animal health-related programs accept applicants from both liberal arts and science backgrounds. However, since foundational knowledge in biology and chemistry is required, supplementary study after enrollment is essential.

Is it possible to work abroad?

Each country requires its own separate license and examination. For example, in the United States, you need state-specific VT/VTS credentials, while in Japan, you must obtain a Pet Nurse certification. Because local regulations vary, additional preparation is necessary.

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References

[1] Assessing Essential Skills of Veterinary Technology Students, 4th Edition

[2] AALAS, Laboratory Animal Technician Training Manual, 2021

[3] 농림축산식품부, 동물보건사 자격제도 운영 지침