Choosing between VT and VMA
It can be a tough decision whether to take the veterinary technology (VT) or the veterinary medical assistant (VMA) program.
To help you decide here’s a brief outline how they differ in:
- what kind of role you would have in a vet clinic or other setting
- what tasks you are allowed to perform as set out by the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) guidelines
Whatever program you choose, you aren’t limited to working in veterinary clinics. Other career opportunities include:
- feedlots and other large livestock operations
- drug/food company representatives
- zoos
- research labs
- humane societies
- pet stores
| VT role and responsibilities |
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An analogy may help. A veterinary technologist is similar to a combined human nurse/x-ray tech/lab tech. As an VT you can
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| VMA roles and responsibilities |
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A VMA has more of a supporting role in a veterinary clinic. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be an integral part of the veterinary health care team. Typically as a VMA you could assist one or all of a receptionist, VT and veterinarian. For example you might assist a VT and/or vets with:
Depending on the practice, VMAs typically fill a receptionist role in a vet clinic and answer the phone, book appointments, record treatments, take payments, file, and do merchandising. By regulation, a VMA isn’t permitted to perform technical duties such as monitoring anesthetics, analyzing samples, giving injections or placing intravenous catheters. These duties are only to be carried out by certified AHTs or veterinarians. |