How to Be Registered Veterinary Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 8, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) plays an important role in the animal health care field. By completing a two-year educational program and passing a qualifying examination, RVTs are able to provide a wide range of services, from physical exams and lab work to administering anesthesia and nursing care to animals. As a result of their specialized skills, RVTs are able to help animals recover from illness, prevent disease, and provide comfort and support to animals and their owners. This in turn helps veterinary practices to maintain high standards of care, which ultimately impacts the overall health of animals in the community.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. The first step to becoming a registered veterinary technician (RVT) is to earn a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED).
Graduate from an Accredited Veterinary Technician Program. After earning a high school diploma or GED, individuals must enroll in an accredited veterinary technician program. Such programs are typically offered through community colleges and technical schools.
Pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam. After graduating from an accredited veterinary technician program, individuals must then pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) in order to become registered veterinary technicians. The VTNE is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).
Obtain State Licensure. After passing the VTNE, individuals must then obtain licensure in order to practice as an RVT. The requirements for licensure vary by state, and each state has its own licensing board.
Maintain Certification. To maintain their certification, registered veterinary technicians must complete continuing education courses on a regular basis. Additionally, they must re-take the VTNE every few years.

Being a competent and up-to-date Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) requires dedication and a commitment to ongoing learning. To ensure that you are able to provide the highest quality of care to your patients, it is essential to stay informed about the latest research, best practices, and new technologies that are available in the field. Taking continuing education courses, reading professional journals, joining professional associations, and attending conferences and seminars are some of the best ways to ensure that you are knowledgeable about the most current topics. Additionally, staying up-to-date with industry trends, networking with other professionals in the field, and participating in online forums can also help you stay informed and stay competitive.

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Job Description

Perform and assist with medical and surgical treatments of animals
Administer medications, vaccinations and other treatments
Monitor vital signs, such as pulse, temperature, respiration, and weight, to detect and assess medical conditions
Perform laboratory procedures, such as fecal examinations, urinalysis and blood tests
Collect specimens for laboratory analysis
Diagnose, treat and manage diseases
Provide nursing care for hospitalized animals
Monitor post-operative care of patients
Provide advice to pet owners regarding preventive health care and nutrition
Supervise veterinary assistants and other support staff
Maintain accurate medical records
Instruct pet owners on proper home care for animals with medical issues

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of veterinary anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of veterinary medical terminology
Ability to take and record vital signs
Proficiency in aseptic techniques
Ability to perform basic nursing care and treatments
Ability to restrain animals for medical treatment
Knowledge of common animal diseases and treatments
Ability to administer and monitor anesthesia
Ability to understand and follow veterinarian instructions
Knowledge of laboratory procedures and specimen collection
Knowledge of medications and their uses
Ability to perform basic laboratory tests
Proficiency with radiology equipment
Knowledge of animal nutrition and preventive health care
Ability to communicate effectively with clients and other staff members
Ability to maintain accurate medical records
Ability to work with a diverse range of species
Ability to work independently while following safety guidelines
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws pertaining to veterinary medicine
Ability to monitor stock levels and order supplies as needed

The most important skill for a Registered Veterinary Technician is the ability to quickly assess and diagnose the health of animals. This skill requires knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with both animals and their owners. By having a deep understanding of animal health, a Registered Veterinary Technician can quickly identify any potential health issues and provide the best possible care and treatment.

This knowledge also helps to ensure that treatments are based on sound scientific evidence and are tailored to the individual animal. having strong communication skills helps the technician to build trust and rapport with the pet owners, allowing them to provide the best possible advice in regards to the care of their pet.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a Registered Veterinary Technician?
Describe the most challenging situation you have encountered as a Registered Veterinary Technician and how you handled it.
What would you say are your greatest strengths in veterinary care?
How do you keep up with the latest advances in veterinary medicine?
What do you feel makes you stand out from other Registered Veterinary Technicians?
How do you handle difficult conversations with pet owners?
What do you consider to be the most important skill for a Registered Veterinary Technician to have?
How do you ensure accuracy when documenting medical information?
Describe a time when you had to work collaboratively with other veterinary personnel to successfully deliver care.
How do you handle stressful situations in the clinic?

Common Tools in Industry

Digital Veterinary Imaging System. A system used to take digital X-rays, ultrasound images and other medical images of animals. (Eg: VetRay Digital Veterinary Imaging System)
Veterinary Anesthesia Machines. Machines used to monitor and deliver anaesthetics and other drugs to animals during surgical procedures. (Eg: VetEquip Anesthesia Machines)
Euthanasia Equipment. Equipment used to humanely euthanize animals that are suffering from incurable or terminal conditions. (Eg: Eutha-Stat Euthanasia System)
Veterinary Surgical Tools. A variety of specialized surgical tools used for performing surgeries on animals. (Eg: Fine Science Tools Veterinary Surgical Scissors)
Automated Veterinary Pharmacy Systems. Computerized systems that dispense medication to animals in veterinary clinics or hospitals. (Eg: VetScript Automated Veterinary Pharmacy System)
Veterinary Laboratory Equipment. Equipment used for conducting laboratory tests on animals, such as blood tests and other diagnostic tests. (Eg: Abaxis VetScan Laboratory Equipment)
Veterinary Monitors. Machines used to monitor the vital signs of animals, such as their heart rate, respiration rate, temperature, and blood pressure. (Eg: Philips IntelliVue Veterinary Monitors)
Animal Dentistry Equipment. Specialized tools used to perform dental procedures on animals, such as cleaning, scaling, and polishing teeth. (Eg: Henry Schein Animal Dentistry Equipment)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists (AVTA)
American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB)
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS)
Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE)
International Veterinary Information Service (IVIS)
International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM)
National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (NBVME)
American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)

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Common Important Terms

Veterinary Medicine. The practice of diagnosing and treating diseases and other medical conditions in animals.
Animal Health. The study and care of animals to maintain and promote their health.
Animal Science. The scientific study of the anatomy, physiology, nutrition, genetics, behavior, and environment of animals.
Veterinary Pathology. The study of the causes, effects, and diagnosis of diseases in animals.
Veterinary Physiology. The study of the physical and chemical processes that occur within animals bodies.
Animal Nutrition. The study of the food requirements of animals in order to maintain health and support life processes.
Veterinary Pharmacology. The study of the actions of drugs on animals and their effects on the body.
Veterinary Toxicology. The study of the effects of toxins on animals and how to treat or prevent them.
Veterinary Surgery. The practice of performing surgical procedures on animals.
Veterinary Radiology. The use of imaging technologies such as X-rays and ultrasound to diagnose and treat diseases in animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Registered Veterinary Technician?

A Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is a highly trained and licensed professional who provides technical support to veterinarians in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of animal diseases.

What qualifications are required to become an RVT?

To become an RVT, one must complete an accredited Veterinary Technician program, pass a national certification exam and meet licensing requirements in the state they intend to practice in.

What tasks do RVTs typically perform?

RVTs typically perform a wide range of tasks such as taking vital signs, administering medications, anesthesia monitoring, laboratory work, radiology, dental procedures and providing nursing care for sick or injured animals.

How many states currently recognize and license RVTs?

As of 2021, there are 44 states plus the District of Columbia that recognize and license RVTs.

What is the scope of practice for RVTs?

The scope of practice for RVTs is defined by each states veterinary practice act or regulations and may vary slightly from state to state. Generally, RVTs are authorized to perform a wide range of medical procedures under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.