What is a veterinary technician (CVT/RVT)?
A credentialed veterinary professional (CVT or RVT) who performs clinical, surgical, and diagnostic tasks under a DVM's supervision, with education and licensing requirements that vary by state.
A veterinary technician holds state or national credentials as either a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), depending on the state where they work. Both designations require completion of an accredited veterinary technician program and passage of the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). The terms CVT and RVT are used interchangeably across states, though some states prefer one title over the other.
Veterinary technicians work under the direct supervision of a licensed DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and handle a range of clinical duties that a veterinarian cannot legally perform alone. Their responsibilities include drawing blood and running laboratory tests, assisting in surgical procedures, taking radiographs, performing ultrasound and dental work, administering medications and vaccines, and monitoring anesthesia during operations. They also maintain patient records, prepare surgical instruments, and provide post-operative care instructions to pet owners.
The key difference between a veterinary technician and a DVM is scope of practice: veterinarians diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and make medical decisions, while technicians execute those decisions and handle hands-on clinical work. In a typical Denver veterinary clinic, veterinary practices employ technicians to maximize efficiency and allow the veterinarian to focus on examination, diagnosis, and surgical planning. Credentialing ensures that technicians have met education and testing standards, protecting both animal welfare and client confidence in the clinic's clinical competence.