Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
Registered Veterinary Technicians are invaluable assets of the veterinary team. They are required to have an Associate degree in Applied Science (Veterinary Technology), and must have passed state and national board exams in order to be licensed.
Registered Veterinary Technicians have many duties within the veterinary practice. They may not make diagnosis, prescribe treatments or medications, or perform surgery. However, under the direction of the veterinarian they may vaccinate pets, administer injections, give medications, perform venipuncture and carry out fluid therapy. They are also responsible for laboratory tests, radiology, anesthesia, dental prophylaxis and surgical assisting as instructed by the veterinarian. In fields such as dietary management and post-operative care veterinary technicians assist in client education. Veterinary technicians are also vital in communicating with clients about all aspects of pet care, including home management of ailing pets. In addition, the Registered Veterinary Technician is committed to providing the best nursing care possible for the hospitalized patient.
The OSU-Oklahoma City Veterinary Technology degree program offers an intense and rigorous curriculum intended to assure the public and the veterinary profession that our graduates are truly qualified and knowledgeable about animal care. Our students experience hands-on learning at facilities such as the Oklahoma State University-Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Stillwater and the Oklahoma University primate facility, as well as wildlife rehabilitation and zoo animal facilities. Our campus facility is equipped with state-of-the art laboratory and diagnostic equipment, including veterinary specific computer software and e-instruction computer equipment.
The third week in October is National Veterinary Technician Week! Take time to look around and see how much your veterinary technician does for your pet. Registered Veterinary Technicians are there to help you and your pets.
Back to Careers
Veterinary Technology A.A.S.