Key Points:

• Surgical Technicians assist doctors during surgery; Veterinary Assistants provide basic care for animals.
• Surgical Technicians typically earn higher salaries than Veterinary Assistants.
• Demand for Surgical Technicians is expected to grow faster than Veterinary Assistants.
• Both jobs require in-person training, but Surgical Technicians may have more extensive educational requirements.
• Surgical Technician training is generally more expensive and takes longer than Veterinary Assistant training.

Are you considering a career in the medical or veterinary field? If so, you may be wondering what the differences are between a surgical technician and a veterinary assistant. Both of these professions play important roles in the healthcare industry, but they have distinct responsibilities and training requirements. In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between surgical technicians and veterinary assistants to help you determine which path is right for you.

What is a Surgical Technician and Veterinary Assistant?

Surgical Technician: A surgical technician, also known as a surgical technologist, is a healthcare professional who assists surgeons and other members of the surgical team during medical procedures. They are responsible for ensuring that the operating room is properly prepared, sterilizing equipment, and assisting with surgical procedures. Surgical technicians also play a crucial role in patient care, including prepping patients for surgery, monitoring vital signs, and providing post-operative care.

Veterinary Assistant: A veterinary assistant is a healthcare professional who provides support to veterinarians and veterinary technicians in animal healthcare settings. They assist with routine procedures, such as administering medication, taking X-rays, and collecting lab samples. Veterinary assistants also play a role in animal care, including feeding, bathing, and exercising animals. They may also help with administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records.

Difference between a Surgical Technician and a Veterinary Assistant

While both surgical technicians and veterinary assistants work in healthcare settings, there are several key differences between these two professions:

Work Environment:

• Surgical technicians primarily work in hospitals, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities where surgical procedures are performed.
• Veterinary assistants primarily work in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and research facilities.

Patient Population:

• Surgical technicians work with human patients, assisting in a variety of surgical procedures.
• Veterinary assistants work with animals, providing care and support to a wide range of species.

Scope of Practice:

• Surgical technicians work closely with surgeons and other members of the surgical team to ensure that procedures are conducted safely and efficiently. They have a deep understanding of human anatomy and surgical techniques.
• Veterinary assistants work under the supervision of veterinarians and veterinary technicians. While they may assist with some medical procedures, their primary role is to support the veterinary team in providing care to animals.

Training and Certification:

• Surgical technicians typically complete a formal education program, which may be a certificate, diploma, or associate degree program. They must also pass a national certification exam to become a certified surgical technologist.
• Veterinary assistants often receive on-the-job training, although some may choose to complete a veterinary assistant program to enhance their skills and job prospects. Certification is not required for veterinary assistants, but it may be beneficial for career advancement.

Surgical Technician vs Veterinary Assistant: Job Description

Surgical Technician:

• Prepare the operating room by ensuring that all necessary equipment and supplies are available and properly sterilized.
• Assist the surgical team by passing instruments, sponges, and sutures during procedures.
• Monitor the patient's vital signs during surgery and provide post-operative care, including dressing wounds and monitoring recovery.
• Maintain a sterile field and adhere to strict infection control protocols.
• Assist with patient positioning and transferring during surgical procedures.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.

Veterinary Assistant:

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians in routine procedures, such as administering medication and collecting lab samples.
• Prepare examination rooms and ensure that all necessary equipment and supplies are available and properly sterilized.
• Handle and restrain animals during procedures and examinations.
• Provide basic nursing care, including cleaning wounds, administering medications, and monitoring vital signs.
• Perform laboratory tests, such as bloodwork and urinalysis.
• Educate pet owners on proper animal care and medication administration.

Surgical Technician vs Veterinary Assistant: Education and Training

Surgical Technician:

• Completion of a formal education program, which may be a certificate, diploma, or associate degree program.
• Programs typically include classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
• Courses may cover topics such as anatomy, surgical techniques, infection control, and patient care.
• After completing their education, surgical technicians must pass a national certification exam to become certified surgical technologist.

Veterinary Assistant:

• On-the-job training is common for veterinary assistants, although some may choose to complete a veterinary assistant program to enhance their skills and job prospects.
• Veterinary assistant programs are typically short-term and may be offered by community colleges or vocational schools.
• Courses may cover topics such as animal anatomy, medical terminology, and basic veterinary procedures.
• Certification is not required for veterinary assistants, but it may be beneficial for career advancement. The Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) designation is offered by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

Surgical Technician vs Veterinary Assistant: Career Outlook and Salary

Surgical Technician:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for surgical technologists was $48,300 as of May 2020.
• The demand for surgical technologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an aging population that requires more surgical procedures.

Veterinary Assistant:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers was $28,590 as of May 2020.
• The demand for veterinary assistants is projected to grow 16 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an increasing need for veterinary services as pet ownership continues to rise.

Final Thoughts

Both surgical technicians and veterinary assistants play important roles in the healthcare industry. If you have a passion for human anatomy and surgical procedures, a career as a surgical technician may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you have a love for animals and want to make a difference in their lives, a career as a veterinary assistant may be a better fit. Consider your interests, strengths, and career goals when making your decision, and don't hesitate to reach out to professionals in each field for further guidance.

Dreambound extends its programs to various locations. Visit the suggested blogs to delve deeply into the intricate details of the two vocations, learning about their respective requirements and gaining valuable insights on how to kickstart your involvement:

• Surgical Technician in Utah
• Veterinary Assistant in Utah
• Surgical Technician classes near you