How to Specialize as a Veterinary Technician: Forging Your Path in the Animal Care Journey

candace846
Jan 22
4 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Jenaia Evans, BS, LVT

If you’re studying to become a veterinary technician or already working in the field, you’ve probably noticed—this career can take you in so many directions! From surgery to behavior to exotic animal care, vet techs have the opportunity to specialize and build rewarding, purpose-driven careers.

Let’s break down what it means to specialize, explore some of the most popular specialties, and take a closer look at one that’s especially fascinating (and close to my heart): Internal Medicine.

What Does it Mean to Specialize as a Veterinary Technician?

What many people may not know is you don’t need a large amount of experience to work in a specialty. Universities are especially open to newer veterinary technicians looking to explore beyond general practice. If you’re looking to take your career one step further after discovering what specialty you’re passionate about then becoming a Veterinary Technician Specialist is an excellent option!

A Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) is a credentialed vet tech who has advanced knowledge and skills in a particular area of veterinary medicine. Think of it as going from being a “jack-of-all-trades” to becoming an expert in one specific area.

To earn a VTS, you’ll need:

Several years of experience in your chosen field
Documented case logs and advanced skills checklists
Continuing education credits
Strong recommendations from supervising veterinarians or VTS mentors
And finally—passing a comprehensive specialty exam through a NAVTA-approved academy While it’s a lot of work, becoming a specialist can open doors to new opportunities in clinical practice, education, research, leadership, and even industry roles.

While it’s a lot of work, becoming a specialist can open doors to new opportunities in clinical practice, education, research, leadership, and even industry roles.

The Many Veterinary Technician Specialties

There are more than 16 NAVTA-recognized specialties, so there’s truly something for everyone.

Here are some of the most common:

Anesthesia & Analgesia – Focus on safe and effective pain management
Emergency & Critical Care – Work with the sickest or most injured patients
Internal Medicine – Diagnose and manage complex internal diseases
Dentistry – Master oral health, dental radiography, and oral surgery assistance
Behavior – Help pets and owners navigate behavioral challenges
Nutrition – Support customized diets and nutritional plans
Clinical Practice – Deepen your skills in companion, production, or exotic animals
Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy – Help patients recover mobility and strength
Zoological Medicine – Work with wildlife, zoo, or aquatic animals
Surgery, Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Diagnostic Imaging, and more

“I chose a Veterinary Radiologist because I want to be able to help animals anyway I can. I want to be able to diagnose disease through x-rays. I want to be able to provide an experts opinion, I would be able to read x-rays better than a normal veterinarian.” - Ashley Hubbard

Each specialty offers its own challenges and rewards—but all share a focus on improving patient care through advanced knowledge and teamwork.

Spotlight: Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine is one of the most intellectually challenging and rewarding specialties in veterinary technology.

What is it?

This field focuses on diagnosing and managing diseases that affect the body’s internal systems—like the gastrointestinal, endocrine, renal, and respiratory systems.

Typical cases include:

Diabetes mellitus
Cushing’s or Addison’s disease
Kidney and liver disorders
Chronic gastrointestinal issues
Autoimmune diseases

What Internal Medicine Technicians Do:

Assist with advanced diagnostic procedures (like ultrasound, endoscopy, and CT scans)
Collect and interpret lab samples
Manage hospitalized patients with complex conditions
Communicate with pet owners about long-term care plans
Coordinate between multiple specialists to ensure the best outcomes

If you enjoy puzzle-solving, critical thinking, and being deeply involved in long-term patient care, Internal Medicine might be the perfect fit.

The Pros and Cons of Specializing

Pros:

✅ Work on advanced and challenging cases

✅ Build deeper medical knowledge and confidence

✅ Open up new career paths (leadership, teaching, research, etc.)

✅ Gain professional recognition and higher earning potential

Cons:

⚠ The process is time-consuming and requires dedication

⚠ Specialty roles can be competitive and limited in some areas

⚠ More responsibility can also mean more stress

Even with the challenges, many techs find specialization reignites their passion for the field and helps them stay inspired throughout their careers.

How to Build a Career as a Veterinary Technician Specialist

Get experience first. Work in a variety of departments to see what excites you most.
Find a mentor. A current VTS can provide guidance and review your case logs.
Keep learning. Attend CE events, webinars, and conferences related to your specialty.
Start documenting. Keep track of every relevant case, skill, and procedure you complete.
Join professional organizations. They often offer resources, networking, and support during the application process.
Be patient. The process takes time, but every step helps you grow as a technician and a professional.

Final Thoughts

Specializing as a veterinary technician is a big commitment—but it’s also one of the most fulfilling ways to advance your career. Whether you’re drawn to the fast pace of emergency care, the precision of anesthesia, or the problem-solving of internal medicine, there’s a path that fits your strengths and passions.

At KLR Medical Certification Training School, we’re proud to support the next generation of veterinary professionals through flexible online education and real-world career insights. Every step you take to expand your skills helps you make a bigger impact on animal health and wellbeing.

About the Author

Jenaia Evans, BS, LVT is a Licensed Veterinary Technician with over 10 years of experience in general practice, specialty, emergency, and academic settings. Her primary interest is Internal Medicine, where she has developed a passion for complex case management and client education. Jenaia is also an advocate for professional growth in the veterinary field and enjoys helping future technicians discover their unique career paths.