Two-year veterinary technician training

Make your passion your profession

The ABIVET Veterinary Technician Course It trains highly qualified professionals ready to work in clinics, veterinary hospitals, testing laboratories and pet facilities.
It is a path comprehensive, practical and accredited, available in three flexible modes: in the Chamber, in Synchronous Streaming e Online.

ABIVET is a nationally and internationally recognised structure, accredited by quality bodies, university partners, certification bodies and veterinary reference bodies.

Locations and attendance

Classroom (face-to-face lessons)

in DAD (distance learning)

All modes include:
same final title, same training programme, 800 hours total practical training in veterinary facilities.

Veterinary technician: an essential role in animal health

Become a professional between nursing and veterinary technology

ABIVET training prepares professionals capable of:
assisting the veterinary doctor during examinations, procedures and interventions;

manage the reception of customers and the relationship with the owner;

caring for and restraining animals;

prepare tools, rooms, materials, protocols;

handle emergencies and emergencies competently;

use the main veterinary technologies (X-ray, CT, ultrasound, laboratory analysers);

organising clinical and administrative documentation.

An accredited, certified and recognised route

The ABIVET course is:

ISO 9001 certified

quality assurance, controlled processes and high educational standards

Accredited by ANMVI, CEPAS, ACOVENE, RCVS and university collaborations

which attest to the educational quality and national and European spendability of the degree.

Integrated with veterinary clinics and real laboratories

for immediate practical experience.

Compliant with European Veterinary Technician standards

for those who also wish to work abroad.

Veterinary assistant? Veterinary nurse? Veterinary Technician?

The term Veterinary Technician includes both functions:

In the veterinary sector, there are several commonly used terms - veterinary assistant, veterinary nurse, support worker - but only one of these is officially recognised by a national technical standard:
👉 the figure of the Veterinary Technician.

According to the Standard UNI 11874, the Veterinary Technician is the only professional figure formally defined by an Italian standard, which states:

professional profile,
compulsory competences,
autonomy and operational responsibilities,
theoretical knowledge required,
training and updating requirements,
areas in which it can operate.

✔ The only figure recognised by UNI standard

“Veterinary assistant” and “veterinary nurse” are expressions used in everyday language or in specific fields, but do not correspond to standardised figures.
These are terms historically used to describe part of the tasks now included in the single profile.

👉 The UNI standard identifies only the Veterinary Technician as a unified professional reference.

✔ The Veterinary Technician combines both functions

The standardised profile encompasses both the organisational area (traditionally associated with the assistant) and the clinical-operational area (typical of the nurse).

The Veterinary Technician is therefore the professional:

assisting the veterinary doctor during examinations and interventions,
collaborating in clinical and surgical management,
which deals with patient care, restraint, therapy and monitoring,
using advanced diagnostic technologies and tools,
which manages reception, procedures and clinical documentation.

✔ Recognition also in the CCNL for Professional Studies

Since 2015, the profile of the Veterinary Technician has also been included in the CCNL for Professional Studies, consolidating the contractual recognition of the figure, duties and responsibilities.

Course Modalities for Veterinary Technicians

Each student can choose the mode that best suits his or her needs: classroom (venue), synchronous streaming or online.
All modalities award the same title and involve practical training.

Classroom modes

Head office

Traditional attendance, ideal for those who want direct contact with teachers and fellow students.

Duration: 2 years
400 hours per year of practical training
Access to laboratories, equipment and simulations
Final examination: written + practical test

Advantages of the classroom mode

maximum interaction;
live practical activities;
supervised internship;
structured and professional environment.

Synchronous Mode

Streaming with Classroom

Live online classes at the same times as the venue.

Internship: 400 hours/year at affiliated facilities
Same quality as in-presence mode

Advantages of Synchronous Mode

experience the classroom in real time;
teacher and fellow students always present;
you can follow anywhere, without moving;
ideal for those who have fixed hours but cannot come to the venue.

Online Mode 100% Digital

Distance Learning

The most flexible solution.

Recorded lectures, multimedia materials, online tutor
Internship: 800 hours in total in two years at affiliated facilities
Registration always open

Advantages of Online Mode

study when you want, where you want;
perfect for working people;
access to digital resources, tests, quizzes and tutors;
you can start at any time of the year.

Professional outlets

Through theoretical training, practice and internship, you can work in:

veterinary clinics
24-hour veterinary hospitals
veterinary clinics and facilities
veterinary diagnostic centres
analysis laboratories
diagnostic imaging departments
pet facilities
fauna recovery centres
zoos, parks, aquariums
research laboratories

The figure of the veterinary technician is increasingly in demand in the labour market: facilities are looking for qualified personnel with technical, practical and clinical skills.

Why choose Abivet

How to Register & Information
Physical LocationsRome, Cremona, Salento
Online mode: registration always open

Contact the secretariat for costs, schedule and documents
Request information to receive the detailed study plan

Recognition in the CCNL

On 2 July 2015, with the signing of the Annex defining competencies and tasks, the Veterinary Technician is officially included in the CCNL Professional Studies.
This figure is now regulated, recognised and defined in all its aspects, with a precise professional profile valid throughout Italy.