There are not enough licensed Veterinary Techs in the state to fill the need of cathater placements. In practices that are fortunate enough to have one on staff, they are often overworked and performing many tasks and aren't always available to insert a cathater that is needed immediately to administer life saving drugs or fluids. There are many unlicensed assistants that develop the skill set necessary to perform the task in a compentent manner after observing others and receiving on the job instruction. As we were once told in veterinary college regarding a procedure, see one , do one and teach one. I think given our circumstances , this old addage applies. Best regards , Jesse Webster DVM  class of 1970 U. Georgia