There are many veterinary practices in rural areas of the state that do not have LVT's.  They are not able to hire them because of their location.  Most LVT's want to work either in an urban, emergency or speciality practice. A properly trained assistant with supervision should be able to place an IV catheter.  The veterinarian must feel confident in the assistant's ability and trust their skills.  I have worked with a few assistants who were excellent at placing IV catheters.  In the ideal world, every veterinary practice would have at least one licensed veterinary technician.  The more, the better!