As a veterinary assistant myself for about 10 years, I've seen plenty iv catheters Success and failures to the point where the doctor couldn't get them. People with plenty of experience like me should be at least be able to try. It's no difference In vet tech students in distance programs trying to attempt placing iv catheters. They need repetitive practice until they get it. Yes I was a vet tech student but stopped due to pregnancy before anyone jumps down my throat. If a doctor is assisting the vet tech student then they should do the same with an assistant WITH years of experience that can do other things like blood draws, cytologies, etc.