National Veterinary Technician Week

Louisa Beal, DVM

This is National Veterinary Technician Week. NVTW has been an annual tradition beginning in June of 1993 when the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America passed a resolution declaring the third week in October as NVTW.

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) was formed in East Lansing, Michigan in 1981 with the goal of allowing Veterinary Technicians to have input on national issues.  Since then, NAVTA has grown and seen many successes, including the declaration of National Veterinary Technician Week, the formation of the Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties, development of a scholarship program, and much more.

The mission of NAVTA is to represent and promote the profession of veterinary technology. NAVTA provides direction, education, support and coordination for its members, and works with other allied professional organizations for the competent care and humane treatment of animals.

Veterinary Technicians play a huge role in the health of your pet.  They are truly professionals, and have had at least two years of training, which allows them to take the boards exam and become licensed.   Examples of the areas of responsibility qualified veterinary technicians are educated to assume include:

• Physical Examination and Patient History
• Client Education
• Caring for the Hospitalized Patient
• Administration of Medication and Vaccines
• Clinical Laboratory Procedures
• Dental Prophylaxis
• Radiology
• Anesthesiology
• Surgical Assisting
• Office/ Hospital Management

I have had the pleasure to teach several courses at our local Veterinary Technology Program.  I saw first hand what time, resources and brains it takes to get through this demanding coursework.  Veterinary Technicians deserve your thanks and respect.

So the next time you visit your veterinarian, be sure to thank the Technician for their dedication to their chosen profession!