Happy Tech Week!
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) has proclaimed
October 16 - 22
to be National Veterinary Technician Week. This annual event recognizes veterinary nurses/technicians for their contributions in pet healthcare.
If you've ever been to a veterinary hospital, chances are you've met a veterinary technician or assistant. Like their human nursing counterparts, these versatile team members wear many hats and come in many forms. Did you know your veterinary team is highly educated? There are several licensing programs and certifications for veterinary technicians and assistants, as well as on-the-job training. Let's take a look at the job titles of your pet's health team and what they mean for you.
The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)
Our doctors are the conductors of the orchestra. They aren't the highlight of this article, but their role is just as important as their support staff! Doctors have the authority to make diagnoses, order laboratory tests, prescribe medications, and oversee all aspects of treatment in the hospital.
The Licensed Veterinary Technician (L.V.T.)
These are the doctor's right hand. LVTs are governed by the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, which also regulates veterinarian licensing. Licensing is not mandatory to work in a veterinary hospital, but grants certain abilities under Texas law. A licensed technician has achieved recognition at the state and national levels by undergoing a two or four year accredited college program and passing board certification exams, much like a Registered Nurse. An American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited Veterinary Technician program covers all aspects of veterinary medicine, including anatomy and physiology, radiology, dentistry, pharmacology, and parasitology. LVTs must also attend Continuing Education programs to maintain their licensing and to keep their skills sharp.
While an LVT cannot diagnose your pet or prescribe medication for a problem, they have the knowledge and resources to gather the best information and diagnostics to help the doctors get to the root of the problem, and to execute the doctor's plan effectively. Veterinarians can delegate many supervisory and technical tasks to an LVT, which allows the doctor to focus on the big picture. Licensed technicians are trained to induce and monitor anesthesia, take dental and body radiographs, practice phlebotomy and venipuncture, and so much more. Client education is one of their most important roles, so if you have a question, ask your tech! Even if they don't know the answer off-hand, they are your direct line to the veterinarian and one of your pet's best advocates.
Are you interested in veterinary technology as a career? Our very own Blinn College started an AVMA accredited program in 2010 and collaborates with Texas A&M's veterinary students during hands-on laboratories and clinicals. Other colleges also offer accredited programs online.
The Certified Veterinary Assistant (C.V.A.)
Even the best nurses need assistants - and that's where our CVAs come in. Certified assistants are graded in three levels depending on the level of education and experience they have achieved. CVA Level I requires a minimum of 500 working hours under the supervision of a DVM or LVT in addition to demonstration of competency in all required skills lists and completion of the certification exam. Each additional level requires a minimum six months of additional training before a CVA is eligible to sit for the next level exam. Some high schools offer CVA training as part of an optional curriculum, and courses are also available online. You can learn more about CVA education programs at the Texas Veterinary Medical Association's website.
The Veterinary Assistant
Make no mistake, these staff members may not have had the formal learning experience of their peers but they are far from uneducated! Veterinary assistants who do not follow the certification route learn on-the-job and get their skills from hands-on experience. These teammates work closely with their credentialed colleagues to learn critical skills such as standard restraint and positioning, phlebotomy, dental cleaning, parasite identification and prevention, and basic client education.
The Kennel Assistant
While they may not have all the duties of a traditional “technician”, these behind-the-scenes team members keep the hospital running smoothly and tend to all non-critical patients in the hospital. When your pet needs to go outside, or needs new bedding, or fresh water in their bowls, the kennel assistant is there to help. Their job is paramount to your pet's comfort while they stay in the hospital; while medical necessities are met by the other staff members, kennel assistants tend to all their physical needs. Kennel staff ensure that every pet has a clean, comfortable place to rest and that all areas of the hospital remain sanitary for your pet's safety. They also perform or assist with basic services such as nail trims, bathing, and holding and positioning patients for exams, sample collection, and treatments. They may be last on this list, but they are far from the least!