Who We Are When The Stethoscopes Come Off

The week of October 17-23, 2021 has been set aside as National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW) to celebrate, recognize, and promote the valuable contributions Credentialed Veterinary Technicians make to the veterinary profession and society.

Veterinary Technicians are integral players on the veterinary healthcare team.  They are on the frontlines, compassionately working with clients whose beloved animals need care.  They work tirelessly in exam rooms, labs, and operating rooms, putting to work their vast technical and scientific knowledge treating and caring for every species of animal.  Their broad skills – both professional and personal – allow veterinarians to work more efficiently and effectively.  And they do it all with love and a smile, day after day. 

“This year’s NVTW theme focuses on the critical aspect of self-care,” said Ed Carlson, CVT, VTS (Nutrition), President of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians (NAVTA), the not-for-profit association behind National Veterinary Technician Week.  “Veterinary Technicians and their colleagues have worked incredibly hard over the past 18 months, handling a workload and stress level never seen before.  It is critically important that NAVTA emphasize the importance of self-care and a healthy work-life balance.”

National Veterinary Technician Week 2021 launches on Sunday, October 17, with a slew of raffles and prizes through NAVTA’s social media sites.  The week includes several free webinars focusing on self-care, and concludes with a free fun virtual event on Saturday, October 23. 

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is the exclusive sponsor of National Veterinary Technician Week.  In addition to providing funding for social media and public relations outreach, Hill’s is providing its own self-care resources, including a free yoga instructional video and a on how to make simple meals from easy menus.  Hill’s field representatives will also personally deliver NVTW posters and other goodies to their clients across the United States, ensuring nearly 5,000 practices are aware of and thanked for the great work that Veterinary Technicians do.  Thank you, Hill’s Pet Nutrition!

Several companies are making special offers available to NAVTA members before and during NVTW.  A complete list of NVTW events and offer details can be found HERE.

NAVTA Honors Student Advisor & Student Chapter of the Year

For Immediate Release

August 24, 2021 – Bridgewater, NJ.   The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) recently named Northwood Technical College (formerly Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College) and Meri DuRand, CVT, RLATG as its Student Chapter and Student Advisor of the Year, respectively, for the 2020-2021 academic year.

NAVTA has more than 100 student chapters across the United States at AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technician schools.  Chapters enable students to gain valuable experience, learn from seasoned professionals, and experience being a part of a vibrant group that is highly engaged in community service.  Each of those chapters is led by credentialed Veterinary Technician who has a passion for shaping the profession’s future by helping form the next generation of Veterinary Technicians. 

Every year, NAVTA recognizes the outstanding work of one Student Chapter and one Student Chapter Advisor, both of which are nominated by the members and leaders of the Chapters.

Advisor of the Year

Meri DuRand, CVT, RLATG, the advisor of the Dakota County Technical College Student Chapter of NAVTA, is this year’s Advisor of the Year.   

The Dean of the program wrote in his nomination that Meri “worked tirelessly to promote the field of veterinary technology, despite the significant challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.  She spearheaded activities to increase SCNAVTA membership among the program’s large student population, which is predicted to surpass 200 in the upcoming academic year.  She emphasized the need to build a sense of community among the members at the same time that she led numerous efforts aimed at giving back to the greater community.”

The Dean further wrote that Meri displays all of the best qualities of an excellent technical educator: “a passion for her profession, a devotion to sharing her knowledge with others, and a high expectation that her students will take their roles seriously. She also understands her crucial role in providing the field of veterinary medicine a future workforce of the highest integrity and skill.”

Chapter of the Year

Northwood Technical College earned this year’s Student Chapter of the Year Award.

The chapter’s advisor, in submitting the nomination, noted that despite the challenges of the past year, the Chapter and its leaders never lost sight of its mission nor lost its drive to help, support, and serve its community.

When volunteering was put on hold and classes moved to online instruction, this chapter refocused its efforts on providing support to the students in its program.  The chapter partnered second-year cohorts with first-year cohorts to help provide mentorship.  They also provided “Welcome back” bags once they could come back to campus for in-person instruction.

And, they registered and paid for any student wanting to participate in the state’s vet tech association convention to help promote lifelong learning.

The leaders of this chapter also made it a priority to participate in Student Senate meetings and activities.  In doing so, they not only raised money for their own chapter but for a local animal rescue/shelter and the state’s Bassett Rescue program.

NAVTA congratulates and thanks Meri DuRand and the Northwood Technical College Student Chapter for their outstanding service to the Veterinary Technician profession!

NAVTA is a dynamic community of credentialed veterinary technicians dedicated to advancing the profession of veterinary nursing through advocacy, awareness, and professional development.  Learn about NAVTA at www.navta.net

The American Heartworm Society (AHS) seeks a qualified veterinary nurse/technician to serve on its Board of Directors. This board serves as the governing agency for the organization and is comprised of veterinary professionals, academicians and researchers who volunteer their time and expertise in the service of the Society’s educational and research initiatives. Given the vital role played by veterinary nurses in educating the public about heartworm prevention, diagnosis and treatment, the AHS has elected to expand its leadership to include a veterinary nurse position.  Click here for a position description and application details.

Deadline September 15, 2021

Please see the attached announcement from the WVA. Complete information on nomination procedures and requirements are also available in the online WVA call for nominations. The application form for the veterinary technician award category can be accessed at this site, too.

Self-nominations are accepted by the WVA. Award recipients will each receive 5,000 Euros and be recognized at a virtual award ceremony hosted by the WVA and Ceva Santé Animale to be scheduled for later this year.

Nominations do REQUIRE a supporting letter from a WVA member association such as the AVMA—and the AVMA is happy to provide such letters for veterinary technician nominees who are members of NAVTA.

AN AVMA SUPPORTING LETTER SHOULD BE REQUESTED BY THE NOMINATOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND NO LATER THAN MAY 23, 2021.

To request a supporting letter from the AVMA, please email Dr. Beth Sabin, AVMA Director of Global Outreach (esabin@avma.org), no later than May 23, 2021. This will allow the AVMA sufficient time to credential the nominee and return the supporting letter to the requester no later than May 28, which is three days ahead of the WVA’s submission deadline of 1 pm Belgian time on June 1, 2021.

Again, please see the online WVA call for nominations for complete submission details and links to the application form for veterinary technicians. Contact Dr. Beth Sabin (esabin@avma.org; 847-285-6711) with questions regarding AVMA supporting letters. Contact the WVA Secretariat (secretariat@worldvet.org) for questions regarding the awards process itself.

The NAVTA Executive Board has announced its endorsement and support of the Model Scope of Practice for Veterinary Technicians (MSPVT) released by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards in December 2020.

“The MSPVT delineates healthcare tasks that may be performed by Veterinary Technicians or Veterinary Technologists and assigns levels of supervision required -- Immediate, Direct, Indirect -- for each of those tasks,” said NAVTA President, Ed Carlson, CVT, VTS (Nutrition).  “The NAVTA Board fully endorses this document as a great resource for AAVSB Member Boards to reference when drafting or editing their own state regulations regarding Veterinary Technicians.”

In December 2020, the AAVSB released a revised MSPVT after more than a year of working on the project.  The AAVSB Regulatory Policy Task Force, on which NAVTA had a representative, carried out the revision work.  NAVTA and the Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) were consulted during this revision process.  In February 2020, NAVTA and RVTTC submitted a joint letter of comments and feedback to AAVSB.  NAVTA’s comments were based on direct member input after NAVTA hosted a free members-only webinar in February 2020 on this subject, as well as input from the VNI working group, and subsequent board review.

Upon review of the final document released by AAVSB, the NAVTA Board unanimously approved supporting it via a public statement and adoption of a board policy.  The full document can be found here.

Recognizing the value that active, engaged, committees can bring to an organization, NAVTA is seeking greater participation in its committees. 

Committee work is a great way to become an active NAVTA member, learn more about the profession, and give back.  Committee work can also be a great first step in your leadership career in NAVTA; many of NAVTA’s current Executive Board members got their start as members of various committees.

Below is a list of the committees currently seeking new members.  Included for each is a description of the committee, the current projects being on by the committee, and the estimated time commitment. 

If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact the committee leader directly.

NOTE:  You must be a current NAVTA Member to participate in any of these committees.  If you’re not sure of your membership status, please email info@navta.net and ask us look up your membership record.

Thank you for considering this opportunity!  We hope to see you involved in a NAVTA committee very soon!

Approved Veterinary Assistant Committee

Committee Charge/Mission:

The primary mission of the AVA Committee is to manage the NAVTA Approved Veterinary Assistant Program. This program was started in 2011 to provide a way to identify and honor exceptional Veterinary Assistant training programs.  A goal of the AVA Program is to help provide the delineation between the unlicensed Veterinary Assistant and the Credentialed Veterinary Technician by defining the skills allowable to the VA and to encourage VA grads to pursue a higher level of education as Credentialed Veterinary Technicians.

The duties of the AVA Committee include:

·      Manage and guide the AVA Program

·      Communicate with committee members

·      Maintain records of meetings, guidelines, standards

·      Communicate with Approved Programs

·      Communicate with VetMedTeam in management of AVA Exam

·      Report to Board on monthly basis

Current & Future Projects for which help is needed:

As the number of approved programs has grown to over 55, the need for more review team members has grown. With the COVID pandemic loosening its hold on educational programs, we anticipate an increasing number of high school and community college VA programs applying for approval this year and in the next few years. This will require additional review team members.

Number of seats available on committee:

Anticipate 3-5 in the next 12 months.

Qualifications to serve on committee:

Current NAVTA membership and support of the delineation between the unlicensed Veterinary Assistant and Credentialed Veterinary Technician with recognizing of a difference in skill sets and education is required. 

While not a requirement, a background in education or training is preferred.

Writing skills and ability to review submitted documents is a definite plus.

Length of term on committee: 3 years or longer

Estimated time commitment: 10 hours per quarter (every 3 months)

Contact Person: Dennis Lopez, AVA Committee Chair, ava@navta.net

Continuing Education Committee

Committee Charge/Mission:

1. To serve in an advisory capacity for continuing education programs.

2. To develop and implement continuing education programs.

Current & Future Projects for which help is needed:

Implement the NAVTA strategic plan related to continuing education, including developing sessions/tracks for major industry shows, and developing NAVTA’s own webinars.  

Making sure our education offerings on the NAVTA website are easy to understand and access.

Number of seats available on committee:

3-5

Qualifications to serve on committee:

Current NAVTA membership.

Have a passion for education.

Have developed a program for a technician track at a conference, managed a CE page on a web site, or have spoken at a conference a plus.

Estimated time commitment: Varies, typically 1-5 hours a month, but could be more.

Other helpful information:

We are looking for passionate technicians, with an interest in post-education continuing education.

Committee Contact Person:

Vicky Ograin, MBA, RVT, VTS (Nutrition), Nutritionvettechs@gmail.com

Membership Committee

Committee Charge/Mission: To promote membership in the association and work on all membership issues.

Current & Future Projects for which help is needed:

Increase public awareness about the education, role, and specialized skills of credentialed Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Technician Specialists.

Increase awareness within the veterinary community about the education, role, and specialized skills of credentialed Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Technician Specialists.

Create a communications plan that articulates personal and professional benefits and value of belonging to NAVTA.

Create membership/marketing plans to increase the number of credentialed Veterinary Technicians that are members of NAVTA.

Create a plan for increasing membership renewal rates.

Review dues structure and pricing.

Qualifications to serve on committee: Must be a NAVTA member in good standing.

Estimated time commitment: 2-8 hours a month

Other helpful information: We are looking for committee members who would like to help us on NAVTA’s strategic plan.  We are working on retaining membership, finding out what members want from being a member, and recruiting new members, to name a few projects.

Our committee works well as a team, and we get a lot of work done.

Committee Contact Person: Beth Skiles, baskiles@iupui.edu

Vast Scientific Library Now at Your Fingertips

NAVTA is proud and excited to announce that all NAVTA Members now have free access to one of the world’s largest online veterinary libraries and resources tools.

VetMed Resource is an online information site that gives you access to the world’s scientific literature on veterinary medicine.  It is now available to NAVTA members at no cost for their study, research and practice.

Check it out at https://www.navta.net/page/membership_benefits

(Log in to your NAVTA account at navta.net and access the member portal via the member benefits.)

VetMed Resource makes veterinary information from around the world available and discoverable.  It enables you to find the most relevant information to help you make decisions based on the best available evidence. VetMed Resource also supports Continuing Education.  From companion animals, to equines, to food animals, and from welfare, to diagnosis and treatment, VetMed Resource covers it all.  And did we mention it is free to NAVTA members?

Here is what is included in your NAVTA membership from VetMed Resource:

• Over 2.3 million+ bibliographic records
• A subset of the CAB Abstracts Database from 1922 to the present day. It is the most comprehensive database on veterinary medicine in the world and is currently used in practices across the US and in all veterinary schools in the USA and Canada.  Updated weekly, CAB Abstracts is recognized as the essential place for veterinary literature searches.

• Full Text
• 170,000+ full-text journal articles and conference proceedings from around the world, including…
• Journal of Public Veterinary Health
• Veterinary Practitioner
• World Congress Proceedings
• North American Veterinary Conference

• CAB Reviews
•   350 specially commissioned, full-text peer-reviewed review articles written by experts in their field.

• Animal Health and Production Compendium
•   Encyclopedic collection covering all aspects of the health and production of food animals (ruminants, pigs and poultry), including over 2,000 images, full text information, maps, glossary, distribution data, document library, and food safety module.

• 200 CABI book chapters, including excellent coverage of animal welfare

• Smart Searches prepared by our information experts to help you get the quickest and best results from your searches.

• Search service and support.

• Veterinary news
•   Our animal science experts find and interpret the latest developments in the field.
• Events calendar of veterinary conferences/meetings

About CAB International

CABI is a not-for-profit science-based development and information organization. We improve people’s lives by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture, veterinary medicine, human health and the environment.

Dru Mellon, RVT, CVT, of Mountain West Veterinary Specialists, was named NAVTA's 2020 Veterinary Technician of the Year at the association's recent annual general membership meeting.

The NAVTA Veterinary Technician of the Year Award is presented to a NAVTA member who has provided leadership and contributed to the association and the industry's overall betterment. 

All NAVTA members can nominate a fellow member for this award.  The NAVTA Executive Board assesses the nominees each December and selects a winner. "This year, we received some great nominations," said NAVTA President Ed Carlson, CVT, VTS (Nutrition). "In the end, though, the Executive Board agreed unanimously on this well-deserving person."

Carlson said Mellon was chosen because he exemplifies what it means to be a Veterinary Technician. "He is involved in his state VTA and is currently on the Board as Secretary," Carlson said. "He actively recruits new members and encourages them to get involved.  And, he supports the VTA by offering virtual RACE CE, which was so critical during the Covid crisis."

But his greatest accomplishment, in the eyes of the NAVTA board, was his work in bringing Veterinary Technician credentialing to the State of Utah. "It cannot be understated what a huge accomplishment this was, and how difficult a task it was," Carlson said.

"This last year was an intensely trying one for everyone, particularly for all of us in the veterinary field. To be recognized by my colleagues in any year would be an overwhelming honor, but this honor is magnified even further after the year we all had. While I am proud to have contributed to everything we achieved here in Utah, everyone should take this as a reflection on the great work that all of us can (and do) accomplish as a part of a greater community. For all that I am credited with from this last year, none of it would have been possible without the collaboration of countless people across multiple veterinary associations. If you also desire to help advance the profession, then I encourage you to reach out to NAVTA or your state association and participate in the work already underway because there is still so much more we need to achieve together." – Dru Mellon, RVT, CVT

NAVTA’s Annual General Meeting will take place Thursday, January 28, 2021, at 8:00 pm EST via Zoom.  This annual “state of the association address” will feature a recap of 2020, an announcement of the results of the Executive Board election, and revelation of the 2020 NAVTA Veterinary Technician of the Year.

Join Zoom Meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89127516275?pwd=SzUwQUxKa0UrZ0pNNk1Rd0gwR1FtZz09

Meeting ID: 891 2751 6275

Passcode: 189772

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Dear highly esteemed colleagues,

The world is changing, and so is our veterinary technician profession.  Now more than ever, we are working on caseloads that never seem to end.  And now, more than ever, we are proving our value to our employers, our clients, and our community by fully putting into practice all of our advanced education, knowledge, and skills…day after day, hour after hour.  We, as veterinary technicians, have truly been heroes during this pandemic.

Now, when someone asks us about our chosen profession, they are in awe of the level and type of work we do, as well as the depth and breadth of our knowledge of veterinary medicine.  It is very common for someone to equate what we do for animals with what Registered Nurses do for humans.

Multiple surveys that have been conducted consistently showed that the majority of credentialed veterinary technicians support unifying under one credential: Registered Veterinary Nurse. Seeing this need, more companies, educational institutions, and publications are changing their vernacular from veterinary technician to veterinary nurse/nursing with the intent of promoting understanding and bringing recognition to what we are trying to accomplish.

These efforts to change the vernacular align with the Veterinary Nurse Initiative (VNI), which has worked with state associations to introduce legislation to replace the current credential, Registered Veterinary Technician, with Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).  The VNI also sets a model for the RVN title with appropriate credential requirements, scope of practice, CE requirements, and title protection.  Unfortunately, Covid19 has put these legislative activities on hold for the time being.

To keep the VNI momentum going, we would like to make a series of videos that show what is important to you regarding the VNI. The vision is to show that the VNI is more than simply a name change, but an effort to move our profession forward by showcasing our knowledge, talent, and expertise in the medical field.  Within the effort, we are trying to gain as much support as possible and simultaneously educate the public regarding our profession.  

We need your help in visually educating and advocating for our profession. 

In this video series, we would like to focus on the pillars of the VNI (Scope of Practice, Title Protection, Technician Utilization, Veterinary Nurse Title, Standardized Credentials, & Reciprocity) and which one means the most to you. We hope that this video series will help showcase all the wonderful parts of the VNI and why they are all equally important.

If you are willing, please record a video of yourself (or another veterinary technician) describing your/their role in veterinary medicine and say why the VNI is important to you/them. It can be on any of the pillars that the VNI stands for, along with the tagline Progression for Our Profession. It will be ideal if the veterinary technician is in scrubs and a clean hospital background, though it's ok if it's a video taken at home.

The person on video would:

1. Introduce themselves as a veterinary technician, including credentials, and state their role in the practice/ profession.   

2. Explain which of the VNI pillars is most important to you and why.

3. End by saying, "Progression for our profession."

For example:

 Hello. My name is Ashli Selke. I'm a Certified Veterinary Technician in the State of XX. I am the Surgical Department Supervisor in the state's only 24-hour Emergency and Specialist Hospital. I sit on the States EB as State Representative, and I also am the District 8 Representative with NAVTA. 

We need your help in standardizing our credentials under the title of Registered Veterinary Nurse. Please support the Veterinary Nurse Initiative to help us establish our identity as veterinary nurses.

"The VNI represents to me a change that we need to see in our field. All the pillars of the VNI are very important, but the pillars that are nearest and dearest to my heart are Title Protection and the Title Registered Veterinary Nurse. I truly believe that it starts with title protection. Right now, as it is, many places can hire anyone and call them a veterinary technician and keep that starting pay way down. Why would they need to pay credentialed veterinary technicians a higher livable salary if they can do it much cheaper? I mean it's a business, and I do understand the concept of business, but at what point do we stop letting that happen? More states have got to get involved and speak with their VMA's and VMEB to help change these policies. Also, with the title change to Registered Veterinary Nurse, I truly believe the public would understand what we do daily. I had an encounter out while wearing a shirt that said, "VET TECH." A person asked me, "Ma'am, your shirt. Are you a Veteran? I replied, "yes, I am a Veteran, but this shirt says vet tech, and I am a credentialed veterinary technician." To that, he replied, "oh, so you are a veterinarian?' I had to explain to him that I was not a veterinarian but a CVT, and he still did not understand. It wasn't until I said, "I am like a nurse for animals," and then it clicked to him, and he said, "Oh, that's amazing, and thank you for what you do!" It was this simple conversation that cemented in my brain why the VNI is so important! When all of the pieces come together, this is how we get our future; this is how we get to that next step. We know our skillset is powerful, and we know what we deserve; now, we need to educate and advocate for the VNI!

Did what I do during my daily practice sound like what a nurse does in human healthcare?

Progression for our profession."

We especially would like videos of a variety of veterinary technicians (research, large animal, different specialties, hospice care, students, etc.)

The video can be taken with a phone. Try to capture the video in a quiet room with the person close enough to the camera/phone so that audio quality is not compromised. 

Submit your video to VNIVideproject@gmail.com, along with the names, credentials, and state of practice so that we can edit it into the videos. 

We appreciate your help.

#Progression4ourProfession

It will be more difficult than ever this year to single out one individual to claim the honor of Veterinary Technician of the Year.  So many of you have been working so hard, with seemingly endless caseloads day after day, hour after hour, helping your employers meet the high, pent-up demand as a result of the pandemic. 

But we’re sure you know that special NAVTA member who deserves national recognition from NAVTA for exemplary service and special achievements this year…so why not nominate that person for Veterinary Technician of the Year?

A nominee’s service does not have to be limited to work for their employer. 

Consider nominating someone who has done great things for the profession overall, such as contributing to professional development or continuing education.  Or, maybe you know someone who has made a positive impact on their community.  Perhaps this person has been an outstanding leader for related professional groups or associations. 

Whatever the case, if a Veterinary Technician has made exemplary contributions to the overall betterment of the industry, you should consider nominating that person right now!

Nominations are due to NAVTA by November 30, 2020.  You can use the online form or submit a Word document containing the required information (see form for details). 

NAVTA will announce the winner during its 2020 Annual Business Meeting, to be scheduled in early 2021. 

In addition to the recognition, praise, and appreciation of NAVTA and its 7,000+ members, the winner will receive a free year of membership in NAVTA.

The Registered Veterinary Technologist and Technicians of Canada congratulates the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) on their 2020 National Veterinary Technician Week. October 11-17, 2020 has been identified by NAVTA to celebrate, recognize, and promote the valuable contributions of veterinary technicians in the health and welfare of the animals in their care. This year’s theme Credentialed Veterinary Technicians, This is Who We Are, This is What We Do honors the depth, scope and commitment of the credentialed veterinary technician has within the veterinary team.

In 2018, RVTTC and NAVTA renewed their Letter of Agreement to collaborate, network and support each other for the advancement and recognition of the veterinary nursing and technology profession. In October, each year we focus on increasing awareness of our profession with the public and within the veterinary industry while celebrating the achievements of the credentialed veterinary technician/technologist.

The RVTTC Executive continues to meet regularly with the NAVTA executives to collaborate for our profession on a National level. Therefore, we would like to give a huge shout out to NAVTA’s Board of Directors for their commitment and dedication in this most interesting year surrounding COVID. The hard work of both Vet Tech Board volunteers has not gone unnoticed and should be noted as they continue to speak out for the veterinary technology profession in the USA.

Now more than ever, we need to be vigilant for both ourselves and our fellow colleagues. These are trying times in a challenging field. The additional stresses and challenges placed on us as we navigate this COVID pandemic are real and they affect all of us in different ways and at different times. Be mindful of yourself, reach out or ask for help when you need it. Watch out for your colleagues, help them to recognize and offer support when they need it.

May this Veterinary Technicians week in the Unites States be one of celebration and joyfulness as we promote this unique and wonderful profession in North America together!

– 30 –

The Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) is a not-for-profit organization representing roughly 10,000 RVTs across Canada on national and international issues. Supporting affiliated provincial veterinary technician and technologist associations in its mission to unite, advance and strengthen the Registered Veterinary Technician/Technologist profession.

Contact:

Shannon Brownrigg, RVT

CEO/Executive Director

Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada

1.613.215.0619

sbrownrigg@rvttcanada.ca

Nation’s Top Suicide Prevention and Veterinary Medical Organizations Partner to Release New Resource for Veterinary Workplaces

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the American Veterinary Medical Association, in partnership with the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, and the Veterinary Medical Association Executives Release After a Suicide: A Guide for Veterinary Workplaces

NEW YORK (September 29, 2020) – During National Suicide Prevention Month the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention  (AFSP) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in partnership with the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA), and the Veterinary Medical Association Executives (VMAE), are releasing a new resource, After a Suicide: A Guide for Veterinary Workplaces. This new free guide will help support veterinary workplaces in the aftermath of an employee’s death by suicide.

“Supporting veterinary medical professionals in the aftermath of a colleague’s suicide is vital. Because suicide loss survivors can develop significant grief and even physical and mental health issues if not appropriately supported, postvention is a critical step and is actually part of suicide prevention. The appropriate handling of the aftermath of a suicide in a veterinary office can pave the way for a workplace culture that is smart about mental health,” said  Dr. Christine Moutier, AFSP chief medical officer.

“At a time when people across our society, including veterinarians and their staffs, are experiencing great stress, I am very grateful to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for their expertise and collaboration in developing this essential mental health resource for our members,” said Dr. Douglas Kratt, AVMA president. “The guide will ensure that our members and their teams get the critical support they need in the event of a colleague’s suicide death, and help to prevent future deaths by suicide.”

“An employee’s suicide has a deep and disturbing impact on survivors, including coworkers.  Managers who have had to support and comfort employees in the wake of such a tragedy understand the importance of offering grief counseling and other actions to support employees, mitigate the impact of the trauma, and prevent further loss. After A Suicide: A Guide for Veterinary Workplaces is a valuable management resource and much-needed guide because it provides comprehensive, empathetic, and step-by-step responses to these devastating and heartbreaking events,” said Michelle Gonzales-Bryant, CVPM, VHMA President.

Developed by experts in veterinary medicine, suicide prevention, and survivors of suicide loss in the veterinary medical community, the guide includes:

• best practices for how workplace leaders and staff should respond in the immediate aftermath of a suicide;
• guidance on helping the workplace community grieve and cope in the short- and long-term;
• tips on working with the media and community partners;
• important information on how to safely memorialize employees and to identify and support members of the community who may be vulnerable and reduce the risk of suicide contagion.

To view the guide: https://afsp.org/veterinarians

About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO  Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has  local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest  Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on  Facebook,  Twitter,  Instagram, and  YouTube.

About the American Veterinary Medical Association

Since 1863, the American Veterinary Medical Association has served as the nation’s leading advocate for the veterinary profession. We are a diverse and passionate group of professionals, representing more than 95,000 members, all striving to improve the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment we share. 

About the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America

For nearly 40 years, National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)has served as the advocate for veterinary technicians, advancing veterinary nursing and veterinary technology in the United States. NAVTA is a dynamic community of more than 7,000 credentialed veterinary technicians dedicated to advancing the profession of veterinary nursing through advocacy, awareness, and professional development. NAVTA is a mission- and member-driven association encouraging diversity in ideas, perspectives, and people, committed to leading and elevating the profession. Learn more about NAVTA at navta.net.

About the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association

The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) is a nationally recognized thought-leader and innovator in providing training, education, and resources to more than 4,000 members and a trusted resource that the veterinary sector relies on for industry insights, research, and advocacy to assure performance at the highest levels. VHMA's core purpose is to advance and support veterinary practice management professionals by developing professional competence, supporting and encouraging standards through the industry's highest-level certification program, the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM), and providing individuals with a network for professional connection and support. Learn more at www.vhma.org.

About the Veterinary Medical Association Executives

The Veterinary Medical Association Executives (VMAE) exists to help veterinary medical association executives create thriving organizations and provide effective leadership within the veterinary profession. VMAE supports its members in lifelong learning, connects them as a community, and fosters the sharing of best practices and great ideas.  VMAE supports the wellbeing of veterinary professionals through active and meaningful collaboration with veterinary medical associations and strategic partners.  Learn more about VMAE at www.vmae.org.

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                                                                                                            Phillip E. Russo, CAE

                                                                        prusso@association-partners.com

October 11-17 is National Veterinary Technician Week

Celebrate The Heroic Work of Veterinary Technicians

Bridgewater, NJ - September 21, 2020 – They are the unsung heroes at veterinary hospitals, clinics, academia, research and laboratories, shelters, zoo and wildlife care facilities, and many other areas.  And this year they’ve been put to the test like never before. Deemed essential personnel, they went to work every day, exposing themselves to the possibility of contracting a virus that threatened the world.  If that weren’t stressful enough, many of them faced furloughs and layoffs due to a sudden drop in hospital or clinic appointments. When they did go back to work, the caseload was nonstop as clients rushed to get their pets caught up on wellness appointments. But their love for animals drove them to show up every day.

Who are these amazing heroes? Veterinary Technicians!

That is why the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) has set aside the entire week of October 11-17, 2020 as National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW).  NVTW will celebrate, recognize, and promote the valuable contributions credentialed veterinary technicians make to the veterinary profession and society.  This year’s NVTW theme is “Credentialed Veterinary Technicians: This Is Who We Are; This Is What We Do.”

“While members of our profession perform heroic deeds every day, we use this week to especially call out the unsung heroes in veterinary medicine,” said NAVTA President Ken Yagi, Program Director for the RECOVER CPR Initiative and the simulation lab manager of the Park Innovation Laboratory at Cornell University.  “We want the world to see not only the valuable work we do as credentialed veterinary technicians, but to make everyone aware of the depth and breadth of our education, skills, and roles.”  Yagi has a Master’s degree in Veterinary Science and two specialty certifications: one in emergency and critical care, and another in small animal internal medicine.

In general, veterinary technicians have either an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology or nursing and must pass a national credentialing exam to earn designation as a credentialed veterinary technician.  Some veterinary technicians decide to further specialize in a certain area, such as dentistry, anesthesia, internal medicine, or emergency and critical care, to obtain advanced certification as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS). These professionals enhance their already-deep knowledge with further education and training to meet requirements set by NAVTA’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties and the VTS Academies that focus on their area of interest.  After passing an exam in the specialty area, these veterinary technicians can use their credentials to further their career. 

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NATIONAL VETERINARY TECHNICIAN WEEK 2020 – PAGE 2 OF 2

Veterinary technicians have been educated in the care and handling of animals, the basic principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and in many laboratory and clinical procedures.  Veterinary technicians work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or other scientist.  While a veterinary technician can assist in performing a wide variety of tasks, they cannot diagnose, prescribe, perform surgery, or engage in any activity prohibited by a state’s veterinary practice act.  Veterinary technicians are trained to handle many tasks and scenarios; the most common include:

•       Obtaining medical histories

•       Collecting specimens and perform laboratory procedures

•       Providing specialized nursing care

•       Preparing animals, instruments, and equipment for surgery

•       Administering and monitoring anesthesia

•       Performing diagnostic and medical procedures

•       Assisting in surgical procedures

•       Performing diagnostic imaging

•       Educating clients

•       Supervising practice personnel

•       Performing dental prophylaxes

“Veterinary technicians are integral players on the veterinary healthcare team,” Yagi continued.  “We are on the frontlines, compassionately working with clients whose beloved animals need care.  We work tirelessly in exam rooms, labs, and operating rooms, putting to work our vast technical and scientific knowledge treating and caring for every species of animal.  Our broad skills – both professional and personal – allow veterinarians to work more efficiently and effectively.  And we do it all with love and a smile, day after day.”

The 2020 National Veterinary Technician Week celebration will include daily prizes on NAVTA’s social media outlets, three free CE webinars for NAVTA members, and a robust public relations push. 

For a complete media kit, please visit https://www.navta.net/page/nat_vet_tech.  The media kit includes information on how to prepare for NVTW, a sample press release, optional scripts for public service announcements, and ideas for how to raise awareness of veterinary technicians.

National Veterinary Technician Week 2020 is sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition.  In addition to their financial supports, Hill’s will arm their field representatives with NVTW posters and a special edition of this Journal to  provide to their clients, ensuring nearly 5,000 practices are aware of veterinary technicians and the great work they do. 

To get your digital copy of the poster, please click HERE.

About NAVTA

NAVTA is a dynamic community of credentialed veterinary technicians dedicated to advancing the profession of veterinary nursing through advocacy, awareness, and professional development.  For more information, please visit www.navta.net .

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The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is now accepting nominations for the 2021-2022 election cycle for the Executive Board. Open positions on the Executive Board will be:

• President-Elect (3-year term)
• Secretary (2-year term)
• Treasurer (2-year term)
• Member-At-Large (2-year term)

Credentialed veterinary technicians who are and have been NAVTA members for at least three consecutive years are eligible to run for any of these positions.  Please see additional eligibility requirements for each position by clicking HERE. 

In an effort to encourage diversity on the NAVTA board, from both a demographic and professional perspective, the current board members completed a survey to help establish the current board profile.  This also helped the Nominating Task Force understand what that board profile will be lacking once some members’ terms expire.  While all eligible members are encouraged to run for a position, it would be ideal if a candidate met one or more of the following criteria:

• Member of the LGBTQ+ community
• Person of color
• AAS or BS in Veterinary Technology
• Area of practice in Large Animal, or Avian/Exotics/Reptiles, or Public Health
• Candidate does not have their VTS
• Candidate possesses a VTS in a specialty other than ECC, IM, or Nutrition.
• Experience in Law, Business, Government/Public Policy or other areas that would bring non-veterinary-related value to the board.

This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of NAVTA and veterinary technology.  Please use the following link to complete the self-nomination form…and if you know a great candidate who is eligible and fits into any of the above categories, please consider nominating him or her (with the person’s permission, of course)! 

NAVTA Executive Board Nomination Form 

In addition to the Executive Board elections, NAVTA will also be holding elections for our District Representative positions. This is a great first step into a leadership role within NAVTA. If you are interested in running for the District Representative position in your area, please reach out to your state association to express your interest in being their nominee.

To:  All Veterinary Technicians & Assistants

From:  Kenichiro Yagi, MS, RVT, VTS (ECC) (SAIM)

           NAVTA President

RE:  You Have Our Continued Support

Dear Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Assistants,

During these extraordinary times, the Veterinary Community has witnessed uncertainty, unprecedented adaptation, and fallen into a “new normal”.  The Covid-19 pandemic has affected us all, personally and professionally.

The NAVTA Executive Board wishes to first thank all of our colleagues who have courageously worked day in and day out to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of their patients and owners.  We know it has been a difficult time.  Having to quickly adapt to combat COVID-19 has not been easy, but as Vet Techs and Assistants, we are resilient, and if nothing else, resourceful.

To those in our community who have lost loved ones due to Covid-19, we grieve with you.  To those who have lost their jobs, we stand behind you.  To those who have been working overtime, we walk beside you.

As medical professionals, we understand that Covid-19 will now be a part of our lives for years to come, but we have the ability to protect ourselves, our families, our colleagues, and our communities.  Please remember to utilize available PPE, physical distancing measures, and to stay vigilant while disinfecting and practicing recommended hand hygiene.

We urge all members to review the CDC’s Guidance for Businesses and Employers and visit the AVMA’s Covid-19 Resource page .  But above all, please remember to take time to care for yourself – your physical and mental wellbeing are paramount in allowing us to take care of our patients.

Through the pandemic, NAVTA has taken several actions to aid our community.  In mid-March, we reached out to every state medical exam board and encouraged them to consider temporarily implementing measures of leniency regarding continuing education requirements in credentialing. Included in the request was the suggestion to consider making more virtual/online courses eligible for CE, as well as to consider extending the timeline by which CE credits had to be earned (See “Education” on navta.net for CE accessible online). We also looked at our own credentialing bodies, our Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) Program and ourCommittee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS), and recommended to them that they be lenient in their offerings to and requirements of those seeking CE credits.

NAVTA also issued a statement voicing support for technicians to be deemed essential employees, while advocating for safe business practices during the coronavirus pandemic.

We also partnered with Hill’s, Zoetis, and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation to provide $200,000 in grant funds directed at veterinary technicians and assistants to provide some financial relief during the pandemic.

We will continue to work alongside your state association through the pandemic to support our community in the best ways we can.  We would like to invite each of you to reach out to us should you have specific ideas on anything else we might be able to do to help you and/or your team, or if you need something specifically from NAVTA.  Please contact us at info@navta.net.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that this is one of the biggest challenges the world has faced in modern history.  It is only natural we may be feeling some stress, helplessness, or overwhelmed.  We will continue adjusting the best we can and get through this.  Above all, we are in this together.

Sincerely,

Ken

Veterinary medicine is a unique field that allows us to work with a diverse group of people. Veterinary professionals are trusted by the public with the health of their pets; we are trained to listen, empathize, and to stand up and advocate for them. We took an oath to dedicate ourselves to society, not just animals, and to promote public health. We are obligated to do this conscientiously and with sensitivity.

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America recognizes and stands in solidarity with our colleagues during these trying times. NAVTA acknowledges the long history of injustice towards black communities and communities of color.  We recognize this fight is not just about what is happening right now but about a long and sad legacy that must end. The senseless killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other victims of hate, is unacceptable and appalling.

At NAVTA, we strive to be a unifying voice for the veterinary technician profession and to provide a platform for all voices to be heard.  We urge all NAVTA members and non-members to support and advocate for our black colleagues and stop racism. 

Silence is violence. We must speak for those whose voices have been silenced, or those who have been struggling to be heard.  We commit to working to create a world that is peaceful, compassionate, and equitable to everyone.  A world where justice prevails.

NAVTA rejects any form of racism and prejudice.

Bridgewater, NJ – May 13, 2020 – The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) today endorsed the world’s first List of Essential Medicines for Cats and Dogs.   

Developed by the Therapeutics Guidelines Group (TGG) of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), the list aims to tackle difficulties that exist for companion animal veterinarians in many regions of the world in accessing vital veterinary medicines by supporting the availability of the drugs required for minimum standards of clinical practice.

The WSAVA List of Essential Medicines for Cats and Dogs includes both core and complementary essential medicines, listed alphabetically, either by drug category or organ system/specialty. It has been extensively peer-reviewed and will be updated every three years. The WSAVA believes it will enhance the standard of care that companion animal veterinarians worldwide offer to their patients while also facilitating the regulatory oversight of pharmaceuticals included on the List.

“By endorsing the WSAVA’s List of Essential Medicines for Cats and Dogs, NAVTA is hoping to help resolve the global inequalities in accessing veterinary medicines,” said Erin A. Spencer, M.Ed., CVT, VTS (ECC), Immediate Past President of NAVTA, NAVTA’s Representative on the WSAVA Board, and Owner of Brown Dog Veterinary Solutions.

A 2016 WSAVA survey revealed that 75% of veterinary associations said their members faced obstacles in accessing medicines that restricted their ability to address the health and welfare needs of their patients. According to the WSAVA ,this is a long- standing issue that also affects veterinarians working with production animals and medical doctors.

The WSAVA List of Essential Medicines for Cats and Dogs is now available for free download from the WSAVA’s website here: https://bit.ly/3aJAUOM

Dr. Paulo Steagall, Co-chair of the WSAVA’s Therapeutics Guidelines Group, “Many of our global colleagues lack access to even essential drugs, such as opioid analgesics. This limits their ability to treat pain in their patients, leading to unnecessary suffering and compromising animal welfare. But it’s not just their patients that suffer. Our members and their colleagues experience deep frustration as they are unable to provide the standard of veterinary care they have been trained to deliver. For a profession already facing serious mental health problems, this is an unnecessary additional burden.”

The WSAVA List of Essential Medicines for Cats and Dogs is a major milestone in WSAVA’s efforts to support global drug availability and one that will be helpful in making regulatory decisions around licensing, registration and approval.

WSAVA President Dr. Shane Ryan added: “As a global association committed to advancing the health and welfare of companion animals worldwide, resolving the long-standing problem so many of our members face in accessing fundamental medicines is one of our most important priorities.  We congratulate members of our TGG who have worked very hard to produce this comprehensive resource which is the next step in our campaign to secure access for all veterinarians to the drugs to they need to care for their patients.”

National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America name Student Chapter and Student Chapter Advisor of the Year

May 18, 2020 – Bridgewater, NJ: The Executive Board of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) has selected the Student Chapter and Student Chapter Advisor of the Year for the 2019-2020 Academic Year.

The Student Chapter of the Year award is given to a Student Chapter of NAVTA (SCNAVTA) that, among other things, works to promote the field of veterinary technology/nursing and demonstrates involvement in community service.

This year’s SCNAVTA Chapter of the year is Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, CA. Foothill College has been “instrumental in promoting veterinary technology by broadening [their] contacts and visibility on campus and throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area through service and activities.” Every month the students have assisted with local events to help provide veterinary medical care to under-serviced populations. Through their “Pet Ready” Emergency Preparedness event the students educate the general student body on emergency preparedness and general care for their pets.

The SCNAVTA Advisor of the year is awarded to an advisor that is instrumental in promoting veterinary technology, demonstrates dedication to the student chapter, motivates and supports the chapter and demonstrates good leadership and is a role model for students.

The SCNAVTA Advisor of the year is Tiffany Pope, MS, LVT, RALAT from Texas A&M University – Kingsville. Ms. Pope is “consistently involving her students in NAVTA and the veterinary profession; from sending the latest articles and participating in community events to simply encouraging [them] to be active members in [SCNAVTA] and other professional organizations. Tiffany’s passion and leadership inspires all students to be active and enthusiastic members.” Ms. Pope not only teaches veterinary technology classes but is a graduate student herself. The students in her chapter are amazed at her ability to not only juggle her personal course load but still have the time to oversee the growing Veterinary Technology Club and have creative and educational classes.

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The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America is a nonprofit organization that represents and promotes the profession of Veterinary Technology. NAVTA provides direction, education, support and coordination for its members.

For more information about NAVTA visit their website at www.navta.net.

Media Contact:

Phillip Russo, CAE – NAVTA Executive Director

Director@navta.net

Michael San Filippo

Senior Media Relations Manager

American Veterinary Medical Association

Tel: 847-285-6687

Cell: 847-732-6194

msanfilippo@avma.org

AVMF partners with Hill’s, Zoetis and NAVTA to provide COVID-19 disaster relief grants for veterinary technicians/nurses and veterinary assistants

Additional donations being accepted for AVMF challenge campaign

(SCHAUMBURG, Illinois) May 13, 2020—The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF)—the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)—today announced the launch of a COVID-19 Disaster Relief Grant program for veterinary technicians/nurses and veterinary assistants funded by donations totaling $200,000 from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Zoetis and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

Many working in the veterinary profession have been affected by COVID-19 and are experiencing financial hardship. Through this grant program, eligible veterinary technicians/nurses and veterinary assistants may apply for a one-time $500 grant to help meet their immediate needs. 

“Veterinary technicians/nurses and veterinary assistants play such a critically important role as a part of the veterinary health care team,” said Dr. John de Jong, chair of the AVMF Board of Directors. “We are truly grateful to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Zoetis and NAVTA for stepping up to help these dedicated professionals who may be facing financial hardship resulting from job losses, furloughs or reduced hours due to the pandemic.”

Eligible applicants can learn more about how to apply for a grant by visiting AVMF.org/CovidRelief for more detailed information on the program.

Giving challenge: An opportunity to help

Inspired by the generosity of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Zoetis and NAVTA, the AVMF is launching a challenge giving campaign with the goal of raising an additional $200,000 to match the $200,000 already donated to help meet the needs of twice as many veterinary technicians/nurses and veterinary assistants impacted by COVID-19. Donations are being accepted at AVMF.org/Donate.

In addition, the AVMF is accepting donations to its existing disaster relief grant programs to help meet the personal and professional needs of veterinarians and veterinary students impacted by disasters, including COVID-19. More information on these grants, and a link to donate, is available at www.avmf.org/programs/disaster-relief.

"Veterinary nurses and technicians are the backbone of the veterinary clinic and an essential part of the veterinary healthcare team in these times of uncertainty and stress," said Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn, chief professional veterinary officer of Hill's Pet Nutrition US. "We are proud to partner with AVMF to support these wonderful nurses/technicians with this essential relief program and by providing our excellent nutrition products."

“It is critical that we support veterinary technicians/nurses and assistants who are on the frontlines of providing patient care during this unprecedented time,” said Dr. Christine Jenkins, chief medical officer and vice president, veterinary medical services and outcome research at Zoetis. “Veterinary care has been deemed an essential service, and Zoetis recognizes the unique challenges facing members of the veterinary support team. We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with AVMF, Hill’s Pet Nutrition and NAVTA to help in this way.”

"Many members of our profession have been financially affected through furloughs, layoffs and reduction of hours,” said Ken Yagi, president of NAVTA. “We also often depend on secondary jobs and grade schools as a form of child care to make ends meet, which are also affected by the pandemic. We are honored to be joining Hill's and Zoetis in launching the grant which will help blunt these challenges and support the invaluable members of the veterinary team during a tough time. We feel the commitment and focus on our profession by the veterinary community and are grateful for the joint effort."

For more information, contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA media relations manager, at 847-732-6194 (cell) or msanfilippo@avma.org.

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About the American Veterinary Medical Foundation

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) is the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association, one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Since 1963, the AVMF has helped veterinarians help animals by providing support for education, disaster relief, charitable veterinary care and research programs. Visit AVMF.org to learn more.

About the American Veterinary Medical Association

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 95,000 member veterinarians worldwide engaged in a wide variety of professional activities and dedicated to the art and science of veterinary medicine. Visit avma.org to learn more.

About Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill’s mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. The right nutrition combined with the devotion of veterinary professionals can transform the lives of pets; and healthier and happier pets can transform the lives of pet parents. Hill's is dedicated to pioneering research and groundbreaking nutrition for dogs and cats based on a scientific understanding of their specific needs. HILL'S® Prescription Diet® therapeutic pet foods, HILL'S® Science Diet® and HILL'S® Ideal Balance™ wellness pet foods are sold through veterinarians and pet specialty retailers worldwide. For more information about Hill's, our products and our nutritional philosophy, visit us at HillsPet.com, HillsVet.com or Facebook, keywords "Hill’s Pet Nutrition." 

About Zoetis

Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 65 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines, vaccines and diagnostic products, which are complemented by biodevices, genetic tests and precision livestock farming. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries.

About NAVTA

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America is a nonprofit organization that represents and promotes the profession of Veterinary Technology. NAVTA provides direction, education, support and coordination for its members. Incorporated in 1981, NAVTA is the national organization devoted exclusively to developing and enhancing the profession of veterinary technology. For more information about NAVTA and the veterinary technician specialties, visit their website at www.navta.net.

Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians (AVZMT) Specialty Receives Full Recognition by NAVTA

May 12, 2020 – Bridgewater, NJ: The Executive Board of National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) has accepted the Committee on Veterinary Technicians Specialties’ (CVTS) recommendation for full recognition of the Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians (AVZMT). The AVZMT promotes excellence in the discipline of zoo medicine. Additional information is available on the academy website: https://azvt.org/AVZMT/

“The Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians worked diligently to meet the Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS) standards required for NAVTA specialty recognition.” stated Stephen Cital, RVT, VTS (LAM) Chair of the CVTS. “NAVTA is thrilled that veterinary technicians with a strong passion for zoological medicine now have an even more solidified veterinary technician specialty to pursue.”

The NAVTA Committee on Veterinary Technicians Specialties was formed in 1994 and is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The committee provides guidelines to veterinary technician organizations to facilitate the formation of a specialty and assists the Academies throughout their years while in existence. Academies develop pathways and advanced standards that candidates must complete and maintain in order to be awarded the designation of VTS (Veterinary Technician Specialist) in their specific discipline.

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The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America is a nonprofit organization that represents and promotes the profession of Veterinary Technology. NAVTA provides direction, education, support and coordination for its members. Incorporated in 1981, NAVTA is the national organization devoted exclusively to developing and enhancing the profession of veterinary technology. For more information about NAVTA and the veterinary technician specialties, visit their website at www.navta.net.

Media Contact:

Phillip Russo, CAE – NAVTA Executive Director

director@navta.net

Yagi, who is a Registered Veterinary Technician, said NAVTA strongly supports the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) in their recommendations that veterinary practices be considered “essential businesses” in cases where non-essential retail facilities are asked to close due to COVID-19.  “Veterinary teams, which include veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants, provide essential animal care,” Yagi said, “We have to be able to get to work to protect the health of animals, whether they are pets, enter the food supply, are endangered, or serve laboratory purposes. Providing care for our animals helps our society through preventing zoonotic issues and promotes better emotional wellbeing for people.”

For those states where veterinary personnel are not designated as “essential,” NAVTA is urging the state veterinary technician associations to contact their legislators and Governors to encourage them to make a definitive declaration that they are essential.  You can find your Governor’s contact information by clicking here. 

Risk mitigation strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19 were announced by the federal government and many state and local governments.  In some localities, such as San Francisco, and states, like Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York, veterinary practices are appropriately considered “essential businesses.”

“These states and cities recognize that the services veterinary teams provide are critical to animal and public health,” Yagi said.  “We urge all authorities to similarly designate veterinary practices as essential businesses.”

Veterinary practices provide the following essential services:

1. Frontline veterinary practitioners and staff are among the healthcare professionals who provide surveillance for diseases deemed reportable by state and federal governments, including zoonotic diseases, such as rabies, influenza and Lyme Disease. They are also responsible for issuing certificates of veterinary inspection that are required for the movement of animals between states and countries, including those entering the food supply.
2. Veterinary teams are an integral part of our nation’s food and fiber industries. Veterinary care is critical to ensure that only healthy animals enter the food supply. While primarily housed on farms, food animals are also present in urban areas.
3. Veterinary practices provide medical and surgical care daily for critically ill and injured animals.
4. Veterinary teams provide care for service and therapy animals, supporting both animal and human welfare.
5. Veterinary teams also oversee the care of laboratory animals, which are critical to research that leads to the development of pharmaceuticals and biologics, including vaccines such as those currently being developed to combat COVID-19.
6. Veterinary teams care for rare, threatened, and endangered animals in zoos, aquaria, wildlife rehabilitation clinics, and wildlife facilities. Even if such entities need to be closed to the public for COVID-19 mitigation, veterinarians and animal care staff must continue to care for these animals.
7. Veterinary teams are made up of trusted professionals involved in disaster situations. While perhaps different from a statutory and regulatory perspective, the training, education, and experience of veterinarians and our staff in disasters are clearly transferrable skills in whatever COVID-19 risk mitigation is deemed necessary.

For the reasons listed above, NAVTA urges lawmakers and state executives to protect and preserve public health and ensure that veterinary practice employees are clearly stated to be “essential businesses” and thereby allowed to continue to provide critical services in our communities.

“NAVTA is cognizant that some practices may need to close in order to protect the health and wellbeing of staff and community members,” Yagi said.  “Those closures, however, will only increase the demand on hospitals and services that remain open, making it even more necessary for personnel to be able to get to work.”

About NAVTA

Formed in 1981, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) advances and the world of veterinary nursing through continuing education, public and industry recognition, and advocacy.  Learn more at www.navta.net.

BRIDGEWATER, NJ – MARCH 17, 2020 - The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is urging national and state credentialing bodies to consider temporarily implementing measures of leniency in regard to continuing education requirements in credentialing. 

The two considerations requested were:

• Extension of each individual’s application period until a reasonable amount of time beyond the clearing of risks related to COVID-19 has passed. 
• Allowing online-based CE content to fulfill the currently prescribed requirement for credential maintenance in its entirety. (i.e. remove the limit on online CE).

“Almost all continuing education events scheduled for the upcoming months have been cancelled or postponed,” said NAVTA President Ken Yagi, a Registered Veterinary Technician employed at the Park Veterinary Innovation Lab at Cornell University.  “This dearth of opportunities leaves members of the veterinary technician profession without the usual sources of continuing education. Many members of the profession had planned on attending these CE events to fulfill CE requirements for maintaining their veterinary technician credentials and are no longer able to fulfill the required amount of CE in the time allotted.  We have asked the credentialing bodies to be lenient by allowing remote CE courses and by extending the deadlines by which CE credits must be earned.”

Yagi also pointed out that many of the individuals seeking CE credits have a financial burden placed on them since travel expenses often are not refundable and have been paid out of their own pockets.  Many are also facing a reduction in hours as veterinary practices see a reduced number of clients and conduct themselves responsibly by reducing operating capacity to conserve medical supplies for the rest of the world. In other cases, the choice of working is being taken away as school systems close down and childcare options are not obtainable.

NAVTA’s requests were sent to the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) and state credentialing boards throughout the US.

In addition, NAVTA has recommended that the institutions participating in NAVTA’s Approved Veterinary Assistant Program (AVA), as well as the academies approved by NAVTA’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS), also be lenient in their offerings to and requirements of those seeking to meet credentialing requirements.  NAVTA is also in communication with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) regarding measures of leniency towards students enrolled in veterinary technology and veterinary nursing programs accredited by AVMA’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). 

“These are unprecedented times,” Yagi said. “They call for rational measures that will allow our profession to continue to grow and not fall behind, by providing a helping hand during this difficult time”

To see a sample of the letters sent to the credentialing bodies, please click here.

International organizations, state associations, and veterinary technician and nurse advocates are welcome to use the letter as a template to directly reach out to respective credentialing bodies. 

About NAVTA

Formed in 1981, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) advances and the world of veterinary nursing through continuing education, public and industry recognition, and advocacy. Learn more at www.navta.net. 

View the latest FAQs regarding COVID-19 from the AVMA

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Michael San Filippo

Senior Media Relations Specialist

American Veterinary Medical Association

Tel: 847-285-6687

Cell: 847-732-6194

e-mail: msanfilippo@avma.org 

NAVTA and AVMA team up with PMA for association management services

(SCHAUMBURG, Illinois) November 8, 2019—The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) has engaged in a search, with the assistance of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), to acquire management services for NAVTA. Together, NAVTA and the AVMA have reached an agreement with Professional Management Associates (PMA) to provide an executive director and administrative, membership and other management services for NAVTA, effective Nov. 4, 2019. 

“NAVTA is excited for this next phase of growth. With the addition of PMA to our team, NAVTA is poised to continue its mission of advancing veterinary nursing and technology,” said NAVTA President Erin Spencer, M.Ed, CVT, VTS (ECC). “This partnership ensures NAVTA’s ability to remain a sustainable association and maintain its leadership role in the veterinary technology profession.”

“We are honored to partner with NAVTA in order to provide association management services,” said Heather O’Steen, CAE, PMA’s co-managing partner. “We look forward to providing infrastructure support and proactively working with NAVTA’s leadership in order to advance NAVTA’s mission, support their growth and implement their strategic goals.”

The AVMA has provided management and other support services for NAVTA since July 2017. The AVMA will continue to support NAVTA in order to facilitate and maintain open lines of communication between the associations.

“Just as veterinarians and veterinary technicians benefit from each other’s strengths and experience in the workplace, it’s important for the AVMA and NAVTA to continue working together for the benefits this will provide the veterinary community, our clients and, ultimately, our patients,” said Dr. John Howe, president of the AVMA. “The partnership between NAVTA and PMA will provide a great boost to NAVTA’s day-to-day operations while allowing our organizations to continue our long-term collaboration and communications efforts, which will benefit us all.”

For more information, contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA senior media relations specialist, at 847-732-6194 (cell) or msanfilippo@avma.org. 

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The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 93,000 member veterinarians worldwide engaged in a wide variety of professional activities and dedicated to the art and science of veterinary medicine. Visit avma.orgto learn more.

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is a non-profit organization that represents and promotes the profession of Veterinary Technology. NAVTA provides direction, education, support and coordination for its members. Incorporated in 1981, NAVTA is the national organization devoted exclusively to developing and enhancing the profession of veterinary technology. For more information about NAVTA and the veterinary technician specialties, visit www.navta.net.

Professional Management Associates, LLC, is a full-service, AMC Institute accredited, association management company providing services to state, national and worldwide professional societies, membership organizations, trade associations, foundations and business networks. PMA provides association management solutions that give our clients a continuum of customized services to meet their current and future needs. Visit association-partners.comto learn more.