AVMA celebrates National Veterinary Technician Week (Oct. 13-19)

(SCHAUMBURG, Illinois) October 8, 2024-Veterinary technicians work tirelessly in various settings-exam rooms, laboratories, operating rooms, and beyond-to ensure the health and welfare of animals. Their expertise allows veterinarians to focus on diagnosing and treating patients, making veterinary practices more efficient and effective.

During National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW), October 13-19, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is joining the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in American (NAVTA) to recognize the invaluable contributions veterinary technicians make to the veterinary profession, animal welfare and their communities.

This year's theme, "Credentialed Veterinary Technicians Change Lives," acknowledges and celebrates the profound impact these dedicated professionals have on animal health, pet owners and their veterinary teams.

"Veterinary technicians are truly the backbone of veterinary healthcare teams," said Dr. Sandra Faeh, president of the AVMA. "Their specialized skills, compassion, and commitment are critical to ensuring the best possible care for animals. This week gives us a chance to thank them for all that they do, and to emphasize their essential role in our profession."

NAVTA President Jamie Rauscher remarked, "As an LVT for the past 16 years and with over 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine, I have had the pleasure of working with countless team members, patients, pet parents and members of the veterinary community. I have worked as a kennel assistant, veterinary assistant, LVT, medical/hospital manager and practice owner. I have celebrated the highs and lows with my team and even my clients. I remember the mentors and teachers who helped me when I was new to the profession, and I hope that I can fill those shoes for the new team members I work with today. Every day, we have a chance to positively impact and change the lives of those around us, even if we never know we did. How are you going to change a life?"

As part of the observation, Hill's Pet Nutrition is delivering NVTW-themed materials to nearly 5,000 veterinary practices across the United States.

In addition to celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week, the AVMA supports the essential work of veterinary technicians in many ways throughout the year. The AVMA has a close partnership with NAVTA, working together on initiatives such as NAVTA's title protection initiatives to ensure the title of veterinary technician is used consistently and correctly, and encouraging AVMA members to support veterinary technicians' ability to join NAVTA and receive the many benefits they provide.

The AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) leads the accreditation of educational programming in veterinary technology, ensuring that veterinary technicians receive a proper education as they prepare to fulfill their vital roles. There are more than 200 veterinary technician programs in the United States accredited by the AVMA's CVTEA, which graduate about 5,500 veterinary technicians a year.

As research from the AVMA has shown, there is a correlation between veterinary technicians' job satisfaction and the application of the skills and knowledge acquired in their education. Other AVMA research from annual practice surveys has shown a clear link between the increased incorporation of credentialed veterinary technicians and increased revenue.

The AVMA recently created the Committee on Advancing Veterinary Technicians and Technologists (CAVTT). This committee is charged with creating resources to ensure that veterinary technicians can fully leverage their education and skills in all types of veterinary practices, and to support and advance the veterinary technology profession generally.

The AVMA has developed an on-demand CE course titled, "How well do you utilize veterinary technicians," designed to help veterinarians discover how to fully leverage veterinary technicians and their many skills, and explore how their practices measure up against other practices and current standards.

The AVMA also provides continuing education for veterinary technicians and veterinary technician students at the annual AVMA Convention, focusing on both professional and personal growth, and offers special events geared toward veterinary technicians.

First celebrated in 1993, National Veterinary Technician Week takes place in the third week of October each year. To help celebrate veterinary technicians, the AVMA has developed free social media images that are available to download from the AVMA's website. Veterinarians can use the AVMA's veterinary technicians brochure in their practices, hospitals or at community events to educate people about the important work of veterinary technicians, and AVMA's Veterinary Technician Utilization resources can help clinics make full use of veterinary technicians to boost practice operations and wellbeing. Empowering veterinary technicians to identify challenges within a practice can give them an opportunity to help design solutions. Finally, NAVTA has a National Veterinary Technician Week kit to help focus favorable attention on the profession through a variety of activities.

For more information, contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA senior media relations manager, at 847-732-6194 (cell/text) or msanfilippoavma[dot] org(msanfilippo[at]avma[dot]org).

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