Veterinary Profession Vocabulary: Standards, Roles, and Certifications

Legal Standards

Criteria established by law that govern the conduct of individuals and organizations.

Ethical Standards

Principles that guide behavior and decision-making based on moral values.

Ethics

The study of what is right and wrong in human conduct.

Morals

Personal beliefs about what is right and wrong.

VCPR (Veterinary Client Patient Relationship)

a legally defined relationship between the veterinarian, the client, and the patient.

DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)

a professional degree for veterinarians.

Veterinary Technician

A trained professional who assists veterinarians in the care of animals.

Veterinary Technologist

A professional with a bachelor's degree in veterinary technology who performs similar duties as a veterinary technician.

Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS)

A veterinary technician who has achieved specialty certification in a specific area of veterinary medicine.

LVT/CVT/RVT

titles for veterinary technicians based on state regulations.

LARA

a department that oversees professional licensing and regulation.

VTNE

Veterinary Technician National Examination; a credentialing exam for veterinary technicians.

NAVTA

National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America; an organization that represents veterinary technicians.

AVMA

American Veterinary Medical Association; a professional organization for veterinarians.

Immediate Supervision

The veterinarian is within direct eyesight and hearing range of the veterinary nurse/technician while they perform the task; the DVM is physically present and observing.

Direct Supervision

The veterinarian is on the premises and readily available to assist, but does not need to be in the same room; can intervene if needed.

Indirect Supervision

The veterinarian is not on the premises but has given written or oral instructions for the procedure or treatment, and is available for communication if needed.