Introduction to Veterinary Technology – Key Vocabulary

These flashcards define essential organizations, laws, roles, and practice types introduced in the Vet 102 lecture, giving students a concise vocabulary foundation for the course and upcoming exam.

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

The national professional organization that accredits U.S. colleges of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology programs.

Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA)

An AVMA committee that evaluates and accredits veterinary technology programs.

Credentialed Veterinary Technician

An individual who has graduated from an AVMA-CVTEA accredited program and passed the VTNE (and any state exam) to become licensed, registered, or certified.

Veterinary Technologist

A graduate of a four-year AVMA-accredited program who holds a bachelor’s degree (BAS or BS) in veterinary technology.

Veterinary Assistant (VA)

A team member who provides basic animal care and clinical support with fewer training requirements than a technician.

Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA)

A veterinary assistant who has completed a NAVTA-approved program and passed the Approved Veterinary Assistant examination.

Veterinary Practice Act

State laws that define and regulate the practice of veterinary medicine, including licensing requirements and permissible duties.

Veterinary Medical Board

A state-appointed body of veterinarians that oversees licensure, investigates complaints, and enforces the practice act.

International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA)

Organization that develops and administers national veterinary licensing exams such as the NAVLE.

North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE)

The standardized national exam a graduate veterinarian must pass for licensure in the United States and Canada.

Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)

The national board exam that veterinary technicians must pass to earn credentials.

Continuing Education (CE)

Ongoing professional learning required by many states to maintain veterinary licenses and credentials.

Controlled Substances Act

Federal law regulating manufacture, storage, and use of scheduled drugs; enforced in clinics by the DEA.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

U.S. agency that licenses veterinarians to purchase, store, and dispense controlled substances and audits their records.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Division of the U.S. Department of Labor that enforces workplace safety standards, including hazard communication and PPE in clinics.

Food and Drug Administration – Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA-CVM)

Branch of the FDA that oversees animal drugs, feed, and medical devices for veterinary use.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Federal department that supervises animal import/export, APHIS health certificates, and food-safety inspections.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

USDA agency that regulates animal travel, import/export, and certain disease control programs.

Animal Welfare Act (AWA)

Federal law establishing minimum standards for housing, handling, and care of laboratory and exhibition animals.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Federal agency that regulates pesticides and medical waste to protect environmental health in veterinary facilities.

American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)

Voluntary organization that accredits companion-animal hospitals to standards higher than legal minimums.

Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC)

Voluntary accreditation body that inspects biomedical research facilities for humane animal care beyond legal requirements.

Small Animal Practice

A veterinary clinic focused primarily on dogs and cats, sometimes including pocket pets and exotics.

Large Animal Practice

A mobile or ambulatory veterinary service that treats farm animals such as cattle, horses, sheep, and goats.

Mixed Animal Practice

A veterinary clinic that cares for both companion animals and large/farm animals.

Veterinary Referral (Specialty) Practice

Clinic staffed by board-certified specialists who provide advanced diagnostics and treatments upon referral.

Preventive Health Care

Routine services such as physical exams, vaccinations, parasite control, and client education aimed at disease prevention.

Veterinary Practice Manager (VPM)

Team member responsible for business operations—human resources, finance, inventory, and regulatory compliance.

Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS)

A credentialed technician who has completed advanced training, experience, and examination in a recognized specialty area.

Henry Bergh

Founder of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in 1866.

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

First U.S. animal-welfare organization, established to combat cruelty and promote humane treatment.

Mobile Veterinary Clinic

A practice in which veterinary services are delivered via a fully equipped vehicle at the client’s location.

Continuing Education Unit (CEU)

A fixed measure (often one hour) of approved education credit toward state CE requirements.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Safety gear—gloves, gowns, masks, goggles—supplied by employers to minimize workplace hazards.

Delegation of Tasks

Assignment of clinical duties by a veterinarian to qualified staff within legal and educational limits.

Veterinary Nurse Initiative (VNI)

Effort to standardize the title ‘Registered Veterinary Nurse’ across U.S. states for credentialed technicians.

Euthanasia

The humane, painless ending of an animal’s life to relieve suffering from incurable illness or injury.