Ethics and laws

Settings veterinary technicians can be employed in

• Private companion, small, or mixed practices (mixed practices treat farm and companion animals)

• Zoos, aquariums, wildlife rehabilitation centers

• Research or marketing of veterinary products

• Kennel owner or pet-sitting business

• Instructor in veterinary technology programs

• Specialty practices

• Advancement to veterinary technician specialist

NAVTA ( National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America)

• Helps guide and structure development of vet tech specialties

• Provides standardized criteria and assistance for societies to attain academy status

• Formation of a society often precedes NAVTA approval of a specialty in that fieldtion of a society by veterinary technicians often precedes the formation of a NAVTA-approved specialty in that same field.

Total Number of Programs

Over 220

Number offering 4yr. Degree

28

Number offering distance learning

11

The following states do not have AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology programs:

Alaska, Montana, and the District of Columbia

states Veterinary Technicians may be credentialed through their own Vet. Tech. Association or Veterinary Medical Association but are not regulated by the state:

Colorado (CVT) Connecticut (CVT) Florida (CVT) Massachusetts (CVT) Minnesota (CVT) Montana (CVT) New Hampshire (CVT) New Jersey (CVT) Puerto Rico() Rhode Island (CVT) Vermont (CVT) Wyoming (CVT

Reason for Qualification?

• Sets minimum standards of QUALITY education for the profession.

• Gives recognition and increases the value of those who have graduated from accredited schools.

• Requires all accredited schools to maintain a like standard of education in order to attain and retain accreditation.

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Why take the National Board Exam?

• LIABILITY

• Higher Income

• It is expected of you by your employer

• Proves (via testing board) you can complete a rigorous profession-related test which covers a broad base with intricate details and facts…

• Shows you are eligible to work in PRACTICE!

• Further, gives recognition and increases the value of those who have passed such a nationally acknowledged & appreciated examination.

The Veterinary Technician National Examination

• Required in vast majority of US states and Canadian provinces

• Three 30-day windows to complete the VTNE

• 150 (of 170) multiple choice questions count toward final score

• Computer-based

• Examination covers the nine primary domains of veterinary technology

Nine Domains of Veterinary Technology

• Pharmacy and Pharmacology

• Surgical Nursing

• Dentistry

• Laboratory Procedures

• Animal Care and Nursing

• Diagnostic Imaging

• Anesthesia

• Emergency Medicine/Critical Care

• Pain Management/Analgesia

Tennessee Licensing Requirements

• Graduate of an AVMA-accredited program

• Passing score on the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)

• Biennial license renewal & biennial state fees

• “Life-long learning…” By Tennessee Law, a licensed Veterinary Technician is required to attend 12hrs of continuing education to keep their license every year. Some of these hours may be completed in journals or on-line programs.

Tennessee CE

• 12 hours of continuing education each year.

• The TN Board online Continuing Education for Veterinary Technicians if the courses are RACE approved. LVMT’s are only permitted to obtain a maximum of four (4) hours of the (12) hours CE requirements via multi-media.

• In order to receive validated continuing education hours, attendance is required.

In the United States, the profession is-

- structured by practice acts and corresponding rules and regulations in each state. These laws and regulations are enforced and upheld by an overseeing committee, which is typically the state licensing board or board of governors

The Veterinary Technician Practice Model

• Gather data about the patient

• Identify and prioritize patient evaluations

• Develop and implement a plan for patient care by establishing a series of technician interventions

• Evaluate the patient’s response to the plan of care

• Gather additional data

Only veterinarians may:

• Prescribe

• Diagnose

• Prognose

• Perform surgery

Responsibilities in the Practice Setting

• Reception area

• Examination rooms and outpatients

• Laboratory and pharmacy

• Radiology and special imaging

• Treatment room

• Operating room

• Wards

• Hospital management and communications

Veterinary technician specialist

• A veterinary technician who has reached a higher level of skill and understanding in a particular field of veterinary technology

• Often works in specialty and referral veterinary hospitals and in teaching hospitals associated with universities

Veterinary technologist

• Works in positions that may require a greater level of education than is required for the veterinary technician, such as:

• Project leader

• Practice supervisor

• Teacher in a veterinary technology program

Veterinary technician

• Required to complete national and state examinations before he or she can be licensed, registered, or certified

• Is frequently required to pay a fee to the state veterinary association to receive a license, certification, or registration

AALAS

The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science

Federal laws govern-

-farm animals and drugs

Immediate supervision

licensed veterinarian within direct eyesight and hearing range

Direct supervision

licensed veterinarian on premises and readily available

Indirect supervision

licensed veterinarian not on premises but maintaining direct communication

Which is the most severe disciplinary sanctions?

Revocation of License