Introduction to Veterinary Nursing and Technology: Its Laws and Ethics

A set of practice flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on veterinary nursing, technology, ethics, laws, and professional standards for exam preparation.

What are the core commitments in the Veterinary Technician's Oath?

Aiding animals and society with excellent care, alleviating animal suffering, promoting public health; practicing conscientiously and ethically; committing to lifelong learning.

When did the first formal university-level veterinary technology program appear?

The 1960s.

What major change occurred in 1989 regarding titles in the profession?

The term ‘veterinary technician’ replaced ‘animal care technician’.

What term is increasingly used today in place of 'veterinary technician'?

Veterinary nurse.

Name at least three employment settings for veterinary technicians.

Private companion/small or mixed practices; zoos/aquariums/wildlife rehabilitation centers; research or marketing of veterinary products; kennels/pet-sitting; specialty practices; teaching in veterinary technology programs.

Which organization developed the Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS)?

National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

What is the purpose of the CVTS?

To guide and structure the development of veterinary tech specialties and provide standardized criteria and assistance for societies; formation of a society often precedes NAVTA approval.

What does CVTEA stand for and what does it do?

Council on Veterinary Technician Education and Accreditation; accredits veterinary technology programs under AVMA and ensures standard criteria.

As of 7/12/2021, how many veterinary technology programs exist and how many offer distance learning?

Total 209 programs; 25 offer 4-year degrees; 10 offer distance learning.

What is the general continuing education (CE) requirement to maintain licensure in Tennessee?

12 hours of CE per year (biennial license renewal in many places; Tennessee specifies 12 hours/year). LVMTs have a multimedia cap of 4 hours; attendance is required for CE validation; RACE-approved courses recommended.

How is the VTNE structured?

Three 30-day windows to take the exam; 170 multiple-choice questions; 150 count toward final score; computer-based; covers nine domains.

Name the nine domains of the VTNE.

Pharmacy and Pharmacology; Surgical Nursing; Dentistry; Laboratory Procedures; Animal Care and Nursing; Diagnostic Imaging; Anesthesia; Emergency Medicine/Critical Care; Pain Management/Analgesia.

How many VTNE exam windows are available and what is the scoring rule?

Three 30-day windows; 150 of 170 questions count toward the final score.

What are the general Tennessee licensing requirements for veterinary technicians?

Graduate of an AVMA-accredited program; pass VTNE; biennial license renewal & fees; ongoing lifelong learning with CE (12 hours/year).

What CE limitation applies specifically to LVMTs in Tennessee?

A maximum of four hours of the required 12 CE can be earned via multimedia; in-person attendance is required for validated CE hours.

What does the phrase 'Jack of all trades, master of many' imply for veterinary technicians?

Technicians perform multiple roles across the clinic (reception, nurse, lab, imaging, surgery, kennel, client education, grief counseling, nutrition, pharmacy, inventory, management, etc.) and should cross-train to be invaluable.

Name the main roles listed in the Veterinary Health Care Team.

Veterinarian; Veterinary Technician Specialist; Veterinary Technologist; Veterinary Technician; Veterinary Assistant; Laboratory Animal Technicians and Technologists.

What are the steps in the Veterinary Technician Practice Model?

Gather data about the patient; identify and prioritize evaluations; develop and implement a plan for patient care; evaluate the patient’s response to the plan; gather additional data.

Who may prescribe, diagnose, prognose, or perform surgery?

Only veterinarians.

What should a veterinary technician write in the chart when recording a medication order?

Write “as per order” to indicate the order came from the veterinarian.

Name four areas in the practice setting where veterinary technicians have responsibilities.

Reception area; Examination rooms and outpatients; Laboratory and pharmacy; Radiology and special imaging; Treatment room; Operating room; Wards; Hospital management and communications.

How do veterinary technicians differ from veterinarians, technologists, and specialists?

Technician: licensed professional; Technologist: may have greater education with roles like project leader/supervisor/teacher; Specialist: advanced skill in a specialty often in specialty/referral and teaching settings.

Which professional organizations support veterinary technicians at the national level?

NAVTA (National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America) and RVTTC (Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada).

What are the principal aspects of professionalism for veterinary technicians?

Professional appearance, professional behavior/conduct, and professional communication (verbal and written).

What is the focus of professional ethics in veterinary practice?

Ethical questions often involve consideration of the patient and the client; right conduct depends on ‘right for whom’ and may have legal dimensions.

What is the ‘practice act’ and who enforces laws and regulations?

The practice act is the primary law governing veterinary medicine and technology; state boards write regulations and enforce through licensing and disciplinary actions.

What are the three levels of NAVTA-defined supervision for veterinary technicians?

Immediate supervision (licensed veterinarian within direct eyesight/hearing range); Direct supervision (on premises and readily available); Indirect supervision (not on premises but in direct communication).

What can happen if someone practices beyond the scope of their license?

They may face disciplinary action, including sanctions or license revocation.

What are the two broad categories of grounds for disciplinary action?

Technical violations (e.g., lapsed license, missing CE) and Substantive violations (fraud, crimes of moral turpitude, animal abuse, incompetence, practicing beyond scope, etc.).

What are common disciplinary sanctions?

Revocation of license; Suspension; Probation; Reprimand; Civil penalty.

Name some animal-related laws/acts mentioned.

Animal Welfare Act; Horse Protection Act; Endangered Species Act; Anticruelty laws; mandatory reporting in certain jurisdictions.

What is the stance on cannabis and CBD in veterinary care as described in the notes?

No clear universal guidelines; questions should be referred to the supervising veterinarian; cannabis is a controlled substance federally; some states have medical/recreational allowances; CBD effects in animals are unsettled.

What are AALAS and CALAS?

Certification programs for laboratory animal technicians; three US levels: ALAT, LAT, LATG.

Why is the VTNE important for licensure and practice?

It addresses liability, demonstrates readiness to practice, may be required by states/provinces, and can influence income and employer expectations.

What does RACE stand for in the context of continuing education?

Registry of Approved Continuing Education; AVMA-recognized approval for CE courses.