Job description
Technical skills include: venipuncture; collecting urine from certain types which you are trained in; performing skin scrapings; taking and processing radiographs; and performing routine lab procedures and tests in: hematology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, and serology. They assist the veterinarian with physical examinations that help determine the nature of the illness or injury. Veterinary technicians also perform and maintain anesthesia, and administer medications, fluids and blood products as prescribed by the veterinarian. Tasks in patient care include: recording temperature, pulse and respiration, dressing wounds, applying splints and other protective devices, and cleaning teeth. They perform catheterizations - urinary, arterial, and venous; ear flushes; intravenous feedings and tube feedings. Equipment use includes operating electrocardiographic, radiographic and ultrasonographic equipment. Veterinary technicians commonly assist veterinarians in surgery by providing correct equipment and instruments and by assuring that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, scopes and breathing apparatus are in good working condition. They may also maintain treatment records and inventory of all pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies, and help with other administrative tasks within a veterinary practice.
Education and credentialing
United States & Canada
To become a credentialed veterinary technician, one must complete a two or three year degree at an AVMA-accredited school, most of which terminate in the awarding of an associate of applied science in veterinary technology (those enduring a four-year AVMA or CVMA accredited school terminating in the awarding of a bachelor's degree are considered veterinary technologists though the distinction is rarely made an issue).[1] The education a credentialed technician receives is in-depth and crucial for medical understanding and to give proper health care. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) are responsible for accrediting schools with either Associate's degrees or Bachelor's degrees, though in some states or provinces this is not necessary. The AVMA also accredits schools that offer distance education. As a requirement of AVMA-accreditation, all distance learning programs require a significant amount of practical clinical experience before the student will be allowed to graduate. Clinical experience is usually obtained by employment or volunteer hours at an animal clinic. Preceptors must be a veterinarian or a credentialed vet technician and are required to instruct and sign off on clinical tasks, and then submit the records to the school for approval; some tasks must be videotaped and submitted to the school for grading. Though rare and competitive, there exists, in some large multi-specialty practices, one-year rotational internships available to veterinary technology students upon graduation.
Gaining a degree in veterinary technology is only a part of the requirements for credentialing. Veterinary technology degree holders who wish to be credentialed must generally also pass some sort of credentialing exams based upon the requirements of the state, province or country in which they live. In the United States, these exams are usually the Veterinary Technician National Exam ([2])and an exam written by whatever governing body bestows credentials to veterinary technicians in that state. Depending on the state that a technician is working towards credentialing in, these tests may be administered by a United States licensing board, state veterinary medical association or state veterinary technician association. The type of credential granted to technicians also varies from state to state based upon the laws that govern that state and instances doesn't limit certain actions or the use of the term "veterinary technician" to only those who are registered. Certification is generally bestowed by a private organization such as a school or professional organization and holds no legal connotation. Certification is often granted by the state veterinary technician association in states where neither the laws nor the veterinary medical association require or recommend credentialing of technicians. The term Animal Health Technician (AHT) is still used in some provinces of Canada and was once commonly used in the United States before giving way to the current moniker of veterinary technician. As with VT's there are (or have been) RAHT's, LAHT's, and CAHT's.
While it used to be very common that people with a set number of years or hours of experience assisting a veterinarian could sit for these exams that is now only allowed in a handful of states and will be phased out by 2011 in any state which uses the Veterinary Technician National Exam. (a deadline set by the owners of the Veterinary Technician National Exam).[3]
In most anglophonic countries outside North America veterinary technicians are known as Veterinary Nurses (VNs). The American Nursing Association and some state nursing associations have claimed proprietary rights to the term "nurse", thus it is not used as a credential for veterinary personnel in North America. While this claim has been debated ad nauseam , there is no case law to date supporting this claim. Some veterinary technicians argue that even though their scope of responsibility is broader than that of nurses (filling the roles of nurse, radiology technician, laboratory technician, pharmacy technician, etc.) they still spend approximately 90% of their time performing nursing tasks and should therefore be allowed to be called Veterinary Nurses like their counterparts outside North America. Unofficially in conversation with veterinary clientele veterinary technicians are often referred to as veterinary nurses simply because it is the most succinct, albeit incomplete, description that the clientele can relate to. What is now the British Veterinary Nursing Association faced similar opposition early on from the nursing community in their country.[4]
Laws differ greatly from state to state. Contact your state's Veterinary Medical Board to find out what laws bind Veterinary Technicians in your state. Veterinary technicians' interests are represented nationally in the United States and Canada by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA—formerly the North American Veterinary Technician Association) and the Canadian Association of Animal Health Technicians (CAAHT) respectively. Each state also tends to have its own veterinary technician association which represents the interests of veterinary technicians in that particular state. Membership in state veterinary technician associations is very important as these are the groups that present the needs and desires of veterinary technicians to the state lawmakers and veterinary medical associations.[citation needed] As it is each state's right to set the laws and rules which govern the practice of veterinary technology and veterinary medicine, representation on a state level is necessary to address the specific needs of veterinary technicians in their state.[citation needed]
Specialty certification
Beyond credentialing as a veterinary technician specialty certification is also available to technicians with advanced skills. To date there are specialty recognitions in: emergency & critical care, anesthesiology, dentistry, small animal internal medicine, large animal internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, neurology, zoological medicine, equine veterinary nursing, surgery, behavior, nutrition, and clinical practice (canine/feline, avian/exotic, and production animal). Veterinary Technician Specialists carry the additional post-nominal letters "VTS" with their particular specialties indicated in parentheses. As veterinary technology evolves more specialty academy recognitions are anticipated.
Veterinary assistants
Main article: Veterinary assistant
Non-credentialed personnel who perform similar tasks to veterinary technicians are usually referred to as veterinary assistants though the term technician is often applied generously. In many states, a veterinary assistant cannot legally perform as many procedures as a technician. Veterinary assistants often have no formal education related to veterinary medicine or veterinary technology. In larger facilities with tiered hierarchies veterinary assistants typically assist veterinary technicians in their duties.
Global presence
Veterinary technology as an organized and credentialed career option is relatively young only existing since the mid 20th century (although the seeds had been planted earlier in 1908 when the Canine Nurses Institute was established in England[5]) and as such is still struggling for recognition in many parts of the world. Attempts at professional solidarity resulted in the creation of the International Veterinary Nurses and Technicians Association (IVNTA) in 1993. Its members currently include Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.[6] In 2007 the Accreditation Committee for Veterinary Nurse Education (ACOVENE) was established in an attempt to standardize veterinary technology education throughout the European Union and to allow movement of veterinary nurses educated in one member nation to employment in another.[7]
Australia
Veterinary nurses in Australia have a two tier hierarchy consisting of Qualified Veterinary Nurses who hold a Certificate IV in veterinary nursing and Diplomaed Veterinary Nurses who hold a diploma in veterinary nursing. Diplomaed Veterinary Nurses may apply for further training in a specific field to receive "Extended" qualifications.[8] Veterinary nurses exhibiting excellence in their field may be recognised jointly by the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) and the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) with the post-nominal letters AVN (Accredited Veterinary Nurse).[9] There is also a newly created Bachelor of Applied Science, Veterinary Technology Extended major offered at the University of Queensland.[10]
Belgium
Veterinary auxiliaries in Wallonia (the French speaking region of the Kingdom of Belgium) are known as "assistantes veterinaires" (veterinary assistants). There is a single state-recognized program in Belgium organized by la Communauté Française de Belgique. This is a two year program offered by l'Institut d'Enseignement de Promotion Sociale de la Communauté Française at Jupille.[11][12][13] This program is still in its infancy and will graduate its first class in June 2011. There are non-state sanctioned programs offered in private institutions in Flanders (the Flemish or Dutch speaking region of Belgium). One of these programs, that offered at Katholieke Hogeschool Kempen in Geel, has received provisional accreditation from ACOVENE.[14] At this time there is not a national organization representing veterinary assistants in Belgium. (Renaud Poizat, Dr. Vét. Lic. AESS biologie, program developer and instructor at l'Institut d'Enseignement, June 2010).
Finland
Veterinary nurses in Finland are represented by Klinikkaeläinhoitajat ry (Finnish Veterinary Nurses Association).
France
Veterinary support personnel in France consists of Auxiliaire Vétérinaire Qualifiée (AVQ), [formerly known as Auxiliaire Vétérinaire (AV)], and Auxiliaire Spécialisée Vétérinaire (ASV). The former's job description is similar to that of the veterinary assistant in North America and is achieved with one year of formal training while the latter's job description is similar to veterinary technicians in North America and is achieved with two years of formal training.[15][16][17]
Ghana
Veterinary medical technicians in Ghana are represented by the Ghana Veterinary Medical Technicians Association (VEMTAG).
Ireland
Veterinary nurses in Ireland are represented by the Irish Veterinary Nursing Association (IVNA) since 2002 and prior to this were represented by the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) from the 1960s. Veterinary nursing became a regulated profession in the State from January 2008 under the Veterinary Practice Act 2005. The title ‘veterinary nurse’ can only be used by those registered with the Veterinary Council. Post-nominal letters used in Ireland are RVN (Registered Veterinary Nurse). A provisional register was created for the purpose of allowing experienced staff working in veterinary practices the opportunity to achieve formal education and qualification. Provisional registration confers the same rights and responsibilities as those on the Register enjoy except that those with provisional registration must have reached the standard required for entry to the Register by the 31 December 2012. Therefore, from January 2008 no individual can legally perform veterinary nursing duties unless listed on the Register or is currently undertaking a course of formal education approved by the Veterinary Council (Ann Marie Byrne, RVN, IVNA Chairperson, 10 mar 2009). To date, there are three programmes of study which qualify one to become a veterinary nurse in Ireland, each being sanctioned by the Veterinary Council of Ireland: the 2-year diploma course at St. John's College in Cork, the 3-year ordinary Bachelor of Science degree in Athlone I.T. and the 4-year higher (honours level) Bachelor of Science degree at University College Dublin.
Japan
Veterinary technicians & nurses in Japan are represented by the Japan Veterinary Nurses & Technicians Association (JVNTA).
New Zealand
Veterinary nursing in New Zealand is represented by the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association (NZVNA) which is subject to the Animal Nursing and Technology Board (ANTECH) of the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA).[18] Veterinary nurses hold either a National Certificate or Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. The National Certificate represents one year of formal training while the National Diploma represents an additional two years with the National Certificate or its equivalent as a prerequisite. There are thirteen providers of veterinary nursing education in New Zealand, eight of which award the National Certificates (others offer their own local courses).[19][20][21] Other available entry-level certificates include the National Certificate in Animal Care[22] and the Certificate in Rural Animal Technology.[23] In 2009, Massey University started a new degree - the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology. It is a 3 year degree and the first class will graduate in 2011.[24] Veterinary nurses in New Zealand are not currently required to be registered with the government but an accreditation scheme is being explored.[25] New Zealand veterinary nurses adopted a national work uniform in 2004 but its wear is optional.[26]
Norway
Veterinary nurses/technicians in Norway are known as "Dyrepleier" and they along with veterinary assistants are represented by the Norwegian Veterinary Nurse and Assistant Association (NDAF--Norsk Dyrepleier og Assistent Forening). The Norwegian veterinary nurse/technician education is a two year university level program taught exclusively at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science. Prior to 2003 it was a one year program followed by one year of practical experience. Nurse/technician graduates of the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science must apply for an official authorisation issued from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) in order to use the title "Dyrepleier".[27]
South Africa
Veterinary Nurses (VN's) in South Africa attend a two year program at the Onderstepoort campus of the University of Pretoria culminating in a diploma in veterinary nursing (DipVetNurs or DVN)[28] and unlike lay staff are trained to do everything except clinical consultations and surgery subject to the Para-Veterinary Profession's Act.[29] Qualified veterinary nurses, curiously of both genders, utilize the title of "Sister (Sr.)", similar to the practice of female charge nurses in the human medical field in many countries, representing their professional sisterhood. They can be recognised by the wearing of epaulettes bearing a lamb, representing the patients they care for; a lamp, representing knowledge; and an axe, symbolising strength (Sr. Tania Serfontein, vice-president, VNASA, February 2009). They are represented by the Veterinary Nurses Association of South Africa (VNASA) which was started in 1978 after South Africa's first class of qualified veterinary nurses graduated.[30] Permission to offer a Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing through the University of Pretoria was recently applied for to the South African Qualifications Authority.[31]
Sweden
Veterinary nurses (as well as veterinary radiographers, administrative personnel, and laboratory assistants) have been represented in Sweden since 1997 by Riksföreningen Anställda Inom Djursjukvården (RAID—The Swedish Veterinary Nurse Association). Education consists of a two-year 80 credit post-secondary program at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). RAID has also devised a distance learning course for experienced nurses and organizes continuing education for para-professionals in the equine and small-animal sectors.[32]
Switzerland
Veterinary medical assistants in Switzerland [Tiermedizinische/r Praxisassistent/in / assistantes en médecine vétérinaire (AMV)/assistenti medicina veterinari (AMV)] organized in 1991 in Berne and are represented by the Swiss Association of Veterinary Medical Assistants [''Vereinigung der schweizerischen tiermedizinischen Praxisassistentinnen/Association Suisse des assistantes en médecine vétérinaire/Associazione Svizzera di assistenti medicina Veterinari (VSTPA/ASAMV)].[33] The curriculum is offered in German in two or three schools and in French at a single site—Ecole Panorama in Lausanne—where students meet each Thursday starting in late August during a three year apprenticeship for lessons in theory and one day per month for practical training. This training culminates in the award of the National Certificate [Eidgenössisches Fähigkeitszeugnis als gelernte/r/Certificat Fédéral de Capacité/Attestato federale di capacità (CFC)]in veterinary medical assisting.[34][35]
Turkey
Veterinary technicians in Turkey are represented by Veteriner Saglik Teknisyenleri Dernegi (Association of Veterinary Technicians in Turkey).
United Kingdom
Qualified veterinary nurses in the UK must be registered or listed with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Registered or Listed veterinary nurses have dispensations in law (the Veterinary Surgeons Act) to undertake certain procedures on animals under veterinary direction. Registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) have are bound by a code of professional conduct and are obliged to maintain their professional knowledge and skills through ongoing CPD.
RVNs train for the Register through either a two-year further education diploma programme or via a qualifying foundation or honours degree. All student nurses must complete a significant amount of work experience in general veterinary practice during their training.
Qualified VNs often wear the accepted uniform of bottle green and the scarlet and pewter RCVS badge, issued on qualification. However qualified veterinary nurses may also wear their veterinary practice's corporate colours. RCVS badges are engraved with the nurse's personal badge number, however badges are a sign of having achieved a VN qualification and not of a person's current registered status. All currently Listed or Registered veterinary nurses can be found online at www.rcvs.org.uk
Unqualified nursing staff may be called Animal Nursing Assistants or Veterinary Care Assistants. These lay staff have usually undertaken some basic veterinary nurse training but are limited by law as to the procedures they may undertake on animals. They work alongside qualified vets and veterinary nurses to provide care and support to animal patients and their owners.
UK veterinary nurses are represented by the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).[36] VN's can further their formal training with a BVNA specialist course Certificate in Dentistry and\or by achieving the RCVS Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (DipAVN) by following a course of study in one or more of three pathways: Small animal nursing, Equine nursing, and Veterinary nursing education. More information about the Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk
Veterinary Technician Oath
"I solemnly dedicate myself to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and services for animals, by alleviating animal suffering, and promoting public health. I accept my obligations to practice my profession conscientiously and with sensitivity, adhering to the profession's Code of Ethics, and furthering my knowledge and competence through a commitment to lifelong learning."
See also
Technical skills include: venipuncture; collecting urine from certain types which you are trained in; performing skin scrapings; taking and processing radiographs; and performing routine lab procedures and tests in: hematology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, and serology. They assist the veterinarian with physical examinations that help determine the nature of the illness or injury. Veterinary technicians also perform and maintain anesthesia, and administer medications, fluids and blood products as prescribed by the veterinarian. Tasks in patient care include: recording temperature, pulse and respiration, dressing wounds, applying splints and other protective devices, and cleaning teeth. They perform catheterizations - urinary, arterial, and venous; ear flushes; intravenous feedings and tube feedings. Equipment use includes operating electrocardiographic, radiographic and ultrasonographic equipment. Veterinary technicians commonly assist veterinarians in surgery by providing correct equipment and instruments and by assuring that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, scopes and breathing apparatus are in good working condition. They may also maintain treatment records and inventory of all pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies, and help with other administrative tasks within a veterinary practice.
Education and credentialing
United States & Canada
To become a credentialed veterinary technician, one must complete a two or three year degree at an AVMA-accredited school, most of which terminate in the awarding of an associate of applied science in veterinary technology (those enduring a four-year AVMA or CVMA accredited school terminating in the awarding of a bachelor's degree are considered veterinary technologists though the distinction is rarely made an issue).[1] The education a credentialed technician receives is in-depth and crucial for medical understanding and to give proper health care. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) are responsible for accrediting schools with either Associate's degrees or Bachelor's degrees, though in some states or provinces this is not necessary. The AVMA also accredits schools that offer distance education. As a requirement of AVMA-accreditation, all distance learning programs require a significant amount of practical clinical experience before the student will be allowed to graduate. Clinical experience is usually obtained by employment or volunteer hours at an animal clinic. Preceptors must be a veterinarian or a credentialed vet technician and are required to instruct and sign off on clinical tasks, and then submit the records to the school for approval; some tasks must be videotaped and submitted to the school for grading. Though rare and competitive, there exists, in some large multi-specialty practices, one-year rotational internships available to veterinary technology students upon graduation.
Gaining a degree in veterinary technology is only a part of the requirements for credentialing. Veterinary technology degree holders who wish to be credentialed must generally also pass some sort of credentialing exams based upon the requirements of the state, province or country in which they live. In the United States, these exams are usually the Veterinary Technician National Exam ([2])and an exam written by whatever governing body bestows credentials to veterinary technicians in that state. Depending on the state that a technician is working towards credentialing in, these tests may be administered by a United States licensing board, state veterinary medical association or state veterinary technician association. The type of credential granted to technicians also varies from state to state based upon the laws that govern that state and instances doesn't limit certain actions or the use of the term "veterinary technician" to only those who are registered. Certification is generally bestowed by a private organization such as a school or professional organization and holds no legal connotation. Certification is often granted by the state veterinary technician association in states where neither the laws nor the veterinary medical association require or recommend credentialing of technicians. The term Animal Health Technician (AHT) is still used in some provinces of Canada and was once commonly used in the United States before giving way to the current moniker of veterinary technician. As with VT's there are (or have been) RAHT's, LAHT's, and CAHT's.
While it used to be very common that people with a set number of years or hours of experience assisting a veterinarian could sit for these exams that is now only allowed in a handful of states and will be phased out by 2011 in any state which uses the Veterinary Technician National Exam. (a deadline set by the owners of the Veterinary Technician National Exam).[3]
In most anglophonic countries outside North America veterinary technicians are known as Veterinary Nurses (VNs). The American Nursing Association and some state nursing associations have claimed proprietary rights to the term "nurse", thus it is not used as a credential for veterinary personnel in North America. While this claim has been debated ad nauseam , there is no case law to date supporting this claim. Some veterinary technicians argue that even though their scope of responsibility is broader than that of nurses (filling the roles of nurse, radiology technician, laboratory technician, pharmacy technician, etc.) they still spend approximately 90% of their time performing nursing tasks and should therefore be allowed to be called Veterinary Nurses like their counterparts outside North America. Unofficially in conversation with veterinary clientele veterinary technicians are often referred to as veterinary nurses simply because it is the most succinct, albeit incomplete, description that the clientele can relate to. What is now the British Veterinary Nursing Association faced similar opposition early on from the nursing community in their country.[4]
Laws differ greatly from state to state. Contact your state's Veterinary Medical Board to find out what laws bind Veterinary Technicians in your state. Veterinary technicians' interests are represented nationally in the United States and Canada by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA—formerly the North American Veterinary Technician Association) and the Canadian Association of Animal Health Technicians (CAAHT) respectively. Each state also tends to have its own veterinary technician association which represents the interests of veterinary technicians in that particular state. Membership in state veterinary technician associations is very important as these are the groups that present the needs and desires of veterinary technicians to the state lawmakers and veterinary medical associations.[citation needed] As it is each state's right to set the laws and rules which govern the practice of veterinary technology and veterinary medicine, representation on a state level is necessary to address the specific needs of veterinary technicians in their state.[citation needed]
Specialty certification
Beyond credentialing as a veterinary technician specialty certification is also available to technicians with advanced skills. To date there are specialty recognitions in: emergency & critical care, anesthesiology, dentistry, small animal internal medicine, large animal internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, neurology, zoological medicine, equine veterinary nursing, surgery, behavior, nutrition, and clinical practice (canine/feline, avian/exotic, and production animal). Veterinary Technician Specialists carry the additional post-nominal letters "VTS" with their particular specialties indicated in parentheses. As veterinary technology evolves more specialty academy recognitions are anticipated.
Veterinary assistants
Main article: Veterinary assistant
Non-credentialed personnel who perform similar tasks to veterinary technicians are usually referred to as veterinary assistants though the term technician is often applied generously. In many states, a veterinary assistant cannot legally perform as many procedures as a technician. Veterinary assistants often have no formal education related to veterinary medicine or veterinary technology. In larger facilities with tiered hierarchies veterinary assistants typically assist veterinary technicians in their duties.
Global presence
Veterinary technology as an organized and credentialed career option is relatively young only existing since the mid 20th century (although the seeds had been planted earlier in 1908 when the Canine Nurses Institute was established in England[5]) and as such is still struggling for recognition in many parts of the world. Attempts at professional solidarity resulted in the creation of the International Veterinary Nurses and Technicians Association (IVNTA) in 1993. Its members currently include Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.[6] In 2007 the Accreditation Committee for Veterinary Nurse Education (ACOVENE) was established in an attempt to standardize veterinary technology education throughout the European Union and to allow movement of veterinary nurses educated in one member nation to employment in another.[7]
Australia
Veterinary nurses in Australia have a two tier hierarchy consisting of Qualified Veterinary Nurses who hold a Certificate IV in veterinary nursing and Diplomaed Veterinary Nurses who hold a diploma in veterinary nursing. Diplomaed Veterinary Nurses may apply for further training in a specific field to receive "Extended" qualifications.[8] Veterinary nurses exhibiting excellence in their field may be recognised jointly by the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) and the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) with the post-nominal letters AVN (Accredited Veterinary Nurse).[9] There is also a newly created Bachelor of Applied Science, Veterinary Technology Extended major offered at the University of Queensland.[10]
Belgium
Veterinary auxiliaries in Wallonia (the French speaking region of the Kingdom of Belgium) are known as "assistantes veterinaires" (veterinary assistants). There is a single state-recognized program in Belgium organized by la Communauté Française de Belgique. This is a two year program offered by l'Institut d'Enseignement de Promotion Sociale de la Communauté Française at Jupille.[11][12][13] This program is still in its infancy and will graduate its first class in June 2011. There are non-state sanctioned programs offered in private institutions in Flanders (the Flemish or Dutch speaking region of Belgium). One of these programs, that offered at Katholieke Hogeschool Kempen in Geel, has received provisional accreditation from ACOVENE.[14] At this time there is not a national organization representing veterinary assistants in Belgium. (Renaud Poizat, Dr. Vét. Lic. AESS biologie, program developer and instructor at l'Institut d'Enseignement, June 2010).
Finland
Veterinary nurses in Finland are represented by Klinikkaeläinhoitajat ry (Finnish Veterinary Nurses Association).
France
Veterinary support personnel in France consists of Auxiliaire Vétérinaire Qualifiée (AVQ), [formerly known as Auxiliaire Vétérinaire (AV)], and Auxiliaire Spécialisée Vétérinaire (ASV). The former's job description is similar to that of the veterinary assistant in North America and is achieved with one year of formal training while the latter's job description is similar to veterinary technicians in North America and is achieved with two years of formal training.[15][16][17]
Ghana
Veterinary medical technicians in Ghana are represented by the Ghana Veterinary Medical Technicians Association (VEMTAG).
Ireland
Veterinary nurses in Ireland are represented by the Irish Veterinary Nursing Association (IVNA) since 2002 and prior to this were represented by the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) from the 1960s. Veterinary nursing became a regulated profession in the State from January 2008 under the Veterinary Practice Act 2005. The title ‘veterinary nurse’ can only be used by those registered with the Veterinary Council. Post-nominal letters used in Ireland are RVN (Registered Veterinary Nurse). A provisional register was created for the purpose of allowing experienced staff working in veterinary practices the opportunity to achieve formal education and qualification. Provisional registration confers the same rights and responsibilities as those on the Register enjoy except that those with provisional registration must have reached the standard required for entry to the Register by the 31 December 2012. Therefore, from January 2008 no individual can legally perform veterinary nursing duties unless listed on the Register or is currently undertaking a course of formal education approved by the Veterinary Council (Ann Marie Byrne, RVN, IVNA Chairperson, 10 mar 2009). To date, there are three programmes of study which qualify one to become a veterinary nurse in Ireland, each being sanctioned by the Veterinary Council of Ireland: the 2-year diploma course at St. John's College in Cork, the 3-year ordinary Bachelor of Science degree in Athlone I.T. and the 4-year higher (honours level) Bachelor of Science degree at University College Dublin.
Japan
Veterinary technicians & nurses in Japan are represented by the Japan Veterinary Nurses & Technicians Association (JVNTA).
New Zealand
Veterinary nursing in New Zealand is represented by the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association (NZVNA) which is subject to the Animal Nursing and Technology Board (ANTECH) of the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA).[18] Veterinary nurses hold either a National Certificate or Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. The National Certificate represents one year of formal training while the National Diploma represents an additional two years with the National Certificate or its equivalent as a prerequisite. There are thirteen providers of veterinary nursing education in New Zealand, eight of which award the National Certificates (others offer their own local courses).[19][20][21] Other available entry-level certificates include the National Certificate in Animal Care[22] and the Certificate in Rural Animal Technology.[23] In 2009, Massey University started a new degree - the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology. It is a 3 year degree and the first class will graduate in 2011.[24] Veterinary nurses in New Zealand are not currently required to be registered with the government but an accreditation scheme is being explored.[25] New Zealand veterinary nurses adopted a national work uniform in 2004 but its wear is optional.[26]
Norway
Veterinary nurses/technicians in Norway are known as "Dyrepleier" and they along with veterinary assistants are represented by the Norwegian Veterinary Nurse and Assistant Association (NDAF--Norsk Dyrepleier og Assistent Forening). The Norwegian veterinary nurse/technician education is a two year university level program taught exclusively at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science. Prior to 2003 it was a one year program followed by one year of practical experience. Nurse/technician graduates of the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science must apply for an official authorisation issued from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) in order to use the title "Dyrepleier".[27]
South Africa
Veterinary Nurses (VN's) in South Africa attend a two year program at the Onderstepoort campus of the University of Pretoria culminating in a diploma in veterinary nursing (DipVetNurs or DVN)[28] and unlike lay staff are trained to do everything except clinical consultations and surgery subject to the Para-Veterinary Profession's Act.[29] Qualified veterinary nurses, curiously of both genders, utilize the title of "Sister (Sr.)", similar to the practice of female charge nurses in the human medical field in many countries, representing their professional sisterhood. They can be recognised by the wearing of epaulettes bearing a lamb, representing the patients they care for; a lamp, representing knowledge; and an axe, symbolising strength (Sr. Tania Serfontein, vice-president, VNASA, February 2009). They are represented by the Veterinary Nurses Association of South Africa (VNASA) which was started in 1978 after South Africa's first class of qualified veterinary nurses graduated.[30] Permission to offer a Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing through the University of Pretoria was recently applied for to the South African Qualifications Authority.[31]
Sweden
Veterinary nurses (as well as veterinary radiographers, administrative personnel, and laboratory assistants) have been represented in Sweden since 1997 by Riksföreningen Anställda Inom Djursjukvården (RAID—The Swedish Veterinary Nurse Association). Education consists of a two-year 80 credit post-secondary program at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). RAID has also devised a distance learning course for experienced nurses and organizes continuing education for para-professionals in the equine and small-animal sectors.[32]
Switzerland
Veterinary medical assistants in Switzerland [Tiermedizinische/r Praxisassistent/in / assistantes en médecine vétérinaire (AMV)/assistenti medicina veterinari (AMV)] organized in 1991 in Berne and are represented by the Swiss Association of Veterinary Medical Assistants [''Vereinigung der schweizerischen tiermedizinischen Praxisassistentinnen/Association Suisse des assistantes en médecine vétérinaire/Associazione Svizzera di assistenti medicina Veterinari (VSTPA/ASAMV)].[33] The curriculum is offered in German in two or three schools and in French at a single site—Ecole Panorama in Lausanne—where students meet each Thursday starting in late August during a three year apprenticeship for lessons in theory and one day per month for practical training. This training culminates in the award of the National Certificate [Eidgenössisches Fähigkeitszeugnis als gelernte/r/Certificat Fédéral de Capacité/Attestato federale di capacità (CFC)]in veterinary medical assisting.[34][35]
Turkey
Veterinary technicians in Turkey are represented by Veteriner Saglik Teknisyenleri Dernegi (Association of Veterinary Technicians in Turkey).
United Kingdom
Qualified veterinary nurses in the UK must be registered or listed with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Registered or Listed veterinary nurses have dispensations in law (the Veterinary Surgeons Act) to undertake certain procedures on animals under veterinary direction. Registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) have are bound by a code of professional conduct and are obliged to maintain their professional knowledge and skills through ongoing CPD.
RVNs train for the Register through either a two-year further education diploma programme or via a qualifying foundation or honours degree. All student nurses must complete a significant amount of work experience in general veterinary practice during their training.
Qualified VNs often wear the accepted uniform of bottle green and the scarlet and pewter RCVS badge, issued on qualification. However qualified veterinary nurses may also wear their veterinary practice's corporate colours. RCVS badges are engraved with the nurse's personal badge number, however badges are a sign of having achieved a VN qualification and not of a person's current registered status. All currently Listed or Registered veterinary nurses can be found online at www.rcvs.org.uk
Unqualified nursing staff may be called Animal Nursing Assistants or Veterinary Care Assistants. These lay staff have usually undertaken some basic veterinary nurse training but are limited by law as to the procedures they may undertake on animals. They work alongside qualified vets and veterinary nurses to provide care and support to animal patients and their owners.
UK veterinary nurses are represented by the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).[36] VN's can further their formal training with a BVNA specialist course Certificate in Dentistry and\or by achieving the RCVS Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (DipAVN) by following a course of study in one or more of three pathways: Small animal nursing, Equine nursing, and Veterinary nursing education. More information about the Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk
Veterinary Technician Oath
"I solemnly dedicate myself to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and services for animals, by alleviating animal suffering, and promoting public health. I accept my obligations to practice my profession conscientiously and with sensitivity, adhering to the profession's Code of Ethics, and furthering my knowledge and competence through a commitment to lifelong learning."
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