Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 4th April 2016
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Technicians push to be renamed 'veterinary nurses'
vet nurse
NAVTA wants to see the title 'veterinary nurse' used in all 50 states, as it is in the UK and Australia.
Current system causing confusion among public and profession

Veterinary technicians in the US could see their titles changed to 'veterinary nurse' in the next decade. There are also plans to bring in a national standard for credentialing.

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians (NAVTA) in America says the current system - which varies from state to state - has 'led to confusion for the veterinary consumer and within the veterinary profession'.

In some states there is effectively no distinction between credentialed veterinary technicians and non-credentialed. Those that are credentialed will typically have completed a two or four-year programme accredited by the AVMA and will have completed a national exam.

NAVTA wants to see the title 'veterinary nurse' used in all 50 states, as it is in the UK and Australia, as well as a national standard for the maintenance of credentials.

'Establishing a single and standard title is the first step in the process to clarify the important role of the profession and provide enhanced patient care,' it said in a statement. 'Pets and pet owners are best protected and cared for by formally trained and credentialed veterinary nurses.'

The process is expected to take five to 10 years to implement. Over the coming year, NAVTA will consider the best options and consult with relevant professional and legal organisations. It will then develop a strategic plan based on the feedback.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.