he veterinary technician profession is evolving, but real progress requires active involvement from veterinary technicians themselves. While systemic challenges have long hindered the recognition and proper utilization of veterinary technicians, there are clear paths forward.

• Structural Imbalance: Historically, veterinary practices have operated under a veterinarian-centric model, which leaves technicians underrepresented and undervalued. Despite years of discussion about technician turnover, poor compensation and low morale, many of these issues remain unresolved because they are structural rather than attitudinal.
• Inconsistent Credentialing and Utilization: Arguably one of the biggest issues is the variation in credentialing and utilization across states. Currently, there are six states (CT, FL, MA, NJ, VT and WY) that do not have technician regulations and use a voluntary credentialing process. Some states allow uncredentialed assistants to perform critical tasks like anesthesia, while other states provide minimal recognition or differentiation for the work technicians do.
  Even within states, there is often variation between regions or even between practices in the same community regarding the tasks that technicians are permitted to perform. This lack of consistency limits the profession’s growth and creates confusion both within practices and across the pet-owning population.
• Limited Representation in Governance: In most states, veterinary boards are primarily or entirely composed of veterinarians, leaving technicians without a voice in decisions that affect their licensing/credentialing, scope of practice and professional development. The governing bodies for veterinary technicians’ educations and credentialing exams are similarly housed within organizations where technicians are grossly underrepresented. Unlike other professions requiring credentialing, including human healthcare professions, veterinary technicians do not have the autonomy to regulate their own profession.

1. Advocate for Title Protection.
Title protection is critical for ensuring that veterinary technicians are recognized for their education, skills and expertise—both within the veterinary industry and among the general public. Without title protection, anyone can claim the title of a veterinary technician, essentially diluting the profession’s credibility.

How to Get Involved:

• Understand your state’s current veterinary practice act or other governing documents and advocate for technician-specific language and advancement.
• Stay informed about legislation in your state and contact lawmakers to express support for title protection.
• Attend state veterinary medical board (VMB) and state veterinary medical association (VMA) meetings.
• Join advocacy efforts through your state and national veterinary technician associations.
• Participate in state-level discussions about credentialing, scope of practice and other technician-centric topics.

2. Support the Creation of Technician-Led Licensing Boards.
One of the most significant structural changes proposed is the creation of technician-led licensing boards. These boards would allow technicians to govern their own credentialing, scope of practice and enforcement of standards, similar to nursing boards in human healthcare. This would elevate the profession and ensure that technicians have more control over their careers.

How to Get Involved:

• Engage with state veterinary boards and medical associations to push for technician representation and autonomy.
• Advocate for equal distribution of technician and veterinarian positions on the boards for all governing bodies.
• Start conversations with your colleagues and local associations about the need for technician-led governance.
• Attend state meetings or conferences where these issues are discussed and voice your support for structural changes.

3. Participate in Education and Awareness Campaigns.
Veterinary schools often fail to integrate the role of veterinary technicians into their curriculum, leaving new veterinarians oblivious to the vast education and skillsets that credentialed technicians possess. This leads to many veterinarians being underprepared to successfully work in a team-based model, where tasks are delineated appropriately.

Likewise, pet owners are often confused regarding the roles and responsibilities of different veterinary professionals due to the considerable lack of standardized terminology and job duties of veterinary professionals within their local practice, and even across their community, state and nation. Educating the next generation of veterinarians and pet owners about the importance of technicians and their unique skills and education is key to improving technician utilization.

How to Get Involved:

• Volunteer with veterinary
• schools to share your expertise with students.
• Understand your state’s current veterinary practice act or other governing documents.
• Educate colleagues and peers on current concerns and advocate for technician-specific language and advancement.
• Advocate for improved technician utilization in your workplace. To support your case, employ the 2023 AAHA Technician Utilization Guidelines.
• Create staff training programs that focus on understanding each position’s role in the veterinary healthcare team and provide a clarification of each role’s contributions.
• Join or introduce public awareness campaigns that help pet owners and veterinarians understand the critical role veterinary technicians play in animal healthcare.

How to Get Involved:

• Start by joining your local or state veterinary technician association.
• Join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
• Encourage your peers to participate in advocacy and professional development initiatives.
• Educate veterinary technician students on the importance of active involvement in shaping the profession’s future.
• Offer mentorship to new technicians, helping them to become strong leaders in the field.

The pet healthcare system is evolving, driven by a new generation of pet owners who demand higher standards of care for their animals. Veterinary technicians are at the forefront of this shift, but the profession will only reach its full potential if technicians push for the structural changes needed to elevate their roles. By working together and taking action now to get involved, stay informed and advocate for their profession, veterinary technicians can be part of the movement that transforms veterinary technology into a respected, well-compensated and fully recognized profession.