Academy of Veterinary

Surgical Technicians

NAVTA Announces New Surgical Technician Specialty

Alexandria, Virginia: The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is pleased to announce a new specialty, the Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians. “The NAVTA Academies give veterinary technicians recognition for having advanced education, training and experience in an area of specialization,” stated Amy Butzier, CVT, Chair of the NAVTA Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS). “We are pleased to now recognize the Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians for those veterinary technicians with specialized knowledge in the surgical field of veterinary medicine.”

The Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians (AVST) will create a standardized route through which technicians may qualify for a national examination to become a Veterinary Technician Specialist, or VTS (Surgery). A 2009 survey of veterinary professionals indicated the need for technicians with advanced knowledge in many areas related to surgery. “As veterinary knowledge and skills have expanded, so has the need for trained technical support,” said Teri Raffel, Secretary of the AVST. “Veterinary technicians play an integral role in the care of perioperative veterinary patients,” added Heidi Reuss-Lamky, President of the AVST. “Veterinary technicians must not only understand sophisticated soft tissue and orthopedic surgical procedures, but also must possess advanced knowledge in areas such as anatomy and physiology, equipment/instrument care and maintenance, principles of asepsis, wound management, and diagnostic imaging techniques. Furthermore, surgical patients often require postoperative support such as coaptation or rehabilitation. A highly skilled technical staff assures that perioperative surgical patients receive a level of care commensurate to the surgical procedure performed.” The Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians encourages experienced surgical technicians to enhance their education and training by pursuing a surgical specialty.

Veterinary technicians interested in learning the specific criteria involved in pursuing a surgical technician specialty should contact Teri Raffel at raffelteri@gmail.com or Heidi Reuss-Lamky at frzbdogmom@aol.com.

The NAVTA Committee on Veterinary Technicians Specialties (CVTS) was formed in 1994 and is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association. CVTS provides guidelines to veterinary technician organizations to facilitate the formation of a specialty organization. Academies develop advanced pathways which a candidate must follow and complete in order to be awarded the designation of VTS (Veterinary Technician Specialist) in their specific discipline. Current specialties recognized by NAVTA are: dentistry, anesthesia, emergency and critical care, behavior, equine, zoology, and internal medicine, with subspecialties of neurology, small animal medicine, large animal medicine, cardiology and oncology.

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America is a nonprofit organization that represents and promotes the profession of Veterinary Technology. NAVTA provides direction, education, support and coordination for its members. Incorporated in 1981, NAVTA is the national organization devoted exclusively to developing and enhancing the profession of veterinary technology. For more information about NAVTA and the veterinary technician specialties, visit their website at www.navta.net.

Media Contact:

Sandy Sponaugle, NAVTA Communications Director

sandy@navta.net