The Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics has endorsed a campaign to standardize the title and credentials of veterinary technicians nationwide.
The 115-member group’s board of directors voted unanimously to support the Veterinary Nurse Initiative, President Donald H. DeForge reported Aug. 23.
The initiative, launched in 2016 by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, would replace titles such as certified, licensed or registered veterinary technician with the single title registered veterinary nurse, or RVN. The effort is expected to take years as supporters lobby state legislators and other governing bodies.
“The SVME is in support of title unification and consistent educational standards nationwide to replace confusion from inconsistent nomenclature and to increase the awareness of the role of veterinary technicians, the profession of veterinary technology and nursing, and the advancement of its members,” according to the group’s position statement.
Numerous other groups and institutions have documented their support for the change. Among them are the North American Veterinary Community, publisher of Today’s Veterinary Business; Banfield Pet Hospital; Royal Canin USA; the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine; the Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine and the university’s Veterinary Medical Technology Program; Petplan; BluePearl Veterinary Partners; MWI Animal Health; and the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine.