The Veterinary Nurse Initiative won another academic supporter Feb. 23 with an endorsement by the Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine and the university’s Veterinary Medical Technology Program.
The backing came on the same day that the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine announced its support of an initiative to make “registered veterinary nurse,” or RVN, the credential used by veterinary technicians nationwide.
The Lincoln Memorial position statement was signed by Jason Johnson, DVM, MS, DACT, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, and Elizabeth Burchette Thompson, DVM, dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences, which operates the veterinary technician program.
It reads, in part:
“The positive impact credentialed technicians have on veterinary practices has been proven, yet efforts to educate the public regarding the skills and knowledge that credential veterinary technicians possess have not been successful.
“Furthermore, the variation of the credential among states further confounds public understanding of the profession. In Tennessee, for instance, the credential is licensed veterinary medical technician, completely isolating technicians in the state from their peers in other states.
“As the veterinary profession faces increasing professional and economic challenges, it is essential that the entire profession work together to create a unified public image. The national credential of registered veterinary nurse will align public perceptions of the role of the veterinary nurse and bring clarity to the veterinary profession. This unified position is an important first step to assure the continued high quality of care provided to animals and their owners.”