The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW) October 15 – 21, 2006. The week is held during National Pet Wellness Month, sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association and Fort Dodge Animal Health. This year, NVTW represents the culmination of a year-long celebration of NAVTA’s 25th Anniversary. NVTW provides veterinary technicians the opportunity to promote their profession to the public and their colleagues.
“Celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week is especially meaningful this year. Last year many of our members celebrated the week through their valiant efforts with pets affected by the hurricanes. So many traditional celebrations did not happen, but what did happen was a real-life demonstration of how veterinary technicians play such an important role in caring for pets even in stressful situations. Now, as we conclude our 25th year as an organization, we continue to be the voice for technicians — how they can continue to help pets and pet owners in emergencies and in every day wellness care,” said Patrick Navarre, BS, RVT, Executive Director of NAVTA.
Veterinary Technician week was created by NAVTA and has been celebrated since 1994 and is celebrated annually to recognize veterinary technicians for their contributions to the veterinary healthcare team. A veterinary technician’s primary responsibilities in a veterinary practice involve animal nursing, administering medications, assisting in surgery, taking radiographs, performing ultrasound, inducing and monitoring anesthesia, performing dentistry, managing the hospital and performing laboratory tests. Veterinary technicians are also employed in biomedical research, the military, sales, industry, and education. With the constantly evolving technology used by veterinarians to diagnose illnesses, veterinary technicians continue their education and master new skills in order to provide treatment for the animals in their care.
Veterinary technicians will be celebrating NVTW in a variety of ways: Technicians will volunteer at shelters, organize fundraisers as many organizations are still collecting funds to offset the expenses they incurred helping animals and their owners affected by the hurricanes last year.
A mark of NAVTA’s professional achievement has been the launch of The NAVTA Journal, created in December 2002. The NAVTA Journal, which acts as an outlet for the organization, as well as its members, offers continuing education articles and cutting-edge information. “The NAVTA Journal has been a visible sign of our growth and position in the profession. It has also increased awareness about our organization,” says Patrick Navarre, BS, RVT, Executive Director of NAVTA.
Additionally, NAVTA has established a presence online through its site, www.navta.net. Recently redesigned, the site includes survey data, information about the organization and upcoming events. It also serves as an educational component, offering an online career center, credential information and links to continuing education programs.
NAVTA is a nonprofit organization that represents and promotes the profession of Veterinary Technology. NAVTA provides direction, education, support, and coordination for its members, and works with other allied professional organizations for the competent care and humane treatment of animals. Incorporated in 1981, NAVTA is the national organization devoted exclusively to developing and enhancing the profession of veterinary technology.
For more information about National Veterinary Technician Week, visit www.navta.net.