Battle Ground, Ind
The North American Veterinary Technician Association (NAVTA) has proclaimed October 14-20, 2001 as National Veterinary Technician Week. This annual event provides a framework for NAVTA members and all veterinary technicians to bring attention to their profession and to recognize the contributions of technicians to the veterinary health care team.
This year’s theme is “Veterinary Technicians are Care Givers” and Pfizer Animal Health has sponsored an informational poster for display in clinics and hospitals as well as at local humane societies, schools, and libraries. The poster highlights the veterinary technicians’ love of animals, their commitment to education, their role as part of the health care team and their sense of responsibility for the welfare of animals.
The year 2001 is especially significant for NAVTA because the organization is observing the 20th anniversary of its founding. Earlier this year, NAVTA celebrated its birthday during the Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) in Las Vegas, Nev. Dr. Stephen Crane, executive director of WVC has been a long time supporter of NAVTA’s activities.
“It is always a pleasure to have NAVTA as a participant at our conference,” Dr. Crane said. “I have seen the organization grow and advance over the years and congratulate the leaders and membership on their dedication to continuing education and for their contribution to the veterinary medical profession.” For more information on NAVTA’s 20th birthday celebration, see the NAVTA newsroom here on goodnewsforpets.com.
In June 1993, the NAVTA Executive Board passed a resolution designating the third week of October as National Veterinary Technician Week providing the association with the opportunity to focus favorable attention on the profession. The goals of the annual event include:
- Educate the public about this vital member of the veterinary medical team.
- Reinforce the value of professionalism of veterinary technicians to veterinarians and the public.
- Provide an opportunity for veterinary technicians to salute one another for excellent performance in their work.
- Acknowledge veterinarians for hiring veterinary technicians.
Veterinary technicians, students and veterinary clinics across the country will observe the week with a variety of events such as community events like animal walks and pet contests, luncheons or banquets, and public speaking engagements where veterinary technicians can share information about their profession with local veterinary medical associations, students, and pet owners.
“There is much to be done to increase awareness of the contribution of veterinary technicians to the health and welfare of animals,” said Patrick Navarre, NAVTA executive director. “Through the efforts of our members across the country, National Veterinary Technician Week is a focal point for celebrating the professionalism and dedication of veterinary technicians and encouraging young people who love animals to consider this field among their career choices.”
Veterinary technicians perform many functions in a veterinary practice including animal nursing, administering medications, assisting in surgery, taking radiographs along with monitoring of anesthesia, hospital management and laboratory duties. They also are employed outside the clinical setting in biomedical research, the military, sales, industry and education.
“I am proud to be a veterinary technician and to be a part of the organization that supports my professional activities,” said Maria Bingaman, CVT and current NAVTA president. “I encourage all my fellow veterinary technicians to participate in National Veterinary Technician Week in their communities and in the workplace.”
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.