On the heels of National Veterinary Technician Week, I would like to address a common concern among our profession: celebrating the entire Veterinary staff as part of National Veterinary Technician Week.
National Veterinary Technician Week, which was established by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) in 1993 and is observed annually in the third week of October, serves as a dedicated time to honor the vital contributions of credentialed Veterinary technicians to animal health and welfare. While it’s important to acknowledge the entire Veterinary healthcare team, this celebration should specifically highlight the unique qualifications and expertise of credentialed Veterinary technicians, rather than being diluted into a broader ‘staff appreciation’ event.
It is imperative that we, as a profession, remember the rigorous education and training a credentialed Veterinary technician receives in order to be eligible to sit for a national exam and often an additional state exam. Recognizing exclusively technicians during National Veterinary Technician Week emphasizes the dedication and hard work that has shaped this profession over decades.
Celebrating only credentialed Veterinary technicians during this week also helps clarify their roles and educations to the general public. When National Veterinary Technician Week is extended to include all staff members, it risks blurring the lines between the various roles within the Veterinary healthcare team. This confusion can undermine the public’s understanding of the qualifications and responsibilities of Veterinary professionals, and technicians have worked tirelessly for decades trying to educate the public on the education, roles, and responsibilities of technicians in the Veterinary field.
I’m not saying that it isn’t essential to recognize all members of the Veterinary team. Each member of the team is imperative to our field and all play invaluable roles in delivering quality care. However, their contributions should be celebrated at their own designated times. For example, NAVTA has established Approved Veterinary Assistant Week as the third week in May each year. (Another source has listed Veterinary Assistant Week as the last week in July). Veterinary Receptionist Week is the last full week in April. And let’s not also forget World Veterinary Day, Boss’ Day, and many others.
The main focus of National Veterinary Technician Week should not be about material gifts, but rather about giving credit where credit is due. Credentialed Veterinary technicians deserve recognition for their years of study and commitment to continuing education, as well as for their contributions to improving animal health and client education.
In conclusion, while all members of the Veterinary healthcare team are crucial, National Veterinary Technician Week should remain a dedicated time to celebrate credentialed Veterinary technicians. By maintaining this focus, we can ensure that their essential contributions are acknowledged and understood, promoting a clearer picture of their roles both within the Veterinary profession and also to the public.