Indiana Veterinary Technician Association (IVTA)

12/21/2024

Statement from the Indiana Veterinary Technician Association: Responding to Colorado's VPA Legislation

Following Colorado's passage of legislation creating the Veterinary Professional Associate position, the Indiana Veterinary Technician Association conducted a member survey to understand our professionals' perspectives on this development. Our members have provided clear direction: while mid-level practitioners may have a future role in veterinary medicine, implementing such positions before addressing fundamental issues in the veterinary technician field is premature.

Our survey revealed strong consensus that title protection and standardization of Veterinary Technician credentials must be prioritized before considering new mid-level positions. This is not merely a matter of professional pride – it is about building a strong foundation for the future of veterinary medicine. This feedback comes from members across all experience levels, demonstrating these are not simply reactions to change, but genuine professional concerns about the future of veterinary medicine.

As we observe Colorado's implementation process, the IVTA commits to:
▪️ Advocating for improvements in veterinary technician professional standing
▪️ Working with stakeholders to strengthen existing roles
▪️ Ensuring member interests are represented in any discussions about expanding veterinary roles in Indiana
▪️ Keeping members informed about developments related to the VPA role

We believe that any evolution in veterinary medicine must build upon, not bypass, existing professional frameworks. IVTA will continue engaging with policymakers and industry partners to ensure that any future changes strengthen all levels of veterinary care in Indiana.

For questions or additional information, please contact [email protected].

Executive Board
Indiana Veterinary Technician Association

12/18/2024

IVTA Members - Friendly reminder that some important deadlines are approaching. We know the holidays can be crazy, but we don't want you to miss out!

12/13/2024

12/13/2024

📋 IVTA Members: Check your inbox! We want YOUR perspective on the new Veterinary Professional Associate position in Colorado. We just sent an important survey about this significant change to our profession. Your input will help shape our understanding and approach as this role is implemented. Please take 5-10 minutes to share your thoughts. Can't find the email? Check your spam folder or contact us for help!

12/12/2024

11/06/2024

Ever wonder why some hospitals seem to handle challenging cases so smoothly while others struggle? The secret might lie in what Harvard's Amy Edmondson calls "Teaming" - the ability to collaborate quickly and effectively in fast-moving situations.
In veterinary medicine, every day brings new challenges. From emergency surgeries to complex diagnostic puzzles, we're constantly forming dynamic teams to save lives. Here's why Edmondson's concept is perfect for our field:

🐾 We adapt rapidly
🐾 We share knowledge across specialties
🐾 We rely on psychological safety to speak up about concerns
🐾 We learn from both successes AND failures

💡 Pro Tip: Next time you're handling a complex case, remember - it's not about being a perfect "team," it's about "teaming" together in the moment.

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween, friends! What's got you feeling creeped out this spooky season?

I'll go first: It's a haunted house, but.... it's just a bunch of dogs trying to wipe their eye boogies on me (✨🦇spoooooooooky🦇✨)

10/17/2024

We love this year's National Veterinary Technician Week theme—'Credentialed Veterinary Technicians Change Lives'—because it highlights the versatility and impact of the Veterinary Technician's role. Whether through teaching, exceptional patient care, mentorship, or driving innovation, Veterinary Technicians are making a difference every day, changing lives (and the world!) for the better.

As NVTW winds down, join us in celebrating! Tell us about a Credentialed Veterinary Technician who has changed YOUR life! ❤️

10/15/2024

CrVTs 💙 Your skills, education, and dedication are invaluable—and using those skills to their fullest is essential for the success of the whole practice. 🐾

Our 2023 AAHA Technician Utilization Guidelines are here to help veterinary practices utilize CrVTs to their full potential. Optimal utilization means better patient care, improved team efficiency, and a boost in job satisfaction. ✨

These guidelines are full of practical tools—from goal worksheets to workflows and case examples—that can help practices make changes now to support you and your career. Let’s ensure every veterinary technician is empowered and utilized for all they’re capable of! 💪

Visit the guidelines and their resources now: https://hubs.li/Q02Sq1860

10/13/2024

Happy Veterinary Technician Week from the Indiana Veterinary Technician Association! 💕

10/12/2024

Veterinary technicians work tirelessly in various settings to ensure the health and welfare of animals. During National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW), October 13-19, the AVMA is joining the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) to recognize the invaluable contributions veterinary technicians make to the veterinary profession, animal welfare and their communities.

This year's theme, "Credentialed Veterinary Technicians Change Lives," acknowledges and celebrates the profound impact these dedicated professionals have on animal health, pet owners and their veterinary teams. https://bit.ly/4gPoqI6

10/08/2024

Recent letters by Dr. Uri Burstyn and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) have brought attention to the ongoing discussion about the introduction of Mid-Level Practitioners (MLPs) in veterinary care. Some organizations, including the AVMA, have expressed concerns about how this initiative might impact the quality of care, particularly regarding proposals that would allow non-veterinarians to take on more advanced roles, such as performing surgeries and creating treatment plans.

As veterinary professionals, maintaining high standards of care is essential. How do you feel about the debate surrounding MLPs? Could they help address workforce shortages, or do they raise concerns about patient safety?

Read the full letter at the link below. Then, let us know your thoughts!

https://news.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=210&Id=12285372&useobjecttypeid=10&fromVINNEWSASPX=1&f5=1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=rasa_io&utm_campaign=newsletter

09/26/2024

A letter from the IVTA President:

Dear Ms. Lump and Armbruster, and the IVTA Community,

I hope this message finds you well.

I am writing on behalf of the Indiana Veterinary Technician Association (IVTA) to address the recent Facebook discussion involving Maggie Lump.

I want to begin by sincerely apologizing for the unprofessional manner in which the IVTA was represented in the interaction.
I assure you that the comments made do not reflect the feelings or values of the IVTA Board. Like many of you, we are upset and deeply concerned about how this situation unfolded. Sierra, you are correct; the response to Maggie was inappropriate and has unfortunately cast our association in a negative light—something we do not wish to be associated with.

Since the incident, the board has taken immediate steps to address this issue. We have drafted a social media standard that the board will be voting on shortly to ensure such misrepresentation does not happen again. Additionally, the individual responsible for the post has been removed from our social media access, and I have requested that the individual who made the responses come forward to clarify the situation, relieving the board of this unnecessary conflict.

To maintain transparency, we have decided to make all previously hidden comments on the post public. We believe this openness is critical in rebuilding trust and reinforcing our commitment to integrity within our organization.

We remain committed to fostering a positive, professional community within the IVTA. We deeply regret that this situation has deviated from our core values, and we are taking active steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work through this matter and strive to better represent our association.

Warm regards,
Crystal Schaeffer, MVCC, RVTg
President, Indiana Veterinary Technician Association (IVTA)

09/23/2024

🐾 When Your Stress Level Matches a Cat in a Carrier… Here’s How to Unwind! 🐾

Well you guys, who has a case of the Mondays?

After a day of herding cats (literally), wrestling dogs for meds, and figuring out how the X-ray machine became a hide-and-seek champ, it's time to chill out! Here are some Vet Tech-approved ways to relax that don’t involve chasing tails:

Deep Breathing Exercises: Or as we call it, trying not to scream into the void. Just kidding! Breathe in calm, breathe out stress. 🧘‍♀️😤

Gentle Physical Activity: Stretch like a cat, or take a walk without a leash this time. Your choice! 🚶‍♂️🐕

Listen to Music: Blast your favorite tunes, whether it's soothing spa music or “Eye of the Tiger”—we get it. 🎶🎧

Read a Book: Get lost in a book that isn’t the latest anesthesia protocol manual. 📚✨

Take a Warm Bath: Because bathing dogs all day doesn’t count as self-care. Add some bath salts and pretend you’re a pampered poodle. 🛁🐩

Connect with Loved Ones: Call a friend, or vent to your dog. They get it. 📞🐾

Practice Hobbies: Knit a cat sweater, paint your nails, or garden without having to clean up pet messes! 🌿🎨

Disconnect from Screens: Step away from the clinic computer and scroll through life instead. 🌅📴

Get Cozy: Blankets, candles, and maybe even a hot drink that isn’t lukewarm coffee for once. ☕🕯️

Reflect and Journal: Write down your thoughts—unless they’re all “dogs are life.” We get that too. 📝❤️

Take care of yourselves, Vet Techs! Because if anyone deserves a break, it’s you. Now go relax like a cat on a sunny windowsill. 🛋️🐱

09/22/2024

🌟🐾 Shoutout to Our Weekend Warriors! 🐾🌟

To the incredible veterinary technicians who keep the clinic buzzing on The weekend shifts: We Salute You! 🐶🐱 Whether you're wrangling wiggly pups, calming kitties, or just making sure the clinic runs smoother than a golden retriever’s coat, your dedication keeps our doors open and tails wagging!

From routine check-ups to last-minute emergencies, you’re the real MVPs who make weekends feel like just another pawsome day of the week. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed—especially when you’re the only reason we know what day it is! 😂

So here’s to you, our weekend heroes—thank you for all you do! Now, go grab that coffee, rock those scrubs, and keep being the rock stars that you are. 🎉☕👩‍⚕️