09/10/2024
🚨 National Vet Tech Week: A Time for True Recognition, Not Generic Appreciation 🚨
An Open Letter to the Veterinary Medical Community
At the IVTA, we are deeply committed to supporting and advocating for credentialed veterinary technicians, both within our membership and across the broader community. As the leading professional organization representing these essential professionals in our state, we believe it’s crucial to take a stand on issues that directly impact veterinary technicians. With National Veterinary Technician Week approaching, we want to address a concerning trend that has gone on for too long: the shift towards celebrating this occasion as "Staff Appreciation Week" instead. This practice dilutes the true intent of NVTW, undermining the recognition of the unique contributions that credentialed veterinary technicians bring to the veterinary healthcare team.
National Vet Tech Week (NVTW) is a dedicated time to honor the hard work, dedication, and expertise of credentialed veterinary technicians and recognize their significant contributions to the profession. If your clinic is treating NVTW as an all-encompassing "Staff Appreciation Week," it unintentionally sends the message that the education and credentials of your technicians are not valued. This approach does not promote inclusivity; rather, it diminishes the unique accomplishments and sacrifices of a specific group of people by extending their recognition to others. Historically, such practices have not yielded positive outcomes.
In Indiana, we place a high value on our RVTs, reflected in our nearly even ratio of DVMs to RVTs—highlighting just how fortunate we are to have so many of these professionals in our universities, hospitals, clinics and governing boards serving the Indiana public. Our state enforces strict title protection, with penalties for individuals who falsely present themselves as veterinary technicians, we also hold that of the employer responsible should they be the ones that bestowed the protected designation, making us one of only five states with such measures. This commitment not only supports our RVTs but also contributes positively to Indiana's economy.
Indiana is proud to support the development of these exceptional professionals through three on-campus programs, as well as a highly regarded distance learning program, often referred to as "The Harvard of Vet Tech Programs." Even though we shout Veterinary Nurse from the rooftops! This program is the largest attended online degree program at its hosting university. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of mutual collaboration to our student DVMs, who share many significant milestones with veterinary nursing students, fostering a strong, collaborative relationship between these future professionals. Others take notes…
For those still inclined to continue Gaslighting an entire profession housed under the veterinary medicine moniker, it's time to reconsider. For the past 31 years, National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW) has always been an opportunity to uplift and showcase the invaluable contributions veterinary technicians make to animal health. However, instead of fostering genuine growth and recognition for these dedicated individuals, the profession has often turned a blind eye to their struggles, choosing instead to monetize the occasion for leadership’s benefit. Industry Rep budgets intended for NVTW are frequently diverted to fund all-encompassing staff appreciation events, effectively diminishing the significance of the week and the unique roles of credentialed veterinary technicians.
Amidst this misdirection, the profession continues to perpetuate dismissive and harmful narratives: “It doesn’t matter if you go to school, you won’t make more money,” “Nothing separates us but a piece of paper,” and “Don’t pay for school; it’s a waste—I can teach you what you need to know.” These statements not only undermine the value of education and credentialing but also contribute to a culture that devalues the critical work of veterinary technicians.
With constant reminders that their contributions are not fully appreciated, veterinary technicians are often made to feel smaller and undervalued at every level. And when someone does find the courage to speak up about misrepresentation and lack of recognition, they are often met with hostility—from peers in hospitals and on the internet—and labeled as combative, self-centered, or arrogant. It's clear that the culture surrounding NVTW needs a serious shift to truly honor the professionals it was meant to celebrate
For those who may still not recognize the issue with including all staff in National Vet Tech Week (NVTW) celebrations, it’s time to reflect on your clinic culture. Consider whether you have high turnover rates, face challenges hiring RVTs, or struggle to attract applicants to your job postings. Are you repeating the same practices, such as generic staff appreciation, year after year, yet expecting different results? It’s crucial to correct these behaviors and acknowledge the distinct value that credentialed veterinary technicians bring—not only in monetary terms but also in their intrinsic contributions to any setting. Celebrating all staff during NVTW because it seems logistically easier, or because drug reps provide incentives and food—often from companies employing credentialed technicians who ensure product safety and research accuracy—misses the mark. These appreciation efforts should focus on the unique profession of credentialed technicians, not be generalized for everyone simply to stretch resources. Recognizing and valuing technicians specifically is key to fostering a positive and supportive environment that truly honors their contributions.Let’s move away from this pattern of diluted recognition and begin genuinely appreciating our credentialed veterinary technicians for the skilled professionals they truly are.
If you’re facing issues with misrepresentation or improper recognition in Indiana, know that the IVTA is here to support you. We will advocate on your behalf, maintain your anonymity, and take the necessary steps to address the situation appropriately. We will also inform our networks about the intentions of any entity that misrepresents, so they are fully aware of the working environment and the level of respect they can expect should they find themselves headed your way. Our association exists solely to advocate for the betterment of our profession and to uphold the legislative advancements we have achieved as an allied organization. We recognize that many other states aspire to be in the position we are in but may not yet have that opportunity…yet. We fight for you and for all those striving for the same standards.
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Sincerely,
IVTA
