Veterinary Technician Schools in Virginia - VA
Virginia is known for its close proximity to the nation’s capitol. The stress of daily life, whether political or not, can be eased by owning a pet. Not only will the dogs and cats of Virginia benefit from the talents of a properly education veterinary technician, but the equine population will see the benefit as well. Virginia vet tech schools provide graduates with the unique skill set necessary to meet the needs of all their clients.
Veterinary technicians must practice under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Virginia has defined supervision as the following – “Immediate and direct supervision –means that a licensed veterinarian is available to the licensed veterinary technician either electronically or in person and provides a specific order based on observation and diagnosis of the patient within the last 36 hours.” Virginia has one of the most specific Practice Acts with regard to equine dental technicians. In 2007 the state began regulating equine dental technicians. In 2008 they wisely amended the legislation to include licensed veterinary technicians. It would seem reasonable that veterinary technicians would have automatically been included, but they realized the omission and corrected it with the amendment in 2008. In order to earn registration as an equine dental technician, one needs to apply to the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine with:
- Proof of good moral character
- Two letters from veterinarians that do at least 50% of their patient work on equine patients
- Proof of current certification from the International Association of Equine Dentistry OR proof of attendance at a Board approved training program.
Professional Associations
In Virginia there is one state organization to represent the interests of the veterinary technicians. The VALVT – Virginia Association of Licensed Veterinary Technicians www.valvt.net is dedicated to the profession of veterinary technology. The mission of the organization is to represent the veterinary technicians of Virginia, to provide continuing education for its members and to enhance communication with the veterinary community as well as with the general public. This association pays attention to issues facing veterinary technicians in their state and speaks in the best interest of its members and the veterinary technicians of Virginia.
Other organizations that can aid veterinary technicians in Virginia are:
NAVTA – National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America; www.navta.net VVMA – Virginia Veterinary Medical Association; www.vvma.org
AVMA- American Veterinary Medical Association. www.avma.org
Although by nature these groups are either national groups or associations for veterinarians, the welfare and interest of the veterinary technicians in Virginia is certainly on the agenda of these organizations.
Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Veterinary Techs in Arlington, Richmond, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Alexandria, Portsmouth and Hampton, Virginia can prepare themselves for careers at some of the best animal hospitals and facilities in the country.