Who is the CRC-VT class of 2013?Background Demographics

Educational Experience

Educational Experience• Your classmates have a lot of training:

• 1 Pharm.D (pharmacist)• 2 Masters degrees• 11 Bachelor’s degrees (1 in Sociology, 1 in Biochemistry)

• 3 Associate's degrees ( 1 in Social/Behavioral Science)

• 1 pharmacy technician• 1 dental assistant

Current Employment

Those students who are working are working anywhere from 4 hours to 43 hours per week, with most working part-time (~20-25h/week).

Surgery or Euthanasia experience?

Hourly Wage hoped for as RVT

DESIRED BENEFITS

General Survey Comment • Most students answered all questions…but some

of you skipped some questions…• Important for future assignments:

• DO NOT SKIP QUESTIONS OR GIVE AN INCOMPLETE ANSWER, IT GIVES THE APPEARANCE THAT YOU DID NOT PAY ATTENTION.

• IF YOU DON’T KNOW…WRITE, “I DON’T KNOW”.

WHAT IS AN RVT?What is the definition of a professional?

A Profession is:• A calling requiring specialized knowledge and

often long and intensive academic preparation.• A principal calling, vocation, or employment

Middle English professioun, from Anglo- French profession, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin profession-, professio, from Latin, public declaration, from profitēri

First Known Use: 13th century

GROWTH OF THE PROFESSION• Infancy in the 60’s (first vet tech teaching

program)• Developmental stages in the 70’s• Dynamically changing in the 80’s• Maturing in the 90’s• Increasing in responsibility and status in the new

century!

• In California – called an unregistered assistant

• Some training, knowledge and skill, but has not completed formal education or become licensed.

• Similar to a nurses aid –

a better title would be “Technician’s Assistant”

Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Technician (RVT, CVT; LVT)• A graduate of a two or three year AVMA-

accredited program, and who has passed a state and or national licensing exam.

• Similar to a registered nurse.

Veterinary Technologist

• One who is a graduate of a 4 year AVMA approved college with a bachelor’s degree.

• Often combines management duties with technician duties.

• Similar to a physicians assistant, except California Practice Act requires more direct supervision than for a PA.

AN RVT WEARS MANY HATS

• Lab technician• Radiology tech• Nurse• Emergency tech• Anesthetist• Surgical assistant

• Phlebotomist• Dental hygienist• Medical records

tech• Pharmacy tech• Behaviorist• Office manager• Psychologist/

Counselor

RVT DUTIES• 1. Induce Anesthesia• 2. Perform Dental Extractions• 3. Suture existing skin incisions• 4. Apply casts and splints• 5. Create a relief hole in the skin to facilitate

placement of I.V. catheter

• Emergency and sub categories are also in the California Practice Act.

DVM ONLY TASKS• 1. Diagnose• 2. Prognose• 3. Prescribe• 4. Perform Surgery

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES• 172 Accredited vet tech programs (14 in CA)

• FEWER THEN 3,800 graduates expected each year – not enough to meet anticipated demand

• 21 programs that offer 4 year degrees (1 in CA)• ~500 graduates per year expected

• 9 programs offer distance learning• Licensing requirements vary by state. ~32 states

currently have licensing requirements. (Source: AVMA)

• May be certified, licensed or registered.• Alternate route qualifications in some states,

including California.

Average rate of attrition (drop outs)• First year students 27.1%• Second year students 12.2%• Total of 39% during schooling

• MUCH LOWER AT CRC!!

NATION WIDE STATISTICS• One RVT for every 8 veterinarians• 2.4 Support staff for every veterinarian• RVTs are 95% female• Average age is 38 years• Approximately 80,000 technicians currently work

in the U.S.• That number is expected to grow by 36% by 2018

to 108,000.

Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010 http://www.bls.gov http://www.navta.net/files/Demographic_Survey_Results_2008.pdf

NATION WIDE STATISTICS: BLS, May 2010Employmen

t (1)

Employment

RSE (3)

Mean hourlywage

Mean annual

wage (2)

Wage RSE (3)

79,870 2.2 % $14.92$31,03

00.6 %

Percentile 10% 25% 50%

(Median) 75% 90%

Hourly Wage $9.85 $11.77 $14.28 $17.45 $21.17

Annual Wage (2) $20,500 $24,480 $29,710 $36,300 $44,030

Industries with the highest levels of employment in this occupation: BLS, May 2010

Industry Employment (1)

Percent of

industry employm

ent

Hourly mean wage

Annual mean wage (2)

Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

73,330 12.66 $14.64 $30,450

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools

2,270 0.08 $17.95 $37,330

Scientific Research and Development Services

1,230 0.20 $18.12 $37,700

Social Advocacy Organizations

980 0.52 $15.24 $31,700

Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation)

630 0.03 $23.28 $48,430

Top paying industries for this occupation:

Industry Employment (1)

Percent of

industry employm

ent

Hourly mean wage

Annual mean wage (2)

Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation)

630 0.03 $23.28 $48,430

State Government (OES Designation)

90 (7) $22.62 $47,060

Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing

130 0.05 $20.66 $42,980

General Medical and Surgical Hospitals

60 (7) $20.50 $42,630

Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories

100 0.04 $19.69 $40,960

States with the highest employment level in this occupation:

State Employment (1)

Employment per

thousand jobs

Location

quotient (9)

Hourly mean wage

Annual mean wage (2)

California 9,210 0.66 1.05 $16.97 $35,300

Texas 6,760 0.67 1.07 $13.45 $27,980

Florida 6,170 0.87 1.38 $14.25 $29,650

New York 4,190 0.50 0.80 $17.57 $36,540

Pennsylvania

3,280 0.60 0.95 $15.37 $31,980

Top paying States for this occupation:

State Employment (1)

Employment per

thousand jobs

Location

quotient (9)

Hourly mean wage

Annual mean wage (2)

Connecticut 1,130 0.71 1.13 $17.64 $36,680

New York 4,190 0.50 0.80 $17.57 $36,540

Alaska 200 0.63 1.01 $17.22 $35,810

California 9,210 0.66 1.05 $16.97 $35,300

Massachusetts

3,180 1.02 1.63 $16.92 $35,190

Top paying metropolitan areas for this occupation:

Metropolitan area

Employment (1)

Employment per

thousand jobs

Location quotient

(9)

Hourly mean wage

Annual mean

wage (2)

Sacramento--Arden-Arcade--Roseville, CA

750 0.91 1.45 $21.43 $44,580

Waterbury, CT (8) (8) (8) $20.17 $41,960

Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT

390 0.71 1.13 $20.07 $41,740

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

(8) (8) (8) $19.85 $41,290

San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA Metropolitan Division

700 0.73 1.17 $19.35 $40,250

Gap between numbers of graduates and numbers working in the field!

There is a leak in the bucket! Reasons are varied and not generally tied to $$$$$$$

REASONS FOR LEAVING• Low pay New grads – annual salary $12,000 to 40,000. Experienced – 14,500 to 81,000. Average is $32,000 (NAVTA members)

REASONS FOR LEAVING• Lack of Recognition Not considered a “professional” – just another

employee. Practice can train the high school kid to do this!

• Under-utilization This is a management problem – doctors doing

tech work instead of doctor tasks

REASONS FOR LEAVING

RVT USAGE DISTRIBUTION• 85% of new grads work in small animal practices

at the start of their career• 77% in Veterinary practices 52% in companion animal practice 13% in mixed practice 9% in equine 3% in food animal

RVT USAGE DISTRIBUTION• 4% Diagnostic and Research labs• 2% Industry/sales• 4% Tech education programs• 9% government• 4% Misc. (zoos, wildlife Organizations, Humane

societies, shelters)

DAILY ACTIVITY BREAKDOWN

TASK• Laboratory• Radiology• Surgical assisting• Animal Nursing• Staff supervision• Anesthesia

PERCENT OF WORKDAY

• 11.8• 7.8• 9.6• 17.0• 7.9• 12.6

DAILY ACTIVITY BREAKDOWN

Task• Inventory/ordering• Product sales• Client Communication• Teaching• Research

PERCENT OF WORKDAY

6.33.612.09.02.4

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVANCEMENT• Societies: Group of special interests – any

interested individuals can join

• Academy: Restricted to graduate, credentialed technicians. Requires formal process of education, training, experience and testing to qualify…then you can be a specialist.

• NAVTA – North American Veterinary Technician Association

Academies approved by NAVTA:• The Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians- gives the technicians the opportunity to expand their

knowledge and their professional value by becoming a credentialed specialist in the field of animal dentistry.• The Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists- promotes patient safety, consumer protection,

professionalism and excellence in anesthesia care. The Veterinary Technician Specialist in Anesthesia is there to provide your pet with exceptional care before, during and after a procedure. 

• The Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians- a group of technicians from varied backgrounds who have come together to realize the formation of a new specialty organization specifically for veterinary technicians working in Internal Medicine.  Sub-specialties include:  small animal medicine, large animal medicine, cardiology, oncology and neurology.

• The Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians- has a goal of certifying Veterinary Technicians is to assure the veterinary profession and the public that AVECCT certified technicians possess the knowledge and experience needed to work effectively in a well equipped and staffed emergency or critical care facility. 

• The Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians- promotes excellence in the discipline of veterinary behavior medicine.  Veterinary Technician Specialists with behavior certification will demonstrate superior knowledge in scientifically - and humanely - based techniques of behavior health, problem prevention, training, management, and behavior modification.  The AVBT will advance the skills of veterinary technicians within the discipline of animal behavior and further their recognition as critical components of the veterinary behavior team in creating, maintaining, and strengthening the human-animal bond.

• The Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians- created specifically for veterinary technicians working in zoological medicine.  The AVZMT offers the opportunity for zoo technicians to demonstrate excellence in the field.

• The Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians - created to meet the needs of the equine veterinary community.  Contacts:  Amy Butzier, BS, MEd, CVT - abutzier@mountida.edu; Deb Reeder, RVT - dbreeder@gmail.com

• The Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians - encourages experienced surgical technicians to enhance their education and training by pursuing a surgical specialty.  AVST will provide a standardized route through which technicians may qualify for a national examination to become a VTS (Surgery).  Contacts:  Teri Raffel, CVT - raffelteri@gmail.com; Heidi Reuss-Lamky, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia) - frzbdogmom@aol.com.

• The Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice -  modeled after the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, this academy has developed three initial species-specific categories: canine/feline, avian/exotic and production animal.  The academy's credentialed veterinary technicians provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care. Candidates are expected to demonstrate expertise in a range of clinical disciplines within their species specialty.  Contact:  Liza Rudolph, LVT, CVT -lwrlvt@aol.com

• The Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians – created to develop and support the area of veterinary nutrition, develop the knowledge and expertise of veterinary technicians to become certified in the field of nutrition and endorse technicians as a vital part of the veterinary nutrition profession. 

Societies approved by NAVTA:• Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians- enriches human animal

interactions by promoting scientifically based techniques of training, management, and behavior modification. SVBT provides a forum for discussion and continuing education while working with allied professional organizations to strengthen the veterinary health care profession.

• The American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians- a professional Association for equine veterinary technicians, assistants and practice managers, as well as other support staff.  Their mission is to promote the health and welfare of the horse through the education and professional enrichment of the equine veterinary technician and assistant.

• Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians- dedicated to all aspects of quality veterinary technical care in the field of zoo animal medicine.

• Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society - provides a forum for collaboration of all individuals interested and involved with veterinary emergency and critical care medicine and surgery. Their mission is to promote the advancement of knowledge and high standards of practice in veterinary emergency medicine and critical patient care.

RVT SPECIALTIES• Currently there are 10 recognized specialties• Each sets its own standards for qualifications,

credentialing and examination.• Upon completing the requirements for one of the

specialties, you can add the initials VTS – standing for Veterinary Technician Specialist – to your title of RVT.

RVT SPECIALTIES

• Dental Technician AVDT• Anesthetist Technician AVTA• Emergency and Critical Care Technician AVECCT• Behavior Technician SVBTV• Zoological Medicine Technician AZVT• Equine Veterinary Nursing Technician AAENVT• Surgical Technician AVST• Veterinary Nutrition Technician AVNT

RVT SPECIALTIES

• Internal Medicine AIMVT 5 Sub categories in Internal Medicine

• Small Animal Medicine• Large Animal Medicine• Cardiology• Oncology• Neurology

• Technicians in Clinical Practice AVTCP3 subcategories in Clinical Practice

• Canine/Feline• Avian/Exotic• Production Animal

Additional specialized training• Laboratory Animal Technician AALAS• Certified Veterinary Practice Manager CVPM

• There are a number of associations and societies available for areas you may be interested in.

• Locally, check out the Sacramento Valley Veterinary Medical Association website at SVVMA.net, or Veterinary Support Personnel Network at VSPN.org

Calif. board establishes CE requirements for veterinary technicians

Aug 1, 2011DVM NEWSMAGAZINE

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — The California Veterinary Medical Board has issued a new rule, spelling out continuing education requirements for veterinary technicians. Registered veterinary technicians in California must now complete 20 hours of CE in the two years prior to applying for renewal of their state license. The new rule places a four-hour limit on self-study programs.

The veterinary board also adopted a new rule requiring all veterinarian and veterinary technicians to submit fingerprints to the Department of Justice for a criminal offender record information search. All veterinary licensees must now disclose any disciplinary actions before renewal, and criminal history information must be reported to the board within 30 days.

Many varied options as an RVT• Veterinary Technology is rapidly expanding, with

ever increasing opportunities.

• Where do you want to go with your certification???

Veterinary Technician Code of Ethics, NAVTA

Introduction Every veterinary technician has the obligation to uphold the trust invested in the profession by adhering to the profession's Code of Ethics. A code of ethics is an essential characteristic of a profession and serves three main functions: 1. A code communicates to the public and to the members of the profession the ideals of the profession. 2. A code is a general guide for professional ethical conduct. 3. A code of ethics provides standards of acceptable conduct that allow the profession to implement disciplinary procedures against those who fall below the standards. No code can provide the answer to every ethical question faced by members of the profession. They shall continue to bear responsibility for reasoned and conscientious interpretation and application of the basic ethical principles embodied in the Code to individual cases. Ethical standards are never less than those required by law; frequently they are more stringent.

Veterinary Technician Code of Ethics, NAVTAPreamble The Code of Ethics is based on the supposition that the honor and dignity of the profession of veterinary technology lies in a just and reasonable code of ethics.

Veterinary technicians promote and maintain good health in animals; care for diseased and injured animals; and assist in the control of diseases transmissible from animals to human. The purpose of this Code of Ethics is to provide guidance to the veterinary technician for carrying out professional responsibilities so as to meet the ethical obligations of the profession.

Veterinary Technician Code of Ethics, NAVTA• Veterinary technicians shall aid society and animals by

providing excellent care and services for animals. • Veterinary technicians shall prevent and relieve the

suffering of animals with competence and compassion. • Veterinary technicians shall remain competent through

commitment to life-long learning. • Veterinary technicians shall promote public health by

assisting with the control of zoonotic diseases and educating the public about these diseases.

• Veterinary technicians shall collaborate with other members of the veterinary medical profession in efforts to ensure quality health care services for all animals.

• Veterinary technicians shall protect confidential information provided by clients, unless required by law or to protect public health.

Veterinary Technician Code of Ethics, NAVTA• Veterinary technicians shall assume accountability for

individual professional actions and judgments. • Veterinary technicians shall safeguard the public and the

profession against individuals deficient in professional competence or ethics.

• Veterinary technicians shall assist with efforts to ensure conditions of employment consistent with the excellent care for animals.

• Veterinary technicians shall uphold the laws/regulations that apply to the technician's responsibilities as a member of the animal health care team.

• Veterinary technicians shall represent their credentials or identify themselves with specialty organizations only if the designation has been awarded or earned.

Veterinary Technician Code of Ethics, NAVTAIdeals In addition to adhering to the standards listed in the Code of Ethics, veterinary technicians must also strive to attain a number of ideals. Some of these are: • Veterinary technicians shall strive to participate in

defining, upholding, and improving standards of professional practice, legislation, and education.

• Veterinary technicians shall strive to contribute to the profession's body of knowledge.

• Veterinary technicians shall strive to understand, support, and promote the human-animal bond.

This Code has been developed by the NAVTA Ethics Committee. No part of it may be reproduced without the written permission of NAVTA. Copyright 2007 NAVTA, Inc. All rights reserved. www.navta.net