Isvma Recognizes National Veterinary Technician Week

Every pet deserves the best in health care, and the first caretaker that helps the animal isn’t necessarily your veterinarian: It is a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT).

The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA) celebrates the vital services that CVTs provide for beloved pets/companion animals in veterinary clinics, hospitals, shelters, farms, zoos and educational settings throughout Illinois.

As a member of the veterinary healthcare team, certified veterinary technicians are educated in the latest medical advances and are skilled at working alongside veterinarians to give pets the best medical care possible.

“CVTs work closely with veterinarians, veterinary assistants, practice managers and owners to provide essential care to all species of animals,” says Dr. Joanne Calrson, President, ISVMA, and Medical Director at Loving Care Animal Clinic in Palatine.

“CVTs are usually the first veterinary credentialed hospital staff member a client encounters,” Carlson continues. “They manage the routine care of various animal species, complex diseases and injuries, terminal illnesses and assist with euthanasia situations. CVTs are qualified, educational caregivers and serve as a vital connection between pet, pet owner and veterinarian.”

As members of the veterinary healthcare team, CVTs are educated in the latest medical advances and skilled at working alongside veterinarians to give pets, food production animals, zoological and wildlife species the best medical care possible.

llinois requires CVTs to have graduated from a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and to have passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination. Colleges in Illinois offering AVMA-accredited programs include Joliet Junior College, Blackhawk College, Parkland College, Rockford Career College and the Vet Tech Institute at Fox College.

The veterinary profession safeguards the health and welfare of companion animals and livestock in the 102 counties in Illinois. Since 1993, National Veterinary Technician Week has celebrated, recognized and promoted the valuable contributions CVTs provide to the veterinary profession and society.

The ISVMA is a professional association representing more than 2,500 member veterinarians, veterinary and technician students and CVTs from around the state to promote and protect veterinary practices, and to ensure the health and welfare of all animals. ISVMA leaders and members study a multitude of innovative medical and business practices, as well as pertinent legislation to determine their impact on pets, animals and their human caretakers.