Continuing Education for Veterinary Technicians: Schools and Training

Veterinary technicians play a vital role in animal healthcare, assisting veterinarians in various medical procedures and providing compassionate care. To stay current with advancements in veterinary medicine and maintain their skills, Continuing Education (CE) is essential. This article explores the world of CE for veterinary technicians, discussing its importance, requirements, available options, and resources.

This guide is designed to inform veterinary technicians about opportunities for growth, certification maintenance, and specialization. By actively participating in CE, veterinary technicians can enhance their expertise, contributing to improved patient outcomes and job satisfaction.

What is Continuing Education for Veterinary Technicians?

Continuing Education (CE) refers to formal learning activities that veterinary technicians undertake after completing their initial education and becoming credentialed. It's a commitment to lifelong learning, helping them to update their knowledge, acquire new skills, and stay informed about the latest advancements in veterinary medicine. CE can take many forms, including attending conferences, workshops, online courses, and seminars.

Why is Continuing Education Important for Veterinary Technicians?

CE is important for several reasons. First, veterinary medicine is a constantly evolving field. New treatments, diagnostic tools, and research findings emerge regularly. CE ensures that veterinary technicians remain competent and knowledgeable about these advancements, allowing them to provide the best possible care for animals.

Second, many states require veterinary technicians to complete a certain number of CE hours to maintain their credentials. This ensures that all registered, licensed, or certified veterinary technicians in those states maintain a basic level of current knowledge.

Third, CE can open doors to career advancement. By specializing in a particular area of veterinary medicine through focused CE, technicians can become more valuable to their employers and increase their earning potential.

Types of Continuing Education Activities

There are numerous ways for veterinary technicians to earn CE credits. Some common options include:

  • Conferences: Attending national or regional veterinary conferences, such as those organized by the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) or the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS), is a popular way to earn a significant number of CE credits. These conferences typically offer a wide range of lectures, workshops, and hands-on training sessions.
  • Online Courses and Webinars: Many organizations, including veterinary schools and professional associations, offer online courses and webinars that veterinary technicians can complete at their own pace. This is a convenient option for those with busy schedules.
  • Workshops and Seminars: Participating in specialized workshops and seminars focused on specific topics, such as anesthesia, dentistry, or emergency medicine, is another way to gain valuable knowledge and skills.
  • Veterinary Technician Schools and Programs: Many veterinary technician schools offer CE courses.
  • Journals and Publications: Reading peer-reviewed veterinary journals and completing associated quizzes can also earn CE credits.

Finding Accredited Continuing Education Programs

It's crucial to choose accredited CE programs to ensure the credits you earn are accepted by your state licensing board. Look for programs that are approved by organizations like the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) and its Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE). RACE-approved courses are recognized by most veterinary licensing boards in North America.

Continuing Education Requirements by State

CE requirements for veterinary technicians vary by state. Some states require a specific number of CE hours per year or licensing period, while others have no mandatory CE requirements. It's essential to check with your state veterinary board to understand the specific requirements in your state. You can usually find this information on your state board's website.

Specialization Through Continuing Education

For veterinary technicians interested in advancing their careers, specialization is a good avenue to explore. Veterinary Technician Specialties are advanced credentials recognized by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). Specialization requires a combination of experience, education, and passing a rigorous examination. Focused CE is an important part of the specialization process. Some recognized veterinary technician specialties include:

  • Anesthesia
  • Dentistry
  • Emergency and Critical Care
  • Internal Medicine
  • Surgery
  • Behavior
  • Clinical Pathology
  • Nutrition
  • Zoological Medicine

Resources for Finding Continuing Education Opportunities

Several resources can help veterinary technicians find suitable CE opportunities:

  • State Veterinary Medical Associations: Many state veterinary medical associations offer CE courses and events.
  • Veterinary Schools: Veterinary schools often host CE programs for veterinary professionals.
  • Online CE Providers: A number of online providers specialize in offering CE courses for veterinary technicians.
  • Professional Organizations: Organizations like NAVTA and specialty groups often have CE listings on their websites.

Investing in Your Future: The Value of Continuing Education

Continuing Education represents an investment in the future of veterinary technicians. By actively pursuing learning opportunities, technicians can enhance their skills, provide better patient care, and advance their careers. CE is not merely a requirement but an opportunity for professional growth and development.