Branchburg, NJ – January 27, 2026 — The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) proudly announces that Linda Markland, RVT has been named the 2025 Veterinary Technician of the Year, the association’s highest honor recognizing outstanding contributions to the veterinary technology profession.
NAVTA’s Veterinary Technician of the Year Award is presented annually to a Credentialed Veterinary Technician who demonstrates exceptional leadership, professional excellence, and significant impact on the advancement of veterinary nursing and technology. The award also recognizes individuals who contribute meaningfully to NAVTA’s mission, strategic initiatives, and the broader veterinary community.
Linda Markland’s career spans more than four decades and exemplifies dedication to clinical practice, education, leadership, corporate innovation, and volunteer service. She began her career in general practice in California, developing expertise in anesthesia, dentistry, emergency care, and preventive medicine. Her calm, compassionate presence, and ability to anticipate patient needs have earned her the trust of clients and colleagues alike.
Following her clinical practice, Markland transitioned into education, training veterinary technician students and shaping future professionals. She later joined VPI (now Nationwide Pet Insurance), where she played a pivotal role in expanding pet insurance options for veterinary teams nationwide.
Markland’s leadership and volunteer contributions are extensive. She has served on NAVTA’s Global Outreach and Continuing Education Committees; acted as program committee chair for VetPartners; served as Veterinary Technician Education Manager for WVC; and has been the long-standing Practice Management Chair for the PACVET conference. In 2023, she was elected to the Viticus Group Board of Directors.
Throughout her career, Markland has been a mentor, educator, and advocate, supporting practice managers, veterinary technician students, new graduates, and colleagues. Her advocacy has strengthened recognition of the essential role credentialed veterinary technicians play within veterinary healthcare teams.
“Linda Markland embodies the compassion, professionalism, and leadership that define our field,” said Mary L. Berg, BS, LATG, RVT, VTS (Dentistry), who nominated Markland for the award. “Her lifelong commitment to advancing veterinary medicine and supporting her colleagues makes her truly deserving of this honor.”
NAVTA congratulates Linda Markland, the 2025 Veterinary Technician of the Year, and celebrates her extraordinary contributions to the profession.
About the NAVTA Veterinary Technician of the Year Award
The Veterinary Technician of the Year Award honors a Credentialed Veterinary Technician who has made outstanding contributions to clinical practice, education, specialty practice, leadership, advocacy, or professional service. Past recipients demonstrate the diverse ways veterinary technicians impact animal care, advance the profession, and strengthen veterinary healthcare teams.
About NAVTA
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is a not-for-profit membership association representing more than 8,500 Credentialed Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Assistants, and veterinary support staff across the United States. NAVTA advances the profession through advocacy, awareness initiatives, and continuing professional development opportunities. Learn more at www.navta.net