The title “veterinary technician” and “veterinary nurse” refers to a specialized role in veterinary medicine that focuses on providing high-quality animal care and supporting veterinarians in their clinical practice. Veterinary technicians and veterinary nurses are skilled professionals who perform various tasks, from monitoring anesthesia and administering medications to conducting diagnostic tests and offering client education. Their role is crucial in ensuring the health and well-being of animals and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of veterinary clinics and hospitals. Veterinary technicians and nurses are important members of the veterinary healthcare team.
In many countries, veterinary technicians and veterinary nurses are required to complete formal education and obtain certification or licensing to practice. Their training typically includes knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology, medical and surgical nursing, anesthesia, radiography, and emergency care. The use of the title “veterinary technician” or “veterinary nurse” signifies their expertise and commitment to animal care, and it helps to distinguish their role from that of other veterinary team members who do not have formal education and licensing.
Overall, the title “veterinary technician” or “veterinary nurse” highlights the essential contributions of these professionals to the field of veterinary medicine, underscoring their role in both direct animal care and the broader scope of veterinary healthcare.
NAVTA issued a policy regarding the use of the “Veterinary Technician” title, which was last amended in November 2024 describing our legislative positions.
Title Definition and Protection
NAVTA issued a policy regarding the use of the “Veterinary Nurse” title on December 20, 2021.
NAVTA: The Job Title of “Veterinary Nurse” Should Be Reserved For Credentialed Technicians
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) strongly urges employers to reserve use of the job title “Veterinary Nurse” to those who hold valid Veterinary Technician credentials from their state.
“NAVTA recognizes that a growing number of employers are advertising positions for veterinary nurses,” said NAVTA President Ed Carlson, CVT, VTS (Nutrition). “NAVTA only supports the use of the job title ‘Veterinary Nurse’ by credentialed Veterinary Technicians – those with a valid CVT, LVT, LVMT, or RVT designation. NAVTA urges that employers require credentials as a Veterinary Technician for those in Veterinary Nurse positions.”
NAVTA also recommends that job postings specify that applicants must be credentialed Veterinary Technicians in accordance with state regulations.
NAVTA is a not-for-profit membership community of Credentialed Veterinary Technicians dedicated to advancing the profession of veterinary nursing through advocacy, awareness, and professional development.
For more information, please contact NAVTA at info@navta.net, or visit www.navta.net.
NAVTA’s stance on the “Veterinary Nurse” title is that it should be used only for credentialed veterinary technicians.
As of the publication of the NAVTA Title Protection Report in March 2022, there were 19 US jurisdictions that regulate Veterinary Technicians with “No Title Protection,” 10 US jurisdictions with “Limited Title Protection,” and 11 US jurisdictions with “General Title Protection” for the title “Veterinary Technician.” (See Title Protection Report for definitions of these levels of protection). 12 States did not regulate veterinary technicians at the time.
Since then, several more states have instituted title protection, including Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and South Carolina (List current as of 3/25/2025).
Efforts are ongoing to standardize title protection across the United States at the “general protection” level to ensure clarity and consistency in how the profession is recognized and to help protect the integrity of credentialed veterinary technicians. This movement aims to ensure that the title is reserved for individuals who meet the educational and certification standards, aligning the role of a veterinary technician with similar roles in other healthcare fields.
The “Veterinary Nurse” title is gradually gaining traction, particularly in states incorporating the term into their laws and regulations, recognizing it as equivalent to the Veterinary Technician role (Maryland, New Hampshire). This legal recognition is essential to aligning the title with the advanced skill set and education required of credentialed professionals.
Currently, there are 11 accredited Veterinary Nursing Programs in the United States, reinforcing the specialized training that underpins this title. Prominent veterinary schools, such as the University of Pennsylvania, Kansas State University, Michigan State University, and the University of Tennessee, use “Veterinary Nurse” within their veterinary teams, further emphasizing its growing acceptance.
Awards (American Humane, Ethos Veterinary Health, North American Veterinary Community) in the field also highlight this shift, emphasizing the importance of recognizing credentialed veterinary technicians as “Veterinary Nurses” to reflect their expertise and enhance public understanding of their vital role in animal healthcare.
Suppose you notice the use of the “Veterinary Technician” or “Veterinary Nurse” title for staff members other than credentialed veterinary technicians. In that case, we recommend you reach out to the veterinary team or individual professionally and respectfully, verifying their credential status and informing them of NAVTA’s policy on the use of the title with the included template with disclosure language.
Disclaimer: Title laws and credentialing requirements vary by state. Individuals and employers should consult their state’s veterinary practice act or licensing board to ensure the appropriate and lawful use of professional titles.
Step 1: Verify the individual’s credential status. To verify an individual’s credential status use the AAVSB License Lookup resource to locate the information for each state. Following the link, the license status of an individual can be confirmed.
Step 2: Notify the veterinary team about NAVTA’s policy by using the NAVTA form letter template. Click HERE to download the template.
Please request more information or ask for help on this form or by emailing info@navta.net
Disclaimer: The materials and resources provided are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. NAVTA does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of any information provided. Title laws and credentialing requirements vary by state and are subject to change. Individuals and employers are responsible for consulting their state’s veterinary practice act or licensing board to ensure the accurate and lawful use of professional titles.
