Anyone who works as a veterinary technician or works with one will tell you they are much more than another set of hands in the clinic. Veterinary technicians are highly-skilled and knowledgeable professionals whose contributions to veterinary medicine go far beyond administering vaccines.
However, veterinary technicians who have spent years in practice may feel that there are not many options for growth. And in a field with notoriously-short career longevity, technicians who are feeling unsatisfied frequently explore a new occupation entirely.
Fortunately, technicians who feel professionally stunted but wish to remain in veterinary medicine have the option to specialize. Specialization can create opportunities in an existing job as well as support expansion outside of clinical work.
I spoke with two Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) about their experience with specialization:
Kristen Cooley, BA, CVT, VTS Anesthesia and Analgesia
Kristen Cooley has worked at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Veterinary School as an Instructional Specialist and Senior Anesthesia Technician, and is currently the CEO and sole proprietor of Veterinary Anesthesia Support and Training, an educational consulting business. Kristen co-edited the textbook Veterinary Anesthetic and Monitoring Equipment and has written a chapter for the same textbook, titled “Pain Management for Veterinary Technicians.” In addition, she is published in the Journal of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America and Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Why did you choose to pursue your Veterinary Technician Specialty?
Kristen: I originally wanted to become a veterinarian because I love science, medicine, and animals. I didn’t think that being a tech would be enough for me. I didn’t like the feeling of having a ceiling above my head that kept me from growing. Once I found out about Veterinary Technician Specialists, I made it my goal to become one.
How have you used your VTS to create new opportunities and shape your career path?
Kristen: I use my VTS to teach and hopefully improve the practice of anesthesia and pain management in veterinary medicine. Because I have my VTS, clinicians and other techs are more willing to listen to what I have to say and to use me as a resource.
What do you find most fulfilling about your current career?
Kristen: I love making a difference in the lives of the animals I work with and the people who care for them. Making a veterinarian or a technician just a little bit more comfortable and confident is what it’s all about. I also enjoy running my own consulting business. Not having to answer to anyone other than myself is liberating!
Jordan Porter, CVT, VTS Internal Medicine (Small Animal Internal Medicine)
Jordan developed an interest in internal medicine shortly after becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician, and that interest quickly became a passion. In 2019 she obtained her VTS in Internal Medicine. That same year she co-founded Internal Medicine for Vet Techs, a continuing education membership site that includes her popular weekly podcast (accessible without a membership). Jordan has been published in the Journal of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, Pet Health Journal’s “Internal Medicine for Pet Parents” series, and is currently working on a contribution to a textbook. She was also a presenter at the Midwest Veterinary Conference in 2022 and the 2022 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum.
Why did you choose to pursue your VTS?
Jordan: I wanted to prove to myself that I had mastered my skills and that I was at the top of my career. I wanted to test my knowledge while continuing to learn.
How have you used your VTS to create new opportunities and shape your career path?
Jordan: With my VTS, I think it opened doors for me to help educate other technicians. I started a podcast and a membership site where I offer continuing education to other technicians. I have been able to create these platforms to share my knowledge and help others reach their full potential.
What do you find most fulfilling about your current career?
Jordan: I may not be physically helping as many animals since making a bit of a career change, but I am still helping to educate pet parents about their pets and I am helping technicians up their game. That means I can help more animals in the long run.
Specialization Opportunities
Veterinary Technician Specialties are governed by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).1 Their stated goal is “to help veterinary technicians attain a higher level of recognition for advanced knowledge and skills in a specific discipline.” Veterinary technicians who wish to pursue a specialty must commit to a multi-year process in which they complete a certain number of hours in their chosen specialty field, document detailed case studies, attend specialty-specific continuing education and ultimately pass an examination.
Most technicians who choose to specialize do so based on an interest in a certain aspect of veterinary medicine. This may be something they already have experience with, or it may be a subject they would like to explore further. NAVTA currently offers VTS certification in the following areas:
Specialties with full recognition:
- The Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians
- The Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians
- The Academy of Internal Medicine Veterinary Technicians
- Cardiology
- Equine Internal Medicine
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Production Animal Internal Medicine
- Small Animal Internal Medicine
- The Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia
- The Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians
- The Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice
- Canine/Feline
- Avian/Exotic
- Production Animal
Specialties with provisional recognition:
- The Academy of Laboratory Animal Veterinary Technicians and Nurses
- The Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians
- The Academy of Veterinary Clinical Pathology Technicians
- The Academy of Dermatology Veterinary Technicians
- The Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians
- The Academy of Physical Rehabilitation Veterinary Technicians
- The Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians
- The Academy of Veterinary Ophthalmic Technicians
- The Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians
- The Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Diagnostic Imaging
Becoming a Veterinary Technician Specialist has the potential to take your career to new heights and in new directions. General practice clinics may employ individuals with a VTS in leadership roles. Technicians with a VTS can bring their expertise to referral clinics and teaching hospitals. Opportunities outside of clinical work include publishing, lecturing, education and consulting.
A Veterinary Technician Specialty can give a technician a new outlook on their career and increased agency to pursue growth within the field of veterinary medicine. +
Resources:
1. NAVTA Veterinary Technician Specialties. https://www.navta.net/veterinary-technician-specialties/
