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Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians Offers Specialty

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, a non-profit group that represents and promotes the profession of veterinary technology, has created a specialty: the Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians.

Amy Butzier, CVT, chairwoman of the association's Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties, said the surgical technician specialty caters to veterinary technicians who have specialized knowledge. The association's academies give veterinary technicians recognition for having advanced education, training and experience in an area of specialization.

The new academy offers a standardized path to help technicians qualify for a national exam to become a veterinary technician specialist, or VTS (Surgery). A 2009 survey of veterinary professionals found a need for technicians with advanced knowledge in many areas related to surgery. 

Heidi Reuss-Lamky, president of the Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians, said veterinary technicians play a key role in the care of perioperative veterinary patients. They must not only understand sophisticated soft tissue and orthopedic surgical procedures, she said, but must have advanced knowledge in areas such as anatomy and physiology, equipment/instrument care and maintenance, principles of asepsis, wound management and diagnostic imaging techniques.

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Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians Offers Specialty

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I was a Surgical Technology student who wished to practice in the veterinary field, so I am thrilled at this new specialty. I will get my Associate's Degree in Vet Tech and hope to be able to move into the veterinary surgical area at the Vet hospital where I work. Julianne, Raleigh, NC Posted: 7/21/2010 2:14:41 PM I think this is a positive route for technicians who are interested in the surgical field. Personally I have waited a long time to see this specialty appear. The Doctor and Tech work so closely in this field and further development of the technicians skills will only benefit patient care. Brandi Gramolini BS, LVT, Carson City, NV Posted: 2/4/2010 11:12:46 AM