SPRINGFIELD –Your pets deserve the best in pet care, and it takes everyone on a veterinary health care team to make that happen.
An integral member of this team is a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) who is educated in the latest medical advances and skilled at working alongside veterinarians to give pets the best medical care possible for any small or large animal.
Recognition of National Veterinary Technician Week, or CVT Week, begins Sunday, October 13, and runs until Saturday, October 19, 2024. The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA) acknowledges and celebrates the vital services CVTs provide for pets/companion animals in veterinary clinics, hospitals, shelters, farms, zoos and educational settings throughout Illinois.
“Collaboration between credentialed CVTs and veterinarians is essential for achieving the best patient outcomes,” says Beth Armstrong, CVT, CVBL, PPCC, CPEP, CFE, CCFP, CFT, CTP, FT, ISVMA Board of Directors CVT member, Trusted Journey, VTNE Prep, Plano.
“By combining their expertise, technical skills and compassionate care, they create a seamless partnership that ensures animals receive comprehensive, high-quality treatment, ultimately improving both patient health and overall veterinary care.”
“A CVT’s work is essential for any care a veterinary hospital or clinic provides to its clients and pet owner,” says Dr. Nicole Johnson, President, ISVMA Board of Directors, and owner of Pekin Animal Hospital, Pekin.
“CVTs typically are the first veterinary staff member a person encounters when they walk through our hospital doors,” Dr. Johnson continues. “They work closely with veterinarians, veterinary assistants, practice managers and owners to provide essential care to all species of animals we see every day.”
As credentialed technicians, CVTs are educated professionals who complete rigorous training to achieve their degrees.
Illinois requires CVTs to have graduated from a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and to have passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). There are currently five colleges in Illinois offering AVMA-accredited programs, including Blackhawk College in Galva, Joliet Junior College in Joliet, Parkland College in Champaign, Rockford Career College in Rockford, and the Vet Tech Institute at Fox College in Tinley Park.
The veterinary profession safeguards the health and welfare of companion animals and livestock in the 102 counties in Illinois. Since 1993, National Veterinary Technician Week has celebrated, recognized and promoted the valuable contributions CVTs provide to the veterinary profession and society.
The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association (ISVMA) predicts, monitors and confronts issues that affect the licenses of Illinois veterinarians. More than 1,900 ISVMA member veterinarians, veterinary students and Certified Veterinary Technicians depend upon the representation and services provided by the ISVMA. Their participation ensures the continued strength of the veterinary profession in Illinois, advancing the well-being of veterinary medical professionals, the public and the environment.