Purdue Veterinary Medicine Interim Dean S. Kathleen Salisbury welcomed the college’s newest Veterinary Nursing alumni and their families to the Summer 2024 Veterinary Nursing Graduation Celebration held in Lynn Hall Saturday, August 3. The college’s ceremony followed the university commencement exercises that morning in the Elliott Hall of Music. The PVM graduation celebration included individual recognition of each graduate present and the traditional recitation of the Indiana Veterinary Technician Oath of Ethical Conduct.
“In particular, this program gives us the opportunity to continue a long-standing and valued tradition of our college as we conduct our Oath Ceremony,” Dr. Salisbury said as she addressed the graduates and their families. “Graduates, as you embark on your careers in the veterinary medical profession, you join an alumni network that reflects the ‘veterinary team.’ Numbering more than 5,000, our college’s alumni include veterinarians, veterinary nurses (also referred to as veterinary technicians and technologists), as well as recipients of graduate degrees.”
Dr. Salisbury then instructed the graduates to come forward when their names were called by Purdue Veterinary Nursing Programs Director Chad Brown. When Dr. Brown stepped to the podium, he began by emphasizing the uniqueness of Purdue ‘s veterinary nursing programs. “The College of Veterinary Medicine has two separately accredited veterinary technician/veterinary nursing programs,” Dr. Brown said. “One is an entirely remote program which is our distance learning program and the other is our campus residential program. So we have graduates from both here today.”
Dr. Brown then read the names of each of the nine graduates in attendance who earned their Associate in Applied Science degree, and gave special recognition to graduate Stephanie Stewart who received the Eber H. Allen Leadership Award, which is sponsored by the Northeast Indiana Veterinary Medical Association. As the graduates came forward, each received the Purdue University Veterinary Nursing pin, which was presented by Instructional Technologist Jennifer Smith, RVT, RLAT.
Speaking to the degree recipients after they gathered at the front of the room, Dr. Brown said, “Graduates, your charge is to set the visible standard for what a Purdue University veterinary nurse is and does. In so doing, you will pave the way for all those graduates who will follow behind you. The future of the veterinary nursing profession is placed into your very capable hands. We trust that you will serve it well.”
After pausing for a class photo, the graduates remained at the front of the lecture hall to recite the Indiana Veterinary Technician Oath of Ethical Conduct, symbolizing their acceptance into the veterinary nursing profession. “The oath signifies our high regard for the ethical standards and legal regulations governing the practice of veterinary nursing, our strong commitment to the highest standards of patient care and service, and our dedication to the animals that we serve,” Dr. Brown said. Then, the assistant director of the Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning Program, Josh Clark, MS, RVT, led the graduates along with all veterinary nurses in the audience in reciting the oath.
Indiana Veterinary Technician Oath of Ethical Conduct
I dedicate myself to serve as a member of the modern veterinary team, as together we serve the needs of mankind, animal welfare, and our community.
Working in a clinical practice, research, or industry, I will faithfully abide by all laws, regulations, and ethical codes that govern veterinary technicians. I will conduct myself in a manner which inspires the respect and confidence of my employer, colleagues, and the public.
I will seek the mutual exchange of counsel and assistance with the clinical staff when it appears that the quality of service will be improved. I will strive to better my skills by keeping current my knowledge of new methods and ideas and by maintaining an open mind.
Since the veterinary technician is a member of a professional team entrusted with the responsibility of the care and well-being of the animal kingdom, I make this oath with utmost sincerity and devotion.
The program concluded with a round of applause for the graduates before everyone reconvened in the nearby seating area for the Continuum Café, where the college hosted a reception with refreshments and plenty of photo ops. Congratulations to all the August Veterinary Nursing graduates!
