Skip to main content

Purdue Veterinary Nurse Achieves Key Milestone on Path to Obtaining VTS Designation

A professional headshot of a woman in a dark uniform with a light grey background.

Congratulations to Brittany Laflen, RVT, neurology technician in the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, for recently obtaining approval of her 2019 Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Neurology application by the Academy of Internal Medicine Veterinary Technicians (AIMVT).  Brittany now is preparing to sit for her VTS exam in June during the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) conference in Phoenix, Ariz.

Brittany explains that the application is a yearlong process that involves documenting cases she has been involved in and demonstrating her skill and knowledge in the neurology specialty.  She was required to submit proof of her license and employment, over 40 hours of verified continuing education, 60 case logs documenting her skills and knowledge, and four case reports. 

“Obviously I’m thrilled that my application was accepted,” Brittany said. “A lot of hard work and dedication is required to even submit an application, so to be recognized as eligible to take the exam is amazing. Only 22 people in the world hold this credential, so it is very exciting.”  Brittany also would become the first VTS neurology technician at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Brittany said now she has to do a lot of studying and manage her time. With her exam coming in June, she knows she is getting close to the end, but adds, “It has been a challenge to balance work, home, and studying.

Small Animal Surgery Technologist Supervisor Eric Zamora-Moran said of Brittany, “Her commitment to the veterinary neurology community is remarkable, inspiring, and a testament to her dedication.”  Congratulations Brittany and best wishes for success on the upcoming exam!

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Purdue Equine Hospital Team Comes to Aid of Horse Injured in Severe Storm in Michigan

For a horse named Sassy, Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Brunner Equine Hospital proved to be the right place at the right time to recover from a scary accident that happened during a severe storm in Michigan two weeks ago. According to Dr. Danielle Cucuzella, Purdue visiting assistant professor of large animal surgery, the Quarter Horse named Sassy was seriously hurt during near 100 mile-per-hour winds where she lived in Saint Louis, Michigan.

“Paws Up!” for 4th-year DVM students Colton and Kendall – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week, we celebrate the caring and competence of two members of the new senior class of DVM students for their noteworthy service in the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital.

College of Veterinary Medicine Graduates Honored at Two Ceremonies During Purdue’s 2026 Commencement Weekend

A change in Purdue University’s traditional commencement weekend schedule resulted in two ceremonies recognizing graduates of the College of Veterinary Medicine in May.  This year, veterinary technology graduates were honored at a ceremony that was separate from the commencement program for the DVM graduates.  That’s because the university recognized all doctoral degree candidates in a single ceremony on Saturday, May 16. As a result, the veterinary technology degree recipients were honored Thursday, May 14, at one of several ceremonies for undergraduate degree candidates. Following that ceremony, the college hosted its traditional oath ceremony for the 2026 graduates of the Purdue Veterinary Technology program in the Purdue Memorial Union North Ballroom.

White Coat Ceremony Celebrates Third-year Veterinary Students’ Transition to Clinical Year

The Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms provided a classic setting for an annual event that has become a cherished tradition of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Members of the DVM Class of 2027 gathered with family, friends, faculty and staff on the evening of April 18 for the annual White Coat Ceremony that signals the transition of the third year veterinary students from the classroom to the clinics.

Popular Purdue Veterinary Medicine Bone Marrow Workshop Goes on the Road to Mexico

An annual program hosted by two bone marrow experts with Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine ties, once again attracted strong attendance but in a new international location. This year, Drs. Joanne B. Messick and Rose E. Raskin were invited to Mexico City to present the Annual Bone Marrow Workshop at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM).

“Paws Up” for Dr. Madeleine Swindell – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we share appreciation for Dr. Madeleine Swindell, who is a Purdue Veterinary Hospital Small Animal Rotating Intern.

Awards Ceremony Honors Outstanding Purdue Veterinary Medicine Staff

Applause and periodic shouts of “Bravo” punctuated the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine’s annual spring Outstanding Staff and Bravo Awards Ceremony. The program held in Lynn Hall on May 13 honored some two dozen staff members for meritorious accomplishments.