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

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

PVM Clinical Pathologist Elected to Viticus Group (WVC) Board of Directors

Dr. Craig Thompson, clinical associate professor of clinical pathology in Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology, now is a member of the Board of Directors of Viticus Group – formerly WVC. Dr. Thompson was elected to the board when votes were cast in the board election held in conjunction with the 2026 WVC Annual Conference (formally known as the Western Veterinary Conference) earlier this month in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week we are pleased to share a colleague’s words of appreciation for Dr. Erin Paul-Stewart, who is a medical oncology resident in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences.

Veterinary Boilermakers on the Road: Purdue Veterinary Alumni Reconnect and Celebrate at National Conferences

The veterinary profession is built on lifelong learning, meaningful connections, and a shared commitment to animal and human health. This winter, those values were on full display as Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine alumni, faculty, students and friends gathered at two of the profession’s premier events—the Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX) in Orlando, Florida, and the Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The GOAT Named Oreo Captures Attention for PVM at Annual Purdue Ag Alumni Fish Fry

Purdue Veterinary Medicine joined in the festivities as the annual Purdue Ag Alumni Fish Fry earlier this month celebrated alumni and friends who have shaped Purdue Agriculture's legacy and will help define its future. In particular, this year’s event on February 7 at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds provided an opportunity to highlight the longstanding partnership between the College of Agriculture and College of Veterinary Medicine.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week we’re giving a big high-five to Micah Black, who is a veterinary nursing assistant in Large Animal Surgery.

Research accomplishments of CPB’s Uma Aryal featured in ASBMB Today Article

A recently published article in ASBMB Today, the member magazine of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, details groundbreaking research led by Uma K. Aryal, research associate professor in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology.

PVM Associate Dean S. Kathleen Salisbury Receives IVMA President’s Award

Dr. S. Kathleen Salisbury, Purdue Veterinary Medicine associate dean for academic affairs, was honored recently by the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association as the recipient of the association’s annual President’s Award.

Three PVM Alumni Receive IVMA Awards for Achievements and Volunteering

The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) honored three Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni with awards for significant achievements and volunteering during the association’s recent Crossroads Veterinary Conference. The awards were presented January 30 at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Noblesville, Indiana.

In Memory – Dr. Thomas A. Bryan, Retired Purdue Avian Diagnostician

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community mourns the passing of a dedicated poultry veterinarian and esteemed avian diagnostician, Dr. Thomas A. Bryan.