PVM Issues Statement Supporting National Registered Veterinary Nurse Credential

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine this week issued a formal statement supporting a nationwide effort to create the Registered Veterinary Nurse national credential. This multi-year initiative by the Veterinary Nurse Initiative Coalition provides the national leadership and continuity that will be needed to effect change from state to state, since each state has its own regulations for credentialing technicians. “The leadership of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine believes it is vital that we show our support for this effort and our statement backing this initiative explains why,” said Dean Willie Reed.

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine statement emphasizes the College’s longstanding record as a leader in promoting the value of credentialed veterinary technicians as vital members of the veterinary healthcare team.  However, it acknowledges that supporters of the profession have encountered a major obstacle in conveying to the general public an understanding of the role of veterinary technicians and their essential place in the delivery of quality veterinary medical care.  “That obstacle is a matter of confusing and inconsistent nomenclature, which can and should be changed,” the statement says.

The statement goes on to explain that, in the face of changing conditions affecting the veterinary medical profession, the College is leading the way at the educational level to promote adoption of the term Registered Veterinary Nurse as a means of advancing the veterinary technology profession.  “The credential of Registered Veterinary Nurse is understood by the public and would significantly improve the awareness and recognition of the highly valuable skills these professionals bring to the veterinary team,” the statement says.  “Now is the time to work toward adoption of a single credential, state by state, throughout the nation, and eliminate the confusion that stems from the current variation of titles, which include Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), Licensed Veterinary Medical Technician (LVMT), and Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT).”

The statement concludes by firmly expressing the College’s wholehearted and enthusiastic support for the Veterinary Nurse Initiative Coalition’s pursuit of legislative amendments in the 50 states to establish the single credential of Registered Veterinary Nurse.  “We unequivocally endorse this initiative, which will enhance the stature and recognition of veterinary technicians, many of whom received their training at Purdue University, while also boosting the public’s appreciation for the value of the veterinary medical profession,” the statement says.  The statement is being distributed to the other U.S. colleges of veterinary medicine, the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, and major veterinary industry and association publications and websites.

View the official Position Statement on the Registered Veterinary Nurse Credential (PDF).

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