AVDT Endorsement of NAVTA Veterinary Nurse Initiative
July 26, 2018
The Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians (AVDT) support the Veterinary Nurse Initiative (VNI) and
the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) to pursue standardized
credentialing standards, scope of practice, and the title of Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVN) for all
credentialed veterinary technicians in the United States.
The role of the veterinary technician has evolved over the years to serve a vital role on the veterinary
healthcare team by providing high-quality nursing care to the patient, support and education to the
client, and advancements in scientific knowledge to better serve our patients and our profession.
A single unified title and standardization of the credential of Registered Veterinary Nurse across the
nation will reduce the confusion to pet owners and improve the public perception, as well as, the
recognition of skills and the standards met by each credentialed individual. Credentialed technicians will
benefit by this change in title as it better represents their role within the veterinary healthcare team and
focuses on the high level of care they give their patients and other animals. Reaching this goal will
assure that each patient receives the highest quality of care, improves public relations, promotes the
use of veterinary services and allows for sustainability of the veterinary profession.
We look forward to supporting the change in the Veterinary Dental Community and across the United
States.