The fight for a new title

In some veterinary practices, even in states with title protection, both credentialed and noncredentialed paraprofessionals are called veterinary technicians, leaving those who have achieved additional education and certification feeling devalued, says Kenichiro Yagi, MS, RVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM), co-chair of the Veterinary Nurse Initiative (VNI) and veterinary education simulation laboratory manager at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

That's one of several reasons why the VNI, which was formed two years ago, is working nationally to standardize credentialing requirements and create a new title: registered veterinary nurse.

At this year's Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference (ACVC), Yagi shared with dvm360 some of the concerns surrounding overuse of the veterinary technician title and why title protection is so important. 

Yagi says the VNI's intent is not to debase anyone who is called a technician based on experience alone, but “there must be some type of value associated with education, going through the process and trying to raise standards.”

In the video, Yagi also shares why inappropriate title use is discouraging to credentialed techs, with some opting to leave the profession altogether.