Vet Tech Information - SCIE 10123 Module 2

What is a Vet Tech? SCIE 10123 Module 2 Topic A 1 What this Module Covers Guiding Principles of the Profession, Differences in Education Differences in Titles, Basic Terminology Comparison with RN, Scope of Practice History of the Profession...

What is a Vet Tech? SCIE 10123 Module 2 Topic A 1 What this Module Covers Guiding Principles of the Profession, Differences in Education Differences in Titles, Basic Terminology Comparison with RN, Scope of Practice History of the Profession 2  Professional providing support “Technicia services to veterinarians and support to other hospital n” personnel. “Registere Term specific to the OAVT “Technicia d Veterinary (Ontario) Cannot use the term unless you n” are registered with the OAVT Technician and have met specific criteria ” Terminolo “Support Animal care assistants, kennel staff and reception staff. gy Personnel ” Basically everyone else who is not a Veterinarian or a Veterinary Technician. “Veterinar Refers to the in-depth y professional training that prepares you for your job as a Technolog Veterinary technician. y” 3  “Veterinarian” Basic Completed 4 years of Terminolog undergraduate study at a Canadian Veterinary Medical y – Health Association (CVMA) or American Veterinary Medical Team Association (AVMA)-accredited school. Members Licensed by their Province or State. They can then use the designation DVM or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 4  “Veterinary Technologist” Is generally a term used in the U.S.A. It represents an individual who has graduated from a 4- year program from an AVMA-accredited program. Required to pass an exam before being considered licensed, registered or certified. Terminolo In the U.S.A., the 3 terms “licensed”, “registered”, or “certified” are used interchangeably. Different states will use different terms. gy “Registered Veterinary Technician” Represents an individual who have graduated from a 2- Continue year accredited program in Canada or the U.S, or a 3- year program in Canada, and who have passed the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam) In Ontario, Veterinary Technician program at colleges d... are accredited by the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians. Veterinary Technician programs may also be accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). In the U.S.A veterinary technician programs are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.. 5  “Veterinary Assistant” Is a term used to describe staff members who are not Veterinary Technicians or Veterinarians Terminolog These individuals are typically responsible for assisting the y Veterinary Technician and also often have reception and kennel Continued.. responsibilities Many colleges have 1-year... programs for veterinary assistants (also called Animal Care Assistants) Many are still trained “on the job” by the clinic they work for. 6  Protecting animal health and welfare Guiding Protecting public health Principles Public education of the Profession Protecting the food supply Conservation of wildlife and their environments 7 Oh Canada! In Canada, a Veterinary Technician is a graduate of a 2 or 3 year Veterinary Technician/ Technology program Most college programs in Ontario are 2-years While the major course of study results in a college diploma, some colleges have affiliations with specific universities that can result in a 4-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. So, now that I have graduated..............I am an Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), RIGHT? Wrong! Although you have graduated from a Vet Tech college program, this DOES NOT entitle you to use the designation Registered Veterinary Technician (or RVT). 8 Canada The longest Veterinary Technician diploma program in Canada is 3-years in length. In order to use the designation RVT, you MUST pass a national exam authorized (i.e., you register to take the exam by contacting the OAVT office) by the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT), if you plan to be registered in Ontario. If you plan to work and live in another Province (i.e. QC), you must use the designation allowed by that Province. 9 Vet Tech Titles  All of the provinces in Canada, with the exception of Quebec, uses the “Registered Veterinary Technician” (RVT) designation.  Quebec still uses AHT (French version)  https://mymvta.ca/wp-content/uploads/20 19/09/Compiled-Regulatory-Information-fo r-the-Veterinary-Technology-Professsion_S ept2019-Final1.pdf 10 Across the Border Across the border in the USA, a Veterinary Technician is a graduate of a 2 (called the Associate’s Degree) or 4 (Bachelor’s Degree) year program in Veterinary Technology 4th year is a degree (generally a BSc (Bachelors of Science)with a major in Veterinary Technology). Many states use the designation “RVT”; however there are still some states that have decided to use the designation “Registered Veterinary Technologist”. 11 RVT Many people believe that an (Registered RVT is essentially Veterinary the same as a registered nurse Technician) (RN). and RN (Registered There are many Nurse) are differences the between RVT’s and RN’s. same....right? 12 RVT vs. RN.....what are the differences? Differences from RN RVTs are expected and trained to perform a variety of techniques daily. RVT’s work with multiple species Large animals, small animals, exotics, marine, wildlife Broader range of clinical responsibility in all areas of the practice 13 Pause for review-Who Am I? Match the team member with the description by placing the corresponding letter in the orange column. Veterinary Assistant A. A person who has graduated from a 2- year AVMA (CVMA or OAVT) accredited program Veterinary B. A person who has graduated from a 4-year Technician CVTEA-accredited program Veterinary C. A person with the training of a clinical aide Technologist Veterinary D. A person who has graduated from a 4-year Technician Specialist AVMA-accredited program receiving a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree Veterinarian E. Credentialed technician who meets requirements established by an academy 14  Veterinary Technicians are not Scope of permitted to: Practice PRESCRIBE DIAGNOSE for the PROGNOSE RVT PERFORM SURGERY. These tasks can only performed by a licensed Veterinarian! 15 Pause………for review Identify which task can be legally performed by an RVT Tell Mr. Khan that his German Shephard “Max” requires 50 mg of Amoxicillin to be given twice daily because he has an ear infection. OR Tell Mr. Khan that Dr. Smith has recommended that Max be given Amoxicillin twice daily to treat the ear infection that she has identified. Assist Dr. Zea with “Smartie’s” neuter (a neuter is the surgical removal of the testicles) OR Neuter “Smartie” the cat 16 One more – what is wrong with the following situation? Mrs. Smith calls the clinic to inform you that Rocky, her Pug is vomiting and has diarrhea after he ate some bar-b-que chicken from last night’s dinner. You tell Mrs. Smith that Rocky likely just has an upset stomach from the sauce on the chicken and he should be fine in a few hours. You advise her to keep an eye on him and to call you if he is not feeling better in the morning. …………had vomited and had diarrhea after he ate some bar-b-que chicken from last night’s dinner, but seems to be doing better. 17 This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-N History History of Veterinary Technology Prior to 1960 – Many Veterinarians practiced independently. This is mainly due to The cost of maintaining support staff A lack of trained support staff First Vet school opened in Lyon, France in 1761 Primary concern of Vets was the care of horses, mules and cattle – animals used for transportation, agriculture and food production 18 History Continued 1961 – first university-level program to educate Vet Techs Called Animal Health Technicians (AHT) Prior to 1965, the term “veterinary” could only be used by Veterinarians. In 1965, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) had decided that the term “veterinary” should not be used alongside the terms technician or assistant. They felt that this may cause client confusion or competition from disreputable people. This decision definitely slowed the acceptance and utilization of technicians. This decision was reversed, approximately 24 years later, when the AVMA officially adopted the term veterinary technician. Early years – vet med was a male dominated profession. 1970’s – laws stated that it was illegal to deny women access to Vet school 19 History Continued Today, there are many accredited Veterinary Technician programs across Canada and the USA A shift in trend: 2011-78% of incoming vet students are female and the number of women veterinarians in practice outnumbers males. A shift in practice type: majority of veterinarians today practice companion animal medicine 20 Understandin g Professions - Classification Characteristics of a Profession Use of Designations RVT Requirements 21 Veterinary Technician is classified as a profession What is a profession? The term “profession” refers to a paid occupation, that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification (Wikipedia) The term “profession” is defined as a body of people engaged in a particular profession (Wikipedia) 22  1. An Identifiable membership 2. Special advanced education/preparation 3. Promotion of a body of knowledge in the field 4. Strong service orientation Characterist 5. Autonomy of practice 6. Self-regulation-ability to regulate ics of their own profession Professions 7. Use of a designation 8. Recognized authority 9. Primarily intellectual work 10. Adherence to a code of ethics 11. Often have continuing education requirements that must be met to maintain your designation 23  Use of a designation : What are they? In the USA: LVT (licensed veterinary technician), CVT (certified veterinary technician), RVT (after 1985, approximately) In Canada: RAHT (registered animal health technician, for those who graduated prior to Designatio 1985; after 1985 these individuals could use the designation RVT). ns Remember that not all provinces in Canada use the designation “RVT”. Regulation of professionals In the USA: licence granted by a state agency or board In Canada: registration is granted by the provincial association Ontario : OAVT 24 REMEMBER: WHAT IS A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN? (OAVT WEBSITE) Therefore, “Veterinary Technicians” are specifically trained professionals who work as an integral part of the veterinary medical team provide humane quality animal health care Their education provides them with the theory and practical skills essential to their career choice. 25  CLOSER LOOK AT ONTARIO RVTS OAVT: Registered Veterinary Technician "RVT" is a designated title in Ontario and may be used by only those technicians: 1. Who have graduated from an OAVT accredited/approved college and have passed the examination recognized by the OAVT board of Directors. 2. Who are and continue to be members in good standing with the OAVT 3. Who have registered with the AAVSB and passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) 2. Who maintain the mandatory Continuing Education (CE) component 3. Who have completed a background check 4. Who have completed the Professionalism and Ethics course offered by the OAVT Remember, if you want to work as a Registered Vet Tech in another Province, you must meet the credentials of that Province. 26 Basics of Self Regulation What is Self Regulation Applications Benefits Drawbacks Provincial Organizations 27 What is “Self Regulation” The government gives professional organizations management authority for the profession This gives organizations the ability to determine who gets into the profession by setting standards develop standards for the profession manage discipline actions as required Self Regulation OAVT members passed by-laws, this There are currently over 30 self- made them the first group of their kind regulated professions in Ontario to become self-regulated. 1993 currently 17 Feb. 2006 a bill was passed in the provincial legislature granting the OAVT the right to “promote, maintain and regulate the professional standards of veterinary technicians” in Ontario Reference: OAVT Website, www.oavt.org  What does self regulation mean? The professional body This gives them (i.e., (i.e., OAVT) can the OAVT) legal The OAVT defines who develop, implement, authority to enforce can enter the and enforce rules their rules for the profession (i.e., created by their board profession that they requirements) of directors govern Technicians can have more autonomy in practice because they Regulatory body (i.e., are allowed to do the OAVT) controls level of tasks they were standards. trained to do with little supervision  More confidence for Veterinarians They know that you were trained on how to perform your job Your training was based on standardized criteria that allowed you to write a National exam Benefits Greater accountability for Technicians The vet won’t be there to watch and approve your of Self every move They will trust that you know how to do your job Regulation You can be held accountable for your errors Always tell the truth, don’t lie to cover up a mistake Employees performing jobs that they were trained to do For example, collecting blood samples, anaesthetic induction and monitoring, client counselling There are many others!  Benefits: Chance to do what you were trained to do How does More professional respect, especially in the “eyes” of a client it apply to you as an Potentially better wages if you are an RVT RVT Greater accountability for your actions Not Your SALARY! How much you make covered (salary) to do your job is still managed between the employer and employee. by self- regulatio n The professional organization does not get involved with this. 33  Cost - i.e., annual membership dues may be higher Acceptance from Veterinary Technicians - some technicians don’t want to be held responsible for their actions Potential Drawbacks and want to always receive specific detailed instructions from the Veterinarian. New Veterinary Professionals Act – 2024; Bill 171 This year there was an exciting advancement with our profession which will change our self-regulation to a professional regulation by ~2026 Currently, as previously stated we are self-regulated by the OAVT, but once this new Act is implemented, RVTs will be professionally regulated by the new College of Veterinary Professionals of Ontario (formerly CVO) Benefits of this include: Significant increase in recognition of our profession Indicates exciting growth for our profession Potential new guidelines to our Scope of Practice Increased salary 35 Registration of Veterinary Technicians VTNE Additional OAVT Requirements Pass/Fail 36 Registration of NEW Veterinary Technicians (OAVT Website,OAVT Exam Manual) In order to use the designation “RVT” or “Registered Veterinary Technician” you must write and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). This occurs AFTER you have taken a college Veterinary Technician program that has been accredited by the OAVT. The VTNE is used to evaluate entry-level veterinary technicians’ competency to practice and to be credentialed. This exam is owned, prepared and administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). You register directly with the AAVSB to write the exam. You will also need to register with the OAVT to become a member The OAVT will confirm your eligibility to write the exam (ie., that you have graduated from the program). You will receive an Authorization To Test Letter (ATT) if you qualify, which will give you additional instructions on how to book your appointment to write the exam. 38 Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) The exam is a computer based exam that has 150 multiple choice questions that are counted towards your score You have 3-hours to write the exam You are therefore going to write an AMERICAN-based exam! (this is why your classes will cover both Canadian and American standards) Can only be written after completion of a 2 or 3 year veterinary technician program Must be a member in good standing with the OAVT to write the exam 39 VTNE Exam There are 3 testing windows March 15-April 15 July 15-Aug 15 Nov to Dec 15 In Ontario, you can write the exam in one of four locations: Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa and London $ fee to be paid to write the exam (approximately $300.00 USD) Did I pass????? Exam Results As soon as the exam is completed, you will receive a provisional, unofficial on- screen Pass/Fail score which cannot be printed. Approximately 3-4 weeks after you have written your exam, you will receive your official exam score electronically. 41 Additional OAVT Requirements to Complete BEFORE You Can Become an RVT You are required to participate in the OAVT’s 1-day workshop on “Professionalism and Ethics”. This is a requirement of By-Law #2 You must submit a police criminal background check to the OAVT 42 Maintaining Registration Continuing Education Loss of “Registered” status 43 I passed my VTNE exam....now what happens? Maintaining Registration By-Law 2, Article1.3 Maintaining R.V.T. Status (OAVT) To maintain the rights and privileges of a Registered Veterinary Technician, a person must: (a) Remain a Member in good standing of the corporation; (b) Complete the continuing education requirements as set out in the by-laws; and (c) Pay the dues pertaining to registered status (“Registration dues”). http://www.oavt.org/continuinged/registration.php Can my RVT status ever be taken away from me? YES! Loss of RVT Status OAVT By-Law 2, Article 1.4 Loss of R.V.T. Status A person ceases to be a Registered Veterinary Technician if: (a) submits a letter of resignation to the Registrar; (b) fails to maintain her status as set out in article 1.3 of this by-law; or (c) status is revoked by decision of the Discipline Committee. (www.oavt.org) Continuing Education Requirements for RVTs (www.oavt.org) As an RVT you are required to submit continuing education credits to the OAVT to maintain your registration By-Law 2, Article 2 PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS 2.2 Continuing Education Each Member shall accumulate a minimum of twenty continuing education credits. CE collection period begins on the first of the month that immediately follows the date you became registered, and continues two (2) years to the final day of the month you became registered. Example: you became registered on July 18, 2016 Your CE collection period starts August 1st, 2016 Your CE collection period ends July 31, 2018 Your CE documentation is due within 60 days following the end of your collection period – September 30th, 2018  CE Regulations for RVTs We can transfer extra CE credits into the next CE According to the OAVT, it is the responsibility of the period. Up to ten credits Member to submit written in excess of the minimum proof of completion of CE requirement may be to the Registrar by March transferred and credited 1 of the year following the to the following two-year end of each two-year period. period. Therefore, maintaining CE requirements is mandatory and governed under the OAVT By-laws! You must complete this requirement to maintain your RVT status! Continuing Education Approved CE is Each activity can listed on the OAVT have a different CE website amount. If you have ANY questions about CE, contact the OAVT office. 48 Questions?......and more review! Now, work on the lecture review questions to assess your understanding of today’s lesson. The topic (A, B,C,D) has been identified beside each question Ask me if you have questions Answers have been posted. IMPORTANT: Try and complete the review questions WITHOUT using the answer key. Then, compare your answers with mine. It WILL NOT help you learn the material if you only read through the answers. 49