Vet Nurse, Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technologist, Animal Health Technician, VN, RVN, SVN, AVN, LVT, RVT, DVN, VCA, CVT!?
Why are there so many names for these Veterinary Professionals around the world? And what is the correct title to use for the assistants in your clinic?
As a vet who enjoys working in different countries around the world, I know that having a competent veterinary nurse by my side makes a world of difference to patient care. But one thing I often struggle with is understanding the correct way to refer to my trained colleagues in different parts of the world. And why are there so many different titles anyway?
For the most part, its down to history, geography and politics.
I’m going to attempt to explain the distinctions between these terms for English-speaking countries, to help travelling veterinary professionals to gain a handle on this tricky topic.
For simplicity, I’m going to use the term ‘Veterinary Nurse’ throughout this article in place of the many terms above. I understand this is not the correct title in all parts of the world, but I’ll explain more as you read the article.
A good rule of thumb is that North America tends to use the title ‘Vet Tech’, whereas the rest of the world generally prefers the term ‘Vet Nurse’. But lets dive into some details.
| Key: We’re going to outline the terms used in each major English-speaking country, into each role you might come across in the Vet Clinic. This will include: Unqualified Vet Nurses– those that work in a clinical assistant role but have not undertaken formal training resulting in a qualification or certificate. Qualified Vet Nurses– those that have completed the relevant training or certification course. Highly Qualified Vet Nurse– those who have completed a diploma or degree beyond that of a standard qualified vet nurse. I’ll also explain: Is the Title Protected– ie. are there laws in place to prevent unqualified individuals from calling themselves Veterinary Nurses/Vet Techs? Where the title is not protected, vet nurses often hold secondary voluntary titles, such as Registered Vet Nurse or Certified Vet Tech. |
North America
In North America, the term Vet Tech is commonly used, which may stand for veterinary technician or veterinary technologist.
USA
| Unqualified Nurse: Veterinary Assistant, Vet Tech | |||
| Qualified Nurse: Credentialled Vet Tech, Certified Veterinary Tech (CVT), Licensed Vet Tech (LVT), Registered Vet Tech | |||
| Highly Qualified Nurse: Specialist Vet Tech | |||
| Is the Term Vet Nurse Protected?– Generally no, but differs by state |
The USA has the widest range of terminology for similarly qualified professionals. Depending on state and qualification, vet techs can be be certified, licensed or registered- leading the National Association of Veterinary Technicians to coin the fourth term, Credentialed Vet Tech, to encompass the other three terms. The difference between these terms is explained in detail here.
The meaning of ‘Tech’ behind the term Vet Tech can also vary, referring to either a Technician or Technologist. Generally, Veterinary Technician refers to those who have graduated from an AVMA-approved associate or bachelors program and passed the Vet Tech National Exam (VTNE). Veterinary Technologists refers to those that have specifically obtained a Bachelors degree.
Vet Techs can also obtain speciality status, where they must spend at least 75% of their working time in a particular specialty, then pass the relevant certification process. Find out more here.
So why aren’t these professionals referred to as Vet Nurses?
Even this question is pretty controversial. The difficulty is that the title of ‘Nurse’ has been traditionally protected in many states, and can legally only be used by those qualified in human nursing. Recent pushes by the NAVTA and supporting bodies to standardise qualifications under the term ‘Veterinary Nurse’ have been unsuccessful, largely due to opposition from various human nursing associations. Find out more about the US based ‘Veterinary Nurse Initiative’ movement on their website.
The representative body for Vet Techs in the US is called the National Association of Veterinary Technicians (NAVTA). To find information on a specific state, start your search at The American Association of State Vet Boards (AASVB). If you have a foreign qualification and would like to register as a vet nurse in
Canada
| Unqualified Nurse: Vet Tech (VT), Veterinary Assistant | |||
| Qualified Nurse: Registered Veterinary Technologist or Technician (RVT), Animal Health Technician (AHT) | |||
| Highly Qualified Nurse: Specialist Vet Tech | |||
| Is the Term Vet Nurse Protected?– Generally no, except in Alberta |
In Canada, the terms Veterinary Technologist and Veterinary Technician are of equal standing, and are determined by province. Those wishing to become qualified and used the RVT title must graduate from an accredited program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), which generally takes 2-3 years of study.
Its is possible to become a specialist Veterinary Technician in a range of areas, generally after completing further formal education and examinations. Find out more here.
Similar to the US, Canadian Vet Techs are also unable to use the term ‘Nurse’ or Vet Nurse, due to title protection held by human nurses. The title of Vet Tech is generally not protected in Canada, with the exception of the province of Alberta.
The representative body is called the Registered Veterinary Technologist and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC/TTVAC in French).
If you have a foreign qualification and would like to register as a Vet Tech in Canada, contact the regulatory body of your intended state.
Europe
United Kingdom
| Unqualified Nurse: Vet Nurse, Student Vet Nurse, Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA)*, Animal Nursing Assistant (ANA)* | |||
| Qualified Nurse: Vet Nurse, Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) | |||
| Highly Qualified Nurse: Advanced Veterinary Nurse, BSc (Hons) | |||
| Is the Term Vet Nurse Protected?: No |
The first recorded mention of the veterinary nurse is from the United Kingdom in the early 20th Century. Since then, the role has developed into a profession that is strictly regulated by the Veterinary Surgeons Act.
British Veterinary Nurses must undertake either a vocation diploma (over 2-3 years), or a Foundation or a Bachelors degree (over 3-4 years) to become qualified. They may then register with the RCVS, gaining the title of RVN. For Vet Nurses looking for further qualifications, RVNs may undertake the Diploma of Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Dip AVN) in one of three streams- small animal nursing, equine nursing, or nursing education. There are also some options for Honours studies for those with a bachelor degree.
In 2015, a petition was created by The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to propose legislation protecting the title of Veterinary Nurse, making it an offence to use the title without appropriate qualification. The petition was backed by the profession, quickly gaining 21,000 signatures. However, it was turned down immediately by the relevant government department on its submission in 2016. The push for title protection is ongoing.
RVNs in the UK can be identified in practice by their distinctive bottle-green scrubs or tunics, or by the RVN or AVN badges worn on their lapel. Student Nurses often wear white and green striped scrubs.
The Representative body for veterinary nurses is the British Veterinary Nurse Association (BVNA).
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is responsible for the registration of qualified vet nurses in the UK. If you’re an overseas qualified Vet Nurse and are thinking of working in the UK, find more information here.
*The role of Veterinary Care Assistants and Animal Nursing Assistants is usually separate to that of a vet nurse. VCAs and ANAs can undertake studies in animal care through a number of institutions, but generally work under the direction of Veterinary Surgeons or RVNs in practice.
Ireland
| Unqualified Nurse: Veterinary Care Assistant or Student Vet Nurse | |||
| Qualified Nurse: Veterinary Nurse, Registerd Vet Nurse | |||
| Highly Qualified Nurse: Advanced Veterinary Nurse, or BSc (hon) | |||
| Is the Term Vet Nurse Protected? Yes! |
The Veterinary Nursing Profession has been regulated by with title protection since 2008. Those wishing to qualify as veterinary nurses must undertake either a two-year diploma or a three to four-year bachelor of science course (with or without honours). They may then seek registration with the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI). Those seeking further qualifications should look to the programs offered in the UK, as these are generally recognised in Ireland.
The Representative Body is The Irish Vet Nursing Association.
If you’re a foreign vet nurse looking to register in Ireland, you’ll find some information to start you off here.
Other European Nations
Most European nations use terminology in their own language that translates to Veterinary Nurse (or sometimes Veterinary Technician). The profession is unregulated in more than half of the member states.
For more information on the Veteinary Nurse Profession in specific EU countries, check out this map.
Oceania
Australia
| Unqualified Nurse: Veterinary Nurse, Student Veterinary Nurse | |||
| Qualified Nurse: Veterinary Nurse, Registered Veterinary Nurse | |||
| Highly Qualified Nurse: Vet Tech, Diplomaed Veterinary Nurse | |||
| Is the Term Vet Nurse Protected?– Only in WA, otherwise no |
The standard qualification for Veterinary Nurses in Australia is the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. It is generally completed over 2-3 years, in conjunction with practical experience in clinics. For those seeking higher qualifications, qualified nurses can complete various diplomas or obtain a three year Bachelor of Veterinary Technology, which will confer them the title of Veterinary Technician.
Historically, the term veterinary nurse has been unregulated in Australia (with the exception of Western Australia). However, in 2019, the Veterinary Nurse Council of Australia launched a voluntary registration program for veterinary nurses, known as the AVNAT registration scheme. The aim of the AVNAT is to standardise the level of education and continued professional development required of vet nurses across the nation.
To find out more, head to the website for The Veterinary Nurse Council of Australia (VNCA), or The New Zealand Veterinary Nurse Association (NZVNA).
If you’re a foreign-qualified vet tech or nurse and would like more information on working in Australia, start with this handy resource.
New Zealand
| Unqualified Nurse: Veterinary Nurse, Student Veterinary Nurse, Listed Veterinary Nurse | |||
| Qualified Nurse: Veterinary Nurse, Registered Veterinary Nurse, DVN | |||
| Highly Qualified Nurse: Vet Tech | |||
| Is the Term Vet Nurse Protected?– No |
In New Zealand, qualified vet nurses will have obtained a Level 6 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, which takes 2 years of full-time study (including studying the prerequisite Level 5 Certificate in Animal Technology). Those who have only completed one year of study may become a ‘Listed Veterinary Nurse’, upgrading to a ‘Registered Veterinary Nurse’ upon completion of the Level 6 Diploma (DVN).
Those wanting to pursue further study have the option to study a bachelor of Veterinary Technology (BVet Tech) at Massey University.
The NZVNA holds a voluntary register of qualified veterinary nurses, which you may apply to join.
To find out more, head to the website for The New Zealand Veterinary Nurse Association (NZVNA).
If you’re a foreign-qualified vet tech or nurse and would like more information on working in New Zealand, head here.
So Why Are There So Many Terms?
As you can see, there is a lot of history and politics behind the different terms for vet nurses around the world. Not only do the titles depend on qualification, they also vary based on country, state, and whether or not the title of Vet Nurse of Vet Tech has been protected.
Unfortunately, having so many titles can have a negative impact on the profession as a whole. It creates competition and fragmentation between colleagues, as well as confusion for the public.
What can we do?
Protect the title!
Check out the next post in the series to find out why protecting the vet nurse title is essential for the future of the profession. And find out what you can do to help!
If you’d like to read more about what its like to work as a vet or nurse overseas, head to the Working Overseas Page.
Do you disagree with any of the information in this article? If you’re a vet nurse or tech who uses a different term, please do get in touch! Let’s keep this information as up to date as possible!
Camilla Edwards
Such a useful article – thank you!