Since the original rule was enacted there have never been enough LVTs in the work force to allow for reality to reflect the rule.  This fact alone should be enough to convince the board to pass the amendment.

In my experience, just because someone is an LVT does not make them automatically able to place an IV catheter.  Most LVTs can identify a highly experienced non licensed assistant who helped them learn this technique.  In our organization we must train, monitor, and support almost all of our newly hired LVTs in the skill of placing IV catheters. 

Licensed Veterinary Technicians are very important to our veterinary business and we encourage our assistants to pursue licensure on their own or to apply to our scholarship program where we pay for their tuition.  The knowledge they gain in school gives them a greater understanding of the “why” behind what they are seeing or what they are being asked to do by a veterinarian.  The LVTs who demonstrate a balance of knowledge and experience in addition to bringing high technical skill are most valued here.

The Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine can truly advance the care of patients and pet owners in Virginia by creating new avenues for LVTs to advance their careers in veterinary medicine (similar to Nurse Practitioners in human medicine), not focus on individual techniques.  Creating avenues that allow LVTs to do more than they are allowed to do now will result in greater pay, improved career satisfaction, and a decrease in the high attrition rate for LVTs; all which will increase the number of highly trained veterinary nurses in the industry and raise the level of care for patients and pet owners.