To whom it may concern,

I am writing in favor of allowing non-clinical continuing education for licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians.  With the changing marketplace affecting the way small business is conducted in our state, it is imperative that professionals in veterinary medicine be allowed to pursue non-clinical CE in order to sustain and grow their businesses.  Veterinary and technician school curriculums in VA and across the United States have been updated in recent years to include non-clinical courses in business management, communications, and other soft skills.  These courses allow professionals to obtain skills that will benefit client and colleagial interactions, serve the community, and ultimately benefit their businesses.  Many practicing veterinarians and technicians graduated prior to the change in curriculum.  Allowing these individuals the opportunity to pursue continuing education credits will help develop this skillset.  It is well-documented that improving communication skills has a direct correlation to clinical outcome on a physiological and psychological level.  I urge that the Virginia Board make this change a priority in 2013.