I oppose the proposal to require Veterinary technicians be taught a course in animal behavior taught by a certified applied animal behaviorist.  This proposal is unnecessary and restrictive.  Both of the veterinary technoogy programs in Virginia are accredited by the CVTEA of the American Veterinary Medical Association, which already requires veterianry technicians receive instruction in animal behavior. These courses are taught by licensed veterinarians.  The AVMA recognizes these instructors as qualified to teach these courses.  The Veterinary Technician National Exam, administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards, includes test questions on animal behavior.  All veterinary technicians licensed in VA are required to be graduates of an AVMA accredited program and have a passing score on the VTNE.  Graduates of both BRCC and NVCC have for decades scored well above the national average in all categories on the VTNE, indicating the excellent job of instruction provided at both schools.  I see absolutely no reason  to require courses in animal behavior be taught by a CAAB.  While their education may be deemed adequate to teach such a course, I feel they are no more qualified than those already teaching these courses and the perspective of a veterinarian teaching this course material to veterinary technians makes sense and meets the rigorous standards set by the AVMA, CVTEA and AAVSB.  Clearly, every LVT in Virgina has already taken a course in animal behavior.