17 Jul The Importance of Title Protection
The proper use of veterinary technician titles holds significant importance for several reasons. Firstly, it directly influences clients’ perceptions and their communication preferences. Secondly, it serves as a clear indication that an individual possesses specific credentials in their respective field. Lastly, within a hospital setting, it enables effective differentiation among team members. Adhering to the correct use of titles is crucial in shaping client impressions, signaling professional qualifications, and facilitating efficient teamwork in healthcare environments.
Definitions in the GA Practice Act
(18) “Veterinary technician” means a person who engages in the practice of veterinary technology and on the basis of his or her qualifications is validly and currently registered by the board for such purpose.
(19) “Veterinary technology” means the science and art of providing certain aspects of professional medical care and treatment for animals and the practice of veterinary medicine as may be delegated and supervised by a licensed veterinarian and performed by a person who is not a licensed veterinarian.
Application for license as a veterinary technician GA Practice Act
43-50-52. Application for license as veterinary technician; qualifications; examination; renewal; applicants registered in other states; board’s responsibility
(a)
(1) Any person desiring to work as a licensed veterinary technician in this state shall apply to the board for a license as a veterinary technician. All such applications shall be made on forms provided by the board and shall be accompanied by such fee as may be required by the board.
Recognized legal terms in Georgia include:
- Veterinary Technician
- Licensed Veterinary Technician
It is critical to understand that the success of your practices hinges on the collective performance of the entire veterinary care team. Amidst this team, an essential and sometimes overlooked role is that of credentialed veterinary technicians. Having credentialed veterinary technicians on our teams, equipped with the necessary skills, is your cornerstone of building an efficient and thriving practice. However, it is just as vital to recognize and harness these valuable skills efficiently, ensuring that your practice functions at its best. Empowering and utilizing your veterinary technicians to their fullest potential becomes a key strategy for success.
Practices play a key role in ensuring that the roles and responsibilities of each team member are clear and appropriate based on their title and licensure status. Adhere to the Georgia State Practice Act and maintain the highest possible patient care standards.
Recommendations from the NAVTA Title Protection White Paper:
Establish clear policies on title protection laws and reserve “veterinary technician” or “veterinary nurse” for credentialed individuals. Designate others as “veterinary assistants,” avoiding misleading terms like “unlicensed veterinary technicians.” This fosters transparency and ensures compliance for a thriving practice.
For clear communications of title/role/responsibilities amongst team members and the public, veterinary practices can:
- Ensure that titles are clear (verbally and written) across all forms of operation (name tags, scrub colors, website/social media posts, introducing employees to clients).
- Promote a culture with encouragement to advance and acknowledge the earned titles of those who are licensed/have formal education/training.
Do you want to read more about title protection, maximizing your team, and other practice owner topics? Keep an eye out for our forthcoming handbook made specially for practice owners: Starting Small to Succeeding Big: The Handbook for Thriving Veterinary Practices