Spotlight on Licensed Veterinary Technicians

In the ever-changing field of veterinary medicine, licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs) play a vital role in serving animals and people. What is an LVT? They are, essentially, a veterinary nurse and a vital part of health and educational teams.* These dedicated professionals not only contribute in clinical settings, but they also serve as educators and mentors to the next generation of veterinary clinicians and scientists. The Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) will employ LVTs as part of our teaching and ambulatory (mobile veterinary services) teams. Vicki Weber is the first of several LVTs on staff. She’s the manager for the CVMs Ambulatory Services.

“LVTs are the behind-the-scenes backbone, the walking voice of reason, the chaos coordinator of the veterinary profession,” said Weber. “DVMs may not realize the amount of support LVTs provide for them and their practice. Here are just a few words that come to my mind when I think of LVTs and what we do – assist, support, manage, coordinate, instruct, train, collaborate, independent and teamwork, multitask, responsible for, develop and implement, maintain, create, care, compassionate, seriously professional, dedicated, committed.”

Weber recently presented a college update to fellow LVTs through the South Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians (SCAVT). The group is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the vital role licensed technicians play in the veterinary healthcare team and providing professional unity within South Carolina. The group provides professional development and continuing education opportunities for LVTs. Weber’s presentation provided updates on the growth of South Carolina’s first College of Veterinary Medicine. She also wanted to highlight how the college will partner with LVTs in the future. Weber says there are four main takeaways from her presentation.

“It was meant to be a general and multifaceted presentation and to get the audience thinking,” said Weber. “One, to bring awareness of the history, progress, and timeline of the College of Veterinary Medicine.  I was unsure how much the technicians know about CVM as much of the public awareness surrounding the new college has been geared towards the DVM community, donors, alumni and future students. Two, get the audience thinking, ‘How can I, my practice, and SCAVT collaborate with the vet school, and what that may look like?’  Three, I wanted to plant the seed of what an Impactful Educationalist is or could be.  We, the LVTs, are the backbone of teaching every day at all levels, whether in academia, in practice, or by providing humane welfare education to community members.  We cannot possibly be impactful educationalists if we are not also perpetual learners ourselves. Four, a reminder of how important our mental health is personally and for the future of the veterinary profession.”
Overall, Weber aimed to have her presentation inform and inspire her fellow LVTs.

“I was hoping they would walk away with a more informed sense of knowledge about the CVM said Weber. “I was also hoping they would walk away inspired!  Inspired to build the next generation of veterinarians and veterinary technicians and to continue to persevere in growing the veterinary profession through education, change, and opportunities.  Finally, a reminder to care for themselves, their mental health and wellbeing.”

*LVTs work alongside licensed veterinarians and other support staff in clinics, hospitals, or shelter settings. They are educated and trained in a wide range of veterinary tasks including high level animal care, performance of diagnostic procedures and imaging, surgical assisting and anesthesia, pharmacology, and so much more!

LVTs pose for a photo during a professional development presentation during the South Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians conference.