National Association of Veterinary Technicians in Americva (NAVTA)

What It Is

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is a national professional organization that represents and advances veterinary technicians in the United States. NAVTA grew out of a 1981 meeting of veterinary technician educators at Michigan State University and is now based in Branchburg, New Jersey. It serves credentialed technicians, students, and the wider veterinary community through continuing education, advocacy, and resources. NAVTA recognizes the 16 specialty academies that award Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credentials, runs the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) program, and established National Veterinary Technician Week in 1993, which is celebrated every October.

Why It Matters

NAVTA plays a key role in shaping the future of the vet tech profession. Through its Veterinary Nurse Initiative, it is working toward one national title and consistent credentialing standards so the public better understands what credentialed technicians do. It also studies the profession, tracking pay, education, student debt, and job satisfaction through surveys of vet techs. NAVTA shows young people that being a veterinary technician is a recognized, organized profession with strong advocates working to improve it.