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In February 2018, legislation was introduced to change the professional title for a Registered Veterinary Technician to a Registered Veterinary Nurse. A Registered Veterinary Technician is issued a license by the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board. According to the Ohio Association of Registered Veterinary Technicians, the term veterinary nurse should be used to help the public relate to what a veterinary technician does. There is concern that the public does not understand the difference between a veterinary technician and a veterinary aid.

A veterinary technician practices far more veterinary medicine than a veterinary aid. Prior to becoming licensed, a veterinary technician must complete specialized schooling and obtain a passing score on the veterinary technician national exam. A veterinary technician can practice veterinary medicine while under direct or general supervision of a veterinarian. A veterinary technician is not just a helper; he or she is- essentially- the veterinarian’s nurse.

In October 2015, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America called for licensing boards to use the term registered veterinary nurse rather than registered veterinary technicians. By July 2017, NAVTA focused on Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio to be the first to make this change.

House Bill 501, as introduced, changes the professional title in Ohio from registered veterinary technician to registered veterinary nurse. It does not change the scope of practice or credentials required for application.

If you have questions about registered veterinary technicians, registered veterinary nurses, or the practice of veterinary medicine, you need to talk with an Ohio veterinary license defense attorney at Graff & McGovern. Attorney John Izzo can be reached at johnizzo@grafflaw.com, or 614-228-5800, extension 5.