Veterinary technicians: Partnering in patient care
Explore what full veterinary technician integration looks like in practice by distinguishing true clinical partnership from task-based delegation. Participants will examine the differences between veterinary technician and veterinary assistant roles, identify common workflow barriers, and discover practical strategies to empower veterinary technicians to practice to the full extent of their education and training. Learn how intentional integration can improve patient care, strengthen team collaboration, enhance job satisfaction, and contribute to a more efficient and profitable practice.
This session originally was presented at AVMA Convention 2026.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Differentiate the roles, responsibilities, and scopes of practice of credentialed veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants to support appropriate delegation and team collaboration.
- Analyze common workflow barriers that prevent veterinary technicians from functioning as clinical partners and identify strategies to overcome them.
- Apply practical strategies to fully integrate veterinary technicians into patient care to the full extent of their education, training, and legal scope of practice.
| Anna Santos is graduate of the University of Georgia (UGA) with extensive experience in veterinary medicine, academia, and research. She taught veterinary technology at UGA’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital and later managed animal health technicians across campus through UGA’s Office of Research. In 2024, she earned a master’s degree in public health in disaster management. She enjoys life on her farm in Athens, Georgia, with her family and animals. |
