Protecting Veterinary Technicians: Why SB 1658 is a Step Backward

Protecting Veterinary Technicians: Why SB 1658 is a Step Backward

Veterinary technicians are the backbone of our profession. They provide critical patient care, ensure efficiency in veterinary hospitals, and allow veterinarians to focus on what only they can do—diagnosing, prognosing, prescribing, and performing surgery. Yet, across the country, credentialed veterinary technicians (CrVTs) continue to fight for fair wages, better utilization, and the recognition they deserve. Now, Arizona’s SB 1658 threatens to undermine their hard-earned credentials, and we need to speak up.

I want to highlight the expertise of Jennifer Serling, CrVT, a veterinary technician with over 30 years of experience who has dedicated her career to education and professional advocacy. Jennifer recently wrote about SB 1658 and why it could have devastating consequences for the future of veterinary technology. Her perspective—having originally credentialed through an On-The-Job (OJT) pathway before it was phased out—gives her a unique insight into why education matters and why this bill is the wrong approach.

What SB 1658 Gets Wrong

SB 1658 proposes removing the requirement that veterinary technician candidates graduate from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Instead, applicants could qualify based solely on their supervising veterinarian’s approval.

On the surface, this may seem like a solution to the veterinary technician shortage. But as Jennifer points out, this shortcut comes with major consequences:

❌ Devalues the profession – Veterinary technicians go through rigorous education and training to ensure they provide high-quality care. Lowering credentialing standards sends the message that formal education isn’t necessary.

❌ Creates long-term career limitations – Many states don’t recognize credentialed veterinary technicians who didn’t graduate from an accredited program. Those who gain certification under SB 1658 may find themselves unable to transfer their credentials outside of Arizona.

❌ Fails to address technician retention – The real reason veterinary technicians are leaving the field isn’t because credentialing is too hard—it’s because wages are too low, utilization is poor, and career advancement is limited.

Jennifer’s journey illustrates why proper education matters. In 2015, she returned to school to earn her Associate degree in Veterinary Technology, despite already having years of experience. That degree opened doors, gave her a deeper understanding of veterinary medicine, and allowed her to better advocate for the profession. We need more of that—more investment in education, more respect for veterinary technicians, and more structured pathways for career growth.

What Can We Do to Protect Veterinary Technicians?

If we want to fix the veterinary technician shortage, we need real solutions, not quick fixes. Here’s how we can take action:

1️⃣ Oppose SB 1658 and similar bills – If you’re in Arizona, contact your legislators and express your opposition. Even if you’re not, help spread the word about how this could set a dangerous precedent.

2️⃣ Advocate for better wages and utilization – Credentialed veterinary technicians should be paid fairly for their skills and education. We also need to ensure they’re being used to their full potential, rather than being underutilized while veterinarians take on tasks that should be delegated.

3️⃣ Support access to accredited education – There are online and flexible programs available to help aspiring technicians earn their credentials without sacrificing their jobs. Employers can step up by offering tuition assistance and mentorship programs.

Let’s Build the Future of Veterinary Medicine—The Right Way

Jennifer Serling, CrVT, is a shining example of what happens when we invest in veterinary technicians. They thrive. They grow. They contribute at the highest level.

If we want to see more veterinary technicians stay in the field, we need to build systems that support them—not policies that undermine their work.