FVTE Spotlight: Laura Pearce-Sandmann, BS, RVT

To be named a "Fellow of the Association (or Academy)" follows a long tradition of professional (especially medical) associations recognizing the whole work of an individual's career, not just a single test or program. Tara Groves is the current chair of the AVTE Fellows committee so reach out if you have any questions and learn more about the AVTE Fellows program. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine? How did your path evolve — and what experiences or challenges shaped who you are today?      

FVTE Spotlight: Jennelle Miller

To be named a "Fellow of the Association (or Academy)" follows a long tradition of professional (especially medical) associations recognizing the whole work of an individual's career, not just a single test or program. Tara Groves is the current chair of the AVTE Fellows committee so reach out if you have any questions and learn more about the AVTE Fellows program. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine? How did your path evolve — and what experiences or challenges shaped who you are today?      

FVTE Spotlight: Mariel Hendricks

To to be named a "Fellow of the Association (or Academy)" follows a long tradition of professional (especially medical) associations recognizing the whole work of individual's career, not just a single test or program. Tara Groves is the current chair of the AVTE Fellows committee so reach out if you have any questions and learn more about the AVTE Fellows program.    

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine? How did your path evolve — and what experiences or challenges shaped who you are today?    
I wanted to pursue the FVTE designation because I've worked hard to be the best educator I can be both personally and professionally, and AVTE has been the most welcoming association I've ever been a part of. I know that I'm a unique educator (being an educator in the industry rather than academia), and the FVTE committee has been incredibly inclusive to me, taking time to understand that the term "educator" is multi-faceted and doesn't have to fit the academia mold that many automatically think of.  These conversations have allowed me to be a voice to the veterinary educator community that not many know about - an industry educator is a possible career choice, too!

FVTE Spotlight: Dennis Lopez

To to be named a "Fellow of the Association (or Academy)" follows a long tradition of professional (especially medical) associations recognizing the whole work of individual's career, not just a single test or program. Tara Groves is the current chair of the AVTE Fellows committee so reach out if you have any questions and learn more about the AVTE Fellows program.    

What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine? How did your path evolve — and what experiences or challenges shaped who you are today?      

The VTNE Report is Here. Take a Look, and Join the Walk

On December 2nd, 2025 close to 100 members of our One Community registered to attend the first live discussion of our year of research and relationship building.

We’re sharing the full VTNE study report and the slide deck from from that initial conversation. Keep an eye out on AVTE YouTube for the recording posted soon

FVTE Spotlight: Tara Groves

To to be named a "Fellow of the Association (or Academy)" follows a long tradition of professional (especially medical) associations recognizing the whole work of individual's career, not just a single test or program. Tara Groves is the current chair of the AVTE Fellows committee so reach out if you have any questions and learn more about the AVTE Fellows program.    

Tara Groves, BS LVT FVTE
Owensboro Community and Technical College (Owensboro, KY)

2025 AVTE Margi Sirois Veterinary Technician Educator of the Year Award

Stephanie Brown, FVTE, LVT of Tri-County Technical College was honored with the 2025 Margi Sirois Veterinary Technician Educator of the Year Award. This award honors the memory and legacy of Margi Sirois, EdD, MS, RVT, LAT. Margi was a fierce advocate for advancing veterinary technology and veterinary technician educators. Veterinary Technicians are teachers who model respectful and effective teamwork in their professional lives and assist their students in integrating these skills into their work and life. 

JAVMA supplement celebrates National Veterinary Technician Week

"Just as nursing research has transformed human medicine, scholarship led by veterinary technicians can transform veterinary practice."

It’s a historic first for JAVMA: a special supplement dedicated entirely to articles inspired and written by credentialed veterinary technicians (CrVTs) or CrVT-led teams. Read more from JAVMA about why they decided to create this special issue.

Are you interested in writing for publication? Find more opportunities and resources from JAVTA, the Journal of the Association of Vet Tech Educators. 

Full text access to the JAVMA October 2025 special supplement:

Editorial 

AVTE Program of the Year

Morehead State University Veterinary Technology Program was honored with the 2025 AVTE Program of the Year Award. MSU VTP has been fully accredited since 1977 and offers both associate and bachelor's degrees in veterinary technology. MSU VTP is located on a fully functional 350-acre farm home to more than three hundred farm animals. Read more about Morehead State in their Program Profile in JAVTE #13!

A few quotes from Morehead State's Nomination:

CVTEA Resources for Veterinary Technician Programs

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) is pleased to announce new resources for program use:

Updated CVTEA Accreditation Seal

AVTE Program Director of the Year 

Marisa Dobiash, LVT of Pima Medical Institute, Renton Campus was honored with the 2025 AVTE Program Director of the Year Award. A Director of Program Directors, Marisa was recently promoted to Lead Program Director for Veterinary Technician programs for all Pima campuses. She was asked to take this role based on the notable success of her campus's program for over 10 years.

Here are just a few quotes from Marisa's nomination:

Veterinary Technician Oath Update

Happy Vet Tech week and thank you to all the dedicated professionals that have taken and lived these words. In February 2025 NAVTA invited feedback on their Veterinary Technician Oath and Code of Ethics. These guiding principles reflect the values, responsibilities, and ethics that matter most to today’s Veterinary Technicians.

“I solemnly dedicate myself to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and services for animals, by alleviating animal suffering, and by promoting public health. I accept my obligations to practice my profession conscientiously and with sensitivity, adhering to the profession’s Code of Ethics, and furthering my knowledge and competence through a commitment to lifelong learning.”

Learn more about the Oath and Code of Ethics

A Joint Statement from the AVTE, AAVSB, and AVMA

October 9, 2025

Last week in Chicago, leadership from the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE), the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB), and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) came together for a face‑to‑face meeting grounded in shared purpose: to strengthen the future of veterinary technician education, credentialing, and support systems across the profession.

We are encouraged by the spirit of collaboration and optimism that shaped our conversation. While our organizations have distinct responsibilities, we are united in our commitment to transparency, continuous improvement, and the well‑being of students, professionals, and the public.

Looking ahead, we identified several meaningful next steps to support continued progress. These include:

PRN Pharmacal Announces Veterinary Technician Awards

Ahead of vet tech week 2025, Pegasus Laboratories/PRN® Pharmacal is launching an awards program that celebrates the dedication, compassion, and clinical expertise of veterinary technicians.

AVTE President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement 

Laura Lien, MS, CVT, VTS (LAIM) was honored with the first AVTE President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement. Sponsored in 2025 by Rarebreed Veterinary Partners, Laura was recognized for her standout career from a student and practitioner, instructor and program director, author to Assistant Director in the Division of Education and Research at the AVMA.

Here are just a few quotes from Laura's nomination:

Open Letter to the AVTE Community About VTNE Reporting

September 12, 2025
Dear Friends,
At our 2024 Annual Conference, AVTE embraced the concept of "One Community" as its core concept. In her comments at the time, then President Jen Serling (Appalachian State University) said:

2025 Conference Highlight Reel

Thank you to Platinum Educational Group for capturing a taste of this year's conference in Louisville, KY. See you next year July 31 - August 2, 2026 in Portland, OR! https://www.avte.net/avteconference

Post and Win a Free #AVTE2026 Registration

Keep the conversation going. On August 12th our social media channels posted multiple ways to connect with your fellow educators AND earn a chance to win a free #AVTE Registration.

Find AVTE on Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram 

Veterinary Hope Foundation

Well being is not a one time thing. It is a continuous, lifetime practice. These four short thoughts from Krista Martin were shared in the daily emails to AVTE 2025 Conference Attendees. At the end is the information for the new support group cohort just for Veterinary Technicians and Teams and link to join for those interested.

Belonging Is the Antidote to Burnout
So many veterinary professionals give their all to patient care while quietly feeling overlooked in the rhythm of clinic life. It’s a tension we hear again and again—deep purpose, but little acknowledgment. As educators and leaders, we have an opportunity to change that.