SB 1658: What Vet Techs See That No One Talks About!
By Jennifer Serling
I have been a credentialed veterinary technician for 33 years—36 years in the field overall—which, in this profession, makes me a bit of a dinosaur. Many of my colleagues leave the field in under a decade, and unfortunately, Arizona’s SB 1658 may only make that problem worse.
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. As someone who originally became credentialed through an On-The-Job (OJT) pathway before it was phased out in 2010, I have a unique perspective on the impact of such changes.
The bill recently passed a Senate hearing and is now moving to the Senate floor. We are actively fighting against its passage. Arizona does not differentiate between credentialed veterinary technicians (CrVTs) and veterinary assistants—both are allowed to perform the same tasks at a veterinarian’s discretion. Additionally, Arizona offers some of the lowest wages for CrVTs in the nation. So why oppose allowing skilled veterinary assistants to take the VTNE? Wouldn’t this help with the veterinary technician shortage?
The Value of Education in Veterinary Technology
In 2015, I returned to school to earn my Associate degree in Veterinary Technology. I already had years of experience, but I recognized that without an AVMA-accredited degree, I faced professional roadblocks. I couldn’t serve on many industry committees, I couldn’t direct an accredited program, and most importantly, if I was going to advocate for education, I had to lead by example. I pursued my degree while running a veterinary technology program and working full-time, completing an online program and graduating with honors. That degree opened countless doors for me, deepened my understanding of veterinary medicine, and ultimately made me a better educator.
Many argue that pursuing a degree while working full-time is unrealistic. However, online and flexible programs exist, many of which are affordable and supported by employer tuition assistance programs.
The Reality of SB 1658’s Impact
Would this bill create more credentialed veterinary technicians in the short term? Yes. But will they stay in the field? Unlikely. Will it lead to higher wages? Only slightly. While there are undoubtedly highly skilled veterinary assistants capable of passing the VTNE, the reality is that most states do not recognize credentialed technicians who did not graduate from an accredited program. This means those who obtain certification under SB 1658 will likely be unable to transfer their credentials to other states, limiting career mobility.
Why This Matters
Credentialed veterinary technicians are essential to the veterinary healthcare team. We have the training, education, and expertise behind our licenses. We want to be utilized, respected, and paid fair wages so we don’t have to work multiple jobs to survive. Veterinary technicians aren’t leaving because they don’t love the job—they’re leaving because they feel like they have no other choice.
If we truly want to fix the veterinary technician shortage, we need to focus on retention, fair wages, and proper utilization—not shortcuts that devalue the profession.
What can you do to help?
Addressing the veterinary technician shortage and improving retention requires systemic changes. Here are some key solutions:
1. Advocate Against SB 1658 & Similar Bills
Contact Arizona legislators and express opposition to SB 1658.
Educate the public and veterinary professionals about the long-term consequences of lowering credentialing standards.
Support organizations fighting to maintain accreditation requirements for veterinary technicians.
2. Improve Wages & Benefits for Veterinary Technicians
Push for fair, competitive salaries that reflect the level of education, skill, and responsibility veterinary technicians hold.
Advocate for benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement to make the profession more sustainable.
Encourage clinics and hospitals to implement structured pay scales based on experience, education, and specialty certifications.
3. Expand Access to Veterinary Technology Education
Increase awareness of AVMA-accredited programs and alternative pathways like distance-learning options.
Work with employers to provide tuition assistance and mentorship programs for aspiring credentialed technicians.
Strengthen partnerships between veterinary practices and accredited schools to create structured, supportive learning environments.