NAVTA's Review of the Midlevel Model

The conversation around Veterinary Professional Associates and Mid-Level Practitioners has raised important questions across the veterinary industry. At the center of the discussion is how to address workforce challenges, protect the quality of patient care, and create meaningful career growth for credentialed veterinary technicians without building a separate path that leaves many of them behind.

Today, I'm joined by Anna Santos, Animal Health Supervisor with the University of Georgia's Office of Research Animal Resources and president-elect of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, or NAVTA. Anna brings nearly 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine, along with a strong background in education, public health, disaster management, and veterinary technology leadership. She also recently led NAVTA's task force on the VPA and MLP models, helping guide a yearlong review of what these roles could mean for the profession.

In this episode, Anna explains why NAVTA does not support the VPA or Mid-Level Practitioner models as they are currently structured, while still strongly supporting advanced education and expanded opportunities for credentialed veterinary technicians. We talk about scope of practice, technician utilization, career ladders, and the need for stronger collaboration across the veterinary health care team.

Show Notes:
[02:07] Anna shares more about her background in veterinary medicine, her current work in lab animal care, and the veterinary disaster management book she is co-authoring.

[03:05] Anna explains how her background in academia, veterinary technology education, and state association leadership led to her role heading NAVTA's task force on Veterinary Professional Associates and Mid-Level Practitioners.

[05:09] The discussion outlines what a VPA or Mid-Level Practitioner is intended to be, including the comparison to physician assistants and the goal of supporting veterinarians with advanced skill sets.

[07:11] Anna describes how NAVTA formed its task force in January 2025 to study the issue, particularly after Colorado became the only state with a VPA law and program in place.

[10:17] The task force looks at key questions around education, integration of existing credentialed technicians, and whether the VPA model strengthens the veterinary health care team.

[11:41] Colorado's VPA program becomes a central point of discussion, including concerns that many associate-degree credentialed technicians would not qualify for the master's-level pathway.

[13:08] Anna explains why the task force had concerns about clinical training requirements and whether the model provides enough hands-on preparation to support safe patient care.

[14:38] The conversation turns to the larger need for a better educational ladder for credentialed veterinary technicians, including pathways for advanced training and career growth.

[17:36] Anna shares NAVTA's official position that it does not currently support the VPA or Mid-Level Practitioner models as structured, while supporting advanced education for technicians.

[19:29] The episode shifts into technician utilization, with Anna emphasizing the need to better educate veterinarians on how to work with and fully use credentialed veterinary technicians.

[21:35] Anna discusses how stronger teamwork can improve patient care, client communication, staff efficiency, and burnout across veterinary practices.

[23:04] The conversation explores how the profession might measure progress, including clearer scope-of-practice standards and broader recognition of credentialed technicians in practice acts.

[24:10] Anna points to the need for more VTSs, micro-credentials, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and accessible advanced training options to keep technicians in the field.

[25:21] The small number of Veterinary Technician Specialists nationwide highlights the need to expand training opportunities and make advanced credentials more accessible.

[27:23] Anna reflects on how the veterinary team has evolved over the past few decades and why clearer roles can help practices become more efficient and sustainable.

[28:34] Anna closes by encouraging listeners to reach out to NAVTA for more information and shares her continued passion for veterinary technology, nursing, and education.

Links and Resources:
VHMA
NAVTA
Anna Santos - Georgia Veterinary Technician Association
University of Georgia Office of Research
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