Technician Update

Equine veterinary technicians assist with anesthesia and monitoring, place and maintain catheters, collect samples, support diagnostic imaging, manage wounds and bandaging, administer treatments, and provide nursing care for hospitalized horses. Many also handle client education and practice logistics.

Most technicians complete an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination, then meet their state's licensing requirements. Equine-specific expertise is usually built through practice experience and continuing education.

VTS-EVN stands for Veterinary Technician Specialist in Equine Veterinary Nursing, a credential awarded by the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians. It requires documented case experience, case reports, continuing education, and a specialty examination.

Predictable positioning relative to the horse, clear communication between team members, appropriate restraint and sedation, well-maintained stocks and recovery areas, and awareness of a patient's pain level and temperament all reduce the risk of injury to staff and horse alike.

Technicians commonly prepare the patient and equipment, assist with induction and positioning, monitor depth of anesthesia and vital parameters, record the anesthetic log, and support a controlled recovery — often the highest-risk phase of equine anesthesia.

Technicians frequently deliver discharge instructions, demonstrate bandaging or medication administration, and answer follow-up questions. Clear written instructions, teach-back confirmation, and consistent messaging with the attending veterinarian improve compliance and outcomes.