Technician staffing pressure shifts focus to fuller role utilization
CURRENT BRIEF VERSION: Veterinary practices are still struggling to staff technician roles, but the conversation is shifting from pure headcount to how teams deploy credentialed technicians already in the building. In dvm360 coverage, Megan Chadwick, CVT, argued that unfilled technician positions increase pressure on veterinarians and keep them tied up with work that could otherwise be delegated. That view aligns with broader industry guidance from AAHA and AVMA, which has increasingly emphasized technician utilization as a workforce strategy, not just a staffing fix. AAHA’s 2023 technician utilization guidelines say better use of credentialed technicians can improve retention, efficiency, and patient care, while AVMA has described technician utilization as a profession-wide priority. A recent VetGirl podcast on a mobile practice model made the same point in practical terms: when technicians are trusted to work fully within their training, they can expand capacity, strengthen client connection, and help practices operate more efficiently. (aaha.org)
Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the technician staffing story is really about capacity. When credentialed technicians are underused, veterinarians spend more time on tasks that don’t require a DVM, and practices lose appointment throughput, team satisfaction, and, often, retention. NAVTA’s 2024 demographic survey suggests the problem remains significant: only 36% of veterinary nurses and technicians said they feel utilized to their fullest potential, and about 48% said there is little differentiation between the duties of credentialed technicians and uncredentialed support staff. The VetGirl discussion added a practice-level example of what fuller utilization can look like: a care model built around technicians handling more of the workflow and client communication so veterinarians can stay focused on doctor-level decision-making. (todaysveterinarynurse.com)
What to watch: Expect more practices, educators, and regulators to frame technician staffing around role clarity, delegation, and career ladders, especially as Colorado’s new veterinary professional associate law takes effect on January 1, 2026, and keeps the broader workforce debate in view. Also watch for more real-world care models, including mobile and hybrid practices, to be cited as examples of how technician utilization can improve access without relying only on adding more veterinarians. (dpo.colorado.gov)