Veterinary Technician Oath

The Ethics Behind the Veterinary Technician Oath

Veterinary Technology is a noble profession. It not only entails a lengthy and arduous education, but also examinations for credentialing and licensure. Veterinary technology is a profession that involves confidentiality, full trust and cooperation between the veterinary technicians and the veterinary doctor and patient. In order to gain the trust of the public, veterinary technicians need not only undergo a specialized education. Vet techs also need to adhere to strict regulations, which will guide them professionally and guard their conduct. Because of this, an ethical code was formulated, and up to present, is recognized and followed by veterinary technicians.

A code of ethics, also known as professional code of conduct, are set of principles adopted by an institution or profession and often focuses on societal issues such as morality, privacy, and mission, among others. These set of codes are expected to be adhered to by a professional to help him act ethically when faced with difficult decision-making processes. This promotes professional responsibility and provides a clear account on what is correct and just, and what is wrong, depending on the circumstances. It also promotes the welfare of the professionals and respect to other people within and even outside the organization.

As a profession, Veterinary Technology also has a set of Veterinary Technician’s Code of Ethics. The North American Veterinary Technician Association (NAVTA) Ethics committee has formulated a code of ethics to be followed by the veterinary technicians. According to vet tech code of ethics, “a code of ethics is an essential characteristic of a profession”. It also states that a code expresses the ideals of the profession. It leads the members towards ethical decision making. The code of ethics also gives the acceptable conducts of a professional and states sanctions for wrong doings.

Together with the ethical codes are the ideals of the profession. Ideals are concepts which embody the profession’s view on excellence. These concepts are then pursued by the professionals in order to attain excellence in their field. Among the ideals of veterinary technology are pointed towards the improvement of their profession, working on the laws surrounding vet techs, betterment of education, and work on the animal-human bond.

Like other professions, licensed veterinary technologists also take an oath after passing their licensure examination. During the oath taking, they are asked to raise their right hand and say: “I solemnly dedicate myself to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and services for animals, by alleviating animal suffering, and 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.”

Through the code of ethics for veterinary technicians, the advocacies, goals, and reputation of their reputation, are established. Accordingly, the by-laws and regulations of veterinary technology as a profession are made formal. And though they now have the autonomy to exercise judgment within their profession, a solid body of ethical standards is available to help police the ranks of licensed veterinary technicians.