What is a VTS in Anesthesia and Analgesia?

A Veterinary Technician Specialist in Anesthesia and Analgesia is a credentialed member of the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia (AVTAA). In order to become a credentialed member, licensed veterinary technicians go through an extensive process to prove that they have achieved the ability to consistently provide a high standard of care and advanced skills in anesthetic and analgesic case management. The applicant must demonstrate their advanced understanding of disease processes, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, anticipated complications with advanced surgical procedures, utilization of balanced anesthesia and multimodal analgesia, recognition and appropriate intervention for anesthetic complications, and overall attention and care throughout the entirety of anesthesia from pre-op to recovery. After approval of the application, an intensive exam is used to determine if the applicant does in fact possess the advanced knowledge and understanding that is required in order to consistently provide the highest standard of anesthetic and analgesic care. Only upon successful completion of the application and examination, may a veterinary technician use the title of “VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia)”.