What is a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Anesthesia and Analgesia?

A Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Anesthesia and Analgesia is a certified, licensed, or registered veterinary technician who demonstrates superior knowledge in the care and management of anesthesia cases when compared to non-specialized technicians. The supervising organization, the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia, promotes patient safety, professionalism, and excellence in anesthesia care.

Credentialed veterinary technicians who choose to earn their VTS in Anesthesia and Analgesia must undergo a rigorous and lengthy application and examination process that demonstrates a superior degree of anesthesia knowledge and technical skill compared to other, non-specialized technicians.

While many technicians who apply for VTS status have trained extensively under veterinary anesthesiologists (as has PEAK founder and CEO Kim Spelts), a Veterinary Technician Specialist is NOT a veterinarian or veterinary anesthesiologist. As do all veterinary technicians, a VTS must always work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.