Veterinary Technician Utilization Tool

Maximize your team's potential with this evidence-based resource.

Veterinary technicians are highly trained professionals whose skills are often underutilized in practice. The AAHA Veterinary Technician Utilization Tool helps practices evaluate how effectively they are using credentialed veterinary technicians across a variety of clinical tasks.

► View or download the AAHA tool (PDF)

What Is This Tool?

This table from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) presents over 60 veterinary tasks grouped by category. Each task is purpose-identified with one of the following:

RVT/Technician – Credentialed veterinary technician
Veterinarian – Task to be performed by the DVM
Both – Shared responsibility between technician and veterinarian

How to Use It

Benchmarking – Evaluate current task distribution.
Training – Identify areas for technician development.
Workflow planning – Support staffing and efficiency discussions.
Advocacy – Educate leadership on maximizing technician roles.

Why It Matters

Underutilization is a known contributor to burnout and reduced job satisfaction among veterinary technicians. Empowering technicians to use the full extent of their training improves:

Patient care quality
Practice efficiency
Technician job satisfaction
Retention and long-term career success