• 1960

  The American Association of Laboratory Animal Science establishes the role of "animal technician," creating a certification process for on-the-job-trained employees working with animals in research institutions.

• 1961

  The first animal technician education program is established at the State University of New York in Delhi, New York.

• 1972

  The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) House of Delegates votes to accredit training programs for animal technicians.

• 1973

  Michigan State University and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture are the first animal technician educational programs to be accredited by the AVMA.

• 1976

  The first professional journal for the field is published: The Journal for Animal Health Technicians.

  New York state passes the first law requiring licensing of animal health technicians.

• 1981

  The North American Veterinary Technician Association (NAVTA) is formed.

• 1986

  The first Animal Technician National Exam (now called the Veterinary Technician National Exam or VTNE) is given in Maine.

• 1989

  The AVMA House of Delegates approves the term "veterinary technician," which it had previously voted down numerous times.

• 1993

  NAVTA declares the third week in October to be National Veterinary Technician Week.

• 1994

  NAVTA forms the Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties to oversee the development of specialty certification.

• 1996

  The first Veterinary Technician Specialty Academy is recognized: Emergency and Critical Care.

• 1999

  The AVMA incorporates language into the model practice act describing the roles of the veterinary technician and veterinary assistant.

• 2002

  The North American Veterinary Technician Association changes its name to the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America after Canada establishes its own association.

• 2016

  NAVTA launches the Veterinary Nurse Initiative, seeking standardization of titles, education and training requirements, and scope of practice across U.S. states.

• 2021

  Legislative efforts seek to require licensure in the 10 states that do not have minimum education criteria or define a scope of practice for veterinary technicians.

Sources include NAVTA, AVMA, and Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians.