The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) has announced the immediate discontinuation of the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) for Veterinary Technicians, effective February 25, 2025. This decision comes five years after the program’s inception in 2020, primarily due to significantly lower-than-expected participation rates.
PAVE for Veterinary Technicians was established to provide a pathway for veterinary technician and veterinary nursing graduates from international, non-accredited programs to practice in the United States and Canada. The program aimed to assess the educational equivalence of these graduates, ensuring they met the standards required by AAVSB member boards.
In a letter addressed to relevant organizations, including the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), and the Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada, AAVSB President Dr. Frank Richardson cited the rise of distance education veterinary technology programs as a contributing factor to the reduced demand for this alternative pathway.
Despite the program’s discontinuation, the AAVSB has assured that current PAVE candidates will be accommodated to complete their certification process. NAVTA President Beckie Mossor expressed understanding of the decision, acknowledging the low participation rates but emphasizing the importance of supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and international initiatives in the future.
The termination of the PAVE program highlights the evolving landscape of veterinary technician education and the need for adaptable pathways to credentialing. As the profession continues to grow, stakeholders remain committed to ensuring that all veterinary technicians receive education and training that meet the highest standards, regardless of their educational background.
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