Veterinary Technician Foreign Equivalency Program Shutting Down Due to Low Participation

The Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) for Veterinary Technicians, which was designed to evaluate the educational equivalence of foreign veterinary technician graduates, is being discontinued due to low participation rates. The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) announced the decision on February 25, 2025, stating that the program will end immediately.

Launched in 2020, PAVE was created to offer an alternative pathway for graduates of international, nonaccredited veterinary technician programs to practice in the U.S. and Canada. However, despite its initial promise, participation in the program was far lower than anticipated. Dr. Frank Richardson, AAVSB president, cited the growth of distance education veterinary technology programs as a contributing factor to the reduced demand for this alternate route to certification.

The AAVSB board voted to end the program after five years of operation, but any candidates currently enrolled in PAVE will be allowed to complete their certification.

Beckie Mossor, president of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), expressed understanding over the decision, acknowledging the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in veterinary education. She noted, "While it’s unfortunate to see cuts and stoppage of funding for any veterinary technician program, especially one that falls into the realm of DEI, NAVTA understands that low participation has led to PAVE’s discontinuation. We are glad AAVSB is helping those currently in the program finish up and we hope they will continue to support DEI and international initiatives in the future."

The discontinuation of PAVE marks the end of an ambitious effort to streamline pathways for international veterinary technicians but highlights the changing landscape of veterinary education.