An Alabama veterinary technician program has received initial accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) in Valley, Alabama, was granted accreditation at the CVTEA’s November 2025 meeting.

The CVTEA’s accreditation process is designed to ensure that veterinary technicians receive an appropriate education in preparation of fulfilling their roles.

 Accreditation is typically retroactive, effective from the date of the last accreditation site visit.

SUSCC students graduating after the effective accreditation date are considered graduates of a veterinary technology program that is accredited by the AVMA. The college’s initial accreditation was made effective retroactively on September 4, 2025, the date of a CVTEA site visit.

“This accomplishment reflects the dedication, leadership, and excellence of Program Director Hayley Pritchard and her outstanding team, as well as Dean Rhonda Davis and the amazing Health Sciences Division. Their hard work, vision, and commitment to student success made this achievement possible,” SUSCC shared in a Facebook message posted on November 18, 2025.

 “Together, they have set a new standard for veterinary education at Southern Union and created lasting opportunities for our students and community.”

According to SUSCC, veterinary technicians are in high demand in Alabama. In 2023, Alabama's State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners reported 478 technicians and 1859 veterinarians, while 2022 labor data projected growth for employment of veterinary technicians from 2021 to 2031.

"Veterinary technicians, veterinary technologists, and veterinary technician specialists are veterinary health care teammates, and they greatly enhance the success of any practice," Michael Q. Bailey, DVM, DACVR, AAAS, president of AVMA, said in a news release celebrating veterinary technicians.

 "We encourage veterinarians to maximize the integration of veterinary technicians’ skills, offer them continuing education opportunities, and more fully recognize their professional value as the teammates they are."

There are 217 veterinary technician programs accredited by the CVTEA, including 6 in Puerto Rico and 1 in Ontario, Canada,

 which altogether annually graduate approximately 5500 veterinary technicians.

 These accredited programs include 28 that offer 4-year degrees and 11 that offer distance learning. Three US states—Alaska, Utah, and Montana—and Washington, DC, do not currently have an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.

However, 5 more veterinary technician programs in the US have applied for accreditation. According to the AVMA, they include Trocaire College in Buffalo, New York; Matanuska-Susitna College in Gateway, Alaska; Community College of Beaver County in Monaca, Pennsylvania; Great Falls College in Great Falls, Montana; and Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

New programs accredited at the November 2025 CVTEA meeting. AVMA. Accessed December 8, 2025. 

https://www.avma.org/education/center-for-veterinary-accreditation/congratulations-avma-cvteas-newly-accredited-veterinary-technology-programs

AVMA celebrates National Veterinary Technician Week (Oct. 12-18). News release. AVMA. October 9, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/avma-celebrates-national-veterinary-technician-week-oct-12-18 

Programs that have applied for AVMA CVTEA accreditation. AVMA. September 2025. Accessed December 8, 2025. 

https://www.avma.org/education/center-for-veterinary-accreditation/programs-have-applied-avma-cvtea-accreditation

November 18, 2025. Accessed December 8, 2025. 

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1387810156678263&set=a.544964347629519

Program overview. Southern Union State Community College. Accessed December 8, 2025. 

https://www.suscc.edu/programs/program-overview

Programs accredited by the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA). AVMA. Accessed December 8, 2025. 

https://www.avma.org/education/center-for-veterinary-accreditation/accredited-programs-cvtea

Articles

Southern Union State Community College's veterinary technician program was granted the initial status at a recent meeting of the AVMA accreditation committee.

Alabama college earns CVTEA accreditation

As holidays near, I know some clients may struggle to pay for veterinary care, especially unexpected urgent care and emergencies. How can we make financial conversations easier?

Increased holiday spending can lead to less money for necessities such as veterinary care; 36% of Americans took on an average of $1181 in holiday debt last year.

Being up front about the cost of care will ease clients’ stress. Your transparency about money will also gain their trust. Let’s look at when to have financial conversations with pet owners and what to say.

Display “conversation starters” about financing programs

Signage about third-party financing subtly lets clients know that you offer financial solutions. Place counter signs and brochures on the front desk and near client seating areas in your lobby. Have stickers with QR codes on cabinet doors in exam rooms. Financial providers may offer counter mats, posters, and other marketing materials to inform pet owners about payment programs.

Say “treatment plan” to emphasize necessary medical care. A treatment plan serves the following 4 purposes:

States financial policies and which payment methods your practice accepts

Provide treatment plans before surgical and dental procedures and treatments for illnesses and injuries. Always obtain signatures; this consent confirms that clients accept care and agree to pay at the time of service.

When a client says, “I don’t care what it costs; just do everything,” you still need to get written consent. Explain why the client needs to read, accept, and sign the treatment plan. You can say, “I know you want us to help [pet name] feel better. I need to review the treatment plan with you so you will understand the medical services and cost of care up front. While we review the treatment plan together, I will answer your questions. If you want us to proceed with care, I will have you sign the consent and share a signed copy with you.”

Consumers feel they can negotiate prices, but the term 

is understood to be nonnegotiable. Fees for professional services from veterinarians, physicians, accountants, and lawyers are seldom negotiable.

Set expectations before delivering urgent care

Let’s say a client calls about a dog that has been vomiting for 3 days and asks about the cost of care. Vomiting could have many causes, such as ingesting a foreign object, dietary changes, parasites, pancreatitis, and more. When the cost of care is unknown, explain the exam fee, which serves as the starting point for care.

The client service representative will say, “Because [pet name] has been vomiting for more than 24 hours, your pet needs to see a doctor today. Let me explain what you can expect from an urgent care exam. The doctor will perform a comprehensive exam, ask questions about your pet’s symptoms, and explain the next steps. We will provide a treatment plan with the medical services and fees so you may decide how you want us to proceed. Our urgent care exam fee is $__. We accept cash, checks, debit and credit cards, and [third-party financing]. I have urgent care appointments available today at [time 1] or [time 2]. Which do you prefer?”

Emphasize the urgency of seeking medical care today, discouraging a wait-and-see attempt. Describe what to expect and explain that a treatment plan will be provided before delivering care. Share the urgent care exam fee along with the payment methods your practice accepts. Lead the client to book now, presenting yes-or-yes choices.

When the client arrives for the urgent care appointment, the technician or assistant will explain the steps to achieve a diagnosis and when cost information will be shared. Sharing the decision-making process is collaborative and builds trust while letting the client feel in control.

When starting the urgent care appointment, the technician will say, “Hello, [client name] and [pet name]. I’m [Name], the technician who will assist Dr [Name]. I understand that [pet name] has been vomiting for 3 days. I will ask you questions about your pet’s symptoms and get vital signs. Once the doctor performs the exam, they will answer your questions and discuss the next steps. We will provide a treatment plan with the medical services and fees, and we will review it with you. Then you may decide how you want us to proceed. What questions may I answer before we get started?”

Share financing options when presenting treatment plans

Include a QR code on the treatment plan so clients can scan, learn more, and apply. Some practices replace their hospital logos on treatment plan templates with a QR code about third-party financing. You could also have the last line item on the treatment plan read, “Learn about our financing solutions at [URL].” Provide brochures and share the provider’s online payment calculator to help clients determine their potential monthly payments.

Third-party financing isn’t limited to emergencies. Clients may need to finance dental procedures, checkups, medications, and other services. Financing could help multipet families provide optimal care for every pet, not just the one with the greatest medical need.

You can say, “I understand you’re concerned about the cost of your pet’s oral surgery, which is $1500. We accept [third-party financing], a payment option for approved clients. If you want to learn more, scan this QR code or go to [website] to apply online. In a few minutes, you can see whether you prequalify without it impacting your credit bureau score. Your monthly payment will be $250. Are you ready to apply so we can schedule [pet name]’s oral surgery?”

Start with empathetic words, such as “I understand you’re concerned,” to make an emotional connection with the client. Explain how to apply and the expected monthly payments. Ask for a commitment to apply so you can proceed with care.

Honest dialogue with clients is the foundation of building trust, making them feel comfortable discussing treatment choices and understanding the cost of care. Learn how to use body language and teaching tools and get scripts to talk about fees in my online course, "Overcoming the 'I Can’t Afford It' Objection" at 

https://csvets.info/ OvercomingObjections

is best known as the “Queen of Scripts.” She knows the right words will lead clients to accept your medical advice, driving patient and practice health. As founder of Communication Solutions for Veterinarians, she teaches practical skills through online courses, conferences, and on-site consulting. Myers’ experience as a partner in a specialty and emergency hospital helped her understand issues that owners and managers face. Learn how Myers can train your team at csvetscourses.com.

Konish L. 36% of Americans took on holiday debt this year—averaging $1181—survey finds. these tips can help. CNBC. December 26, 2024. Accessed November 17, 2025. https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/26/36percent-of-american-consumers-took-on-holiday-debt-averaging-1181.html

How Do I Say...?: The author provides scripts for confident client conversations.

When clients cannot afford care during the holidays

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) recently shared the case of a 13-year-old male dachshund who was diagnosed with Cushing disease 2 years ago and recently began having trouble walking. After discovering a tumor on the patient’s pituitary gland, the patient, Kidogo, underwent multiple rounds of radiation therapy at the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH).

UC Davis said Kidogo’s early symptoms of Cushing disease were mild, but his condition progressively worsened. After he began struggling to walk, Kidogo received an MRI that showed a tumor on his pituitary gland. Thereafter, Kidogo was referred to the VMTH’s Radiation Oncology Service for a consultation to help manage the disease more effectively.

According to Kidogo’s owner, Jason Balatti, Kidogo had previously received care at UC Davis for help with his Cushing diagnosis, and his owners did not hesitate to bring him back after he was referred. “[We] have always considered them the best in veterinary care,” Balatti said in a UC Davis report.

 “So, when we learned he needed advanced treatment, there was no question—UC Davis was our first and only choice.”

The team at the VMTH performed a CT scan on Kidogo, which confirmed the pituitary mass. The mass was stable in size, UC Davis said, but the oncology team still advised radiation therapy. This treatment would help shrink Kidogo’s functional pituitary macroadenoma, a large, benign tumor that secretes hormones. Functional pituitary macroadenomas most commonly release the adrenocorticotropic hormone, which consequently causes the adrenal glands to release cortisol, leading to Cushing disease.

A general practitioner’s guide to Cushing syndrome

Symptoms of a functional pituitary macroadenoma that causes Cushing disease include increased appetite, increased thirst and urination, alopecia, dry skin, blackheads, a pendulous belly, and a weakened immune system.

These patients may also exhibit neurological signs, such as Kidogo’s difficulty with walking.

According to UC Davis, Kidogo received 20 rounds of radiation treatments over a month-long period on VMTH’s linear accelerator. By propelling subatomic particles at high speed, the machine creates a focused beam of high-energy radiation that can be used to shrink tumors.

To help cover the cost of Kidogo’s treatment, Balatti and his family received a grant from the Petco Love Foundation in partnership with the Blue Buffalo Foundation after qualifying for financial assistance.

Kidogo’s latest recheck examination yielded positive news. “At his most recent recheck examination, Kidogo’s care team was pleased with how well he has been doing since completing radiation therapy,” UC Davis wrote, sharing that the care team said Kidogo “looked great during his physical and neurological exams.” Still, VMTH plans to continue monitoring Kidogo in the months ahead.

Warren R. Grant helps provide radiation to shrink tumor in dog with Cushing’s disease. UC Davis. November 24, 2025. Accessed December 8, 2025. 

https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/grant-helps-provide-radiation-shrink-tumor-dog-cushings-disease

Williams K, Barnette C. Pituitary macroadenoma in dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed December 8, 2025. 

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pituitary-macroadenoma-in-dogs

Linear accelerator. National Cancer Institute. Accessed December 8, 2025. 

https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/linear-accelerator

Kidogo, a 13-year-old dachshund, underwent 20 rounds of radiation treatments.

Radiation therapy helps dog with Cushing disease

Dechra announced today that it has received FDA approval for maropitant citrate (Emeprev; Dechra), an injectable solution to prevent and treat acute vomiting in canine patients as well as vomiting in feline patients. With this approval, Dechra shared that Emeprev is now the first FDA-approved bioequivalent injectable solution to "the most widely used antiemetic for dogs and cats."

“Emeprev delivers the same trusted antiemetic effectiveness as the pioneer with a different preservative. It's a win for our patients and their caregivers,” said Christopher Byers, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (SAIM), CVJ, a key opinion leader for Dechra.

According to a study conducted in February 2018, Emeprev contains benzyl alcohol, which is a preservative demonstrated to act as a local anesthetic and reduce pain during injection in healthy laboratory dogs.

 The study was made up of 32 purpose-bred beagle canines (15 male and 17 female), all between the ages of 8 months and 3 years, with a weight between approximately 13.6 and 26.5 lb. All 32 dogs enrolled in the study also completed the study.

The study was a blinded, randomized, crossover study conducted according to a 4-period, 4-sequence, 4-treatment Latin square design, in accordance with the principles of good laboratory practice. Female and male dogs were randomly assigned separately. The dogs then received 4 subcutaneous injections of 1 mg/kg maropitant with at least 3 days between treatment periods.

According to the study, 2 formulations of maropitant 10 mg/ml solution for injection were tested: metacresol-preserved formulation (Cerenia; Zoetis) and benzyl alcohol–preserved formulation (Prevomax; Dechra). Each formulation was tested at both refrigerated (4 ºC) and room temperatures (25 ºC). Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours prior to administration, one vial of each test item was placed on an ice bath (approximately 4 ºC), and another vial of each test item was put on a preheated water bath (approximately 25 º C).

Throughout the 4 treatment periods, the same dose volume was administered to the patients. The injection pain was also assessed independently by 2 veterinarians, blinded to treatment allocation, and immediately after the administrator announced injection of the product, pain was scored through the visual analogue scale. The patient was then observed for 2 minutes, and a simple descriptive scale was assigned.

The study's conclusion found that in the healthy beagles, the subcutaneous injection, administered at both room and refrigerated temperatures, is significantly less painful than the maropitant solution for injection with metacresol as a preservative. Dechra stated in its release that because the product does not require refrigeration, it can help clinics streamline their operations.

“The introduction of Emeprev injectable solution builds on our continued commitment to providing veterinarians with high-quality, practical solutions they can trust,” said Laura Olsen, chief marketing officer and president of North America for Dechra.

 “We’re focused on expanding our companion animal portfolio with products that address real-world clinical needs and strengthen the human-animal bond.”

Emeprev is indicated for vomiting in cats 4 months and older, and for acute vomiting in dogs 2 to 4 months of age, or for either subcutaneous or intravenous administration in dogs 4 months of age or older. Safe use has not been evaluated for cats and dogs with gastrointestinal obstruction or those that have ingested toxins.

Emeprev will be available through all major veterinary distributors in early 2026.

Dechra announces FDA approval of Emeprev (maropitant citrate) injectable solution. News release. Dechra. December 8, 2025. Accessed December 8, 2025. 

https://www.dechra-us.com/news/2025/december/dechra-announces-fda-approval-of-emeprev-maropitant-citrate-injectable-solution

Deckers N, Ruigrok CA, Verhoeve HP, Lourens N. Comparison of pain response after subcutaneous injection of two maropitant formulations to beagle dogs. 

. 2018;5(1):e000262. doi:10.1136/vetreco-2017-000262

The approval of Emeprev will help veterinary professionals by providing an in-clinic antiemetic option. 

FDA approves maropitant citrate injectable solution 

The GluCurve Pet Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) may be returning to veterinary clinics in Canada and the US following internal manufacturing testing that showed accuracy comparable to the veterinary Blood Glucose Meter. The device is scheduled to relaunch in Canada in January 2026, and it is planned to launch in the US in the second quarter of 2026, according to ALR Technologies SG Ltd, whose animal health division is launching the monitor.

GluCurve is a monitoring system for cats and dogs with diabetes. The device is the first diabetic monitoring system built specifically for veterinary use on these animals, said ALR Technologies in a press release announcing the tool’s relaunch.

 The system works by attaching a CGM sensor to the pet. The sensor then records glucose readings every 3 minutes for up to 2 weeks. The readings appear on a smartphone app for the pet owner and are sent to an online portal that veterinarians can use to monitor patients and adjust insulin dosing in person or remotely.

According to Joe Stern, head of animal health at ALR Technologies, the potential demand for GluCurve is high, estimated to reach up to 300,000 units per year in Canada, up to 3 million units per year in the US, and up to 3 million units per year in Europe. “You cannot prick the finger of a cat or dog to check blood sugar as you would with a human, and even when you can draw blood from their ear, paw, or vein, a spot-check of this nature does not provide the data needed to properly dose insulin or see trends as a CGM would,” Stern said in a company press release.

 “We believe this is why we have received so much interest and demand for the GluCurve Pet CGM from veterinarians, pet owners, and animal health companies, because there is a desperate need for a holistic product like ours to manage diabetic pets.”

Stern said the company has spent the past 2 years working with a manufacturing partner in Shenzhen, China, on the production of GluCurve. The partnership, he said, not only covers the animal device but is also intended to support the development of a CGM monitor for humans. With the manufacturing lines now in place at a Foxconn facility, Stern said the company is nearing the launch of a redesigned GluCurve.

According to ALR Technologies, the company has successfully completed internal testing of its GluCurve device. The results were comparable to the blood glucose monitor most commonly used in cats and dogs, which many veterinarians view as the gold standard. A separate, independent study is set to begin in mid-December to confirm GluCurve’s efficacy, comparing the device’s readings with those from the leading veterinary blood glucose meter and a chemistry analyzer.

The device is planned to relaunch in the United States in the early second quarter of 2026. Thereafter, it will be launched globally across Europe, Australia, Asia, South America, and the rest of the world.

Currently, Adapet also has a CGM system for pets with its own mobile app that sends readings to a veterinary web portal. The device lasts up to 9 days, but the company is working on making changes to the system so it can last up to 14 days, Dustin Brietzke, director of operations at Adapet, said in an interview this fall.

Alr Technologies to relaunch the GluCurve Pet CGM in January 2026. News release. ALR Technologies SG Ltd. December 8, 2025. Accessed December 8, 2025. https://www.alrt.com/news/2025/12/08/glucurve-relaunch-2026 

McCafferty C. Transforming veterinary practice: the latest in glucose monitoring technology. d

October 2, 2025. Accessed December 8, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/transforming-veterinary-practice-the-latest-in-glucose-monitoring-technology

The developer of GluCurve Pet CGM anticipates a high demand for the product.

Veterinary continuous glucose monitor to relaunch in 2026

Good morning and happy Monday dvm360 readers! Thank you to all the attendees, faculty, exhibitors, and dvm360 staff for such an amazing end to our 2025 Fetch conferences, we could not have done it without each one of you! Now, although Fetch 2025 conferences are over, Fetch Charlotte is right around the corner. Learn more about our first conference of 2026 and register here today.

If you missed Fetch Long Beach, dvm360’s editorial team has been hard at work with onsite interviews, lecture recap articles, and more! You can check out all our coverage on the dedicated

While our team is continuing our Fetch Long Beach coverage this week, here are other news story you will find on dvm360.com:

Dechra announced today that its maropitant citrate (Emeprev; Dechra) received approval from the FDA, making it the agency’s first approved bioequivalent injectable solution to the most widely used antiemetic for canine and feline patients.

This week, the Vet Blast Podcast presented dvm360 will air not 1, but 2 episodes! On Tuesdays regularly scheduled episode, Derek Matthews, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology), joins host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, to provide listeners with feline cardiology insights. Then, this Thursday, Christman welcomes Megan Shephard, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition) to chat more about acute and chronic gastrointestinal patients, with a focus on nutritional assessments.

The American Veterinary Medical Association’s House of Delegates will convene in Chicago on January 8-9, where they will consider new policies on animal training, camelid castration, veterinary technician training, and education.

Our most recent installment of Clinic Center is going to be available this week. Learn more about the San Antonio Zoo’s new gorilla habitat that just opened, where the next 3 Lovet Pet Healthcare hospitals are going, and the cat café making its way to Dallas, Texas.

The Borneo Orangutan Rescue Alliance announced it has purchased a wildlife ambulance that will be dedicated to treating and rescuing wild orangutan in Boreno, Asia, making it the first-ever wildlife ambulance dedicated to these primates.

Here is a sneak peek at this week’s headlines. 