UW-Madison veterinary technicians first to attain oncology, internal medicine specialization

Two more certified veterinary technicians at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine have attained veterinary technician specialist (VTS) certification, bringing the school’s total to seven.

In June, Cheryl Bohling became the first Veterinary Technician Specialist-Oncology (VTS-Oncology), and Robin Sereno became the first Veterinary Technician Specialist-Small Animal Internal Medicine (VTS-SAIM) in the state of Wisconsin. Both were inducted as charter members of their respective internal medicine specialty area in recognition of their hard work in developing the specialty and their assistance with developing certifying examination questions.

Credentialing as a veterinary technician specialist is growing. To date, veterinary technicians can specialize in the areas of anesthesia, dentistry, emergency and critical care, and internal medicine. Specialization in internal medicine, with subspecialties in cardiology, large animal internal medicine, oncology and small animal internal medicine, is the latest to be recognized.

“The high level of expertise and experience required to attain veterinary technician specialist credentials ensures that patients receive the utmost in care from credentialed technicians,” says Bill Gengler, director of the school’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. “It’s a great accomplishment.”

To attain specialty credentials, technicians must not only pass the written exam, but must also complete advanced training, continuing education, work experience, case reports, and case logs, plus demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge under the supervision of board certified veterinarians or other specialists in the field.

Both Bohling and Sereno work in the school’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.

“Our technicians help make the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital the exceptional place it is,” notes Lisa Forrest, a board-certified veterinary radiation oncologist at the School of Veterinary Medicine.