Alabama Veterinary Technician Association

09/06/2026

Applications for Coastal’s Vet Tech Program are now open!

Spring 2027 applications are OPEN! 🩺

Ready to start working toward a career in healthcare? Now’s your time!

Coastal Alabama is accepting applications for Spring 2027 admission to:
🧪 Medical Laboratory Technology
🫁 Respiratory Therapy
🐾 Veterinary Technology
🩺 Medical Assistant Technology
❤️ Nursing

Each program has its own requirements and important deadlines, so be sure to check out all the details and get started!

🔗 Learn more: https://www.coastalalabama.edu/academics/areas-of-study/healthcare/

09/06/2026

never be afraid to ask for help. 🩵💜

09/05/2026

✨Time to introduce another amazing speaker we will have at our annual conference this year! The wonderful and extraordinary, Kathryn Carman!✨

Kathryn graduated from San Juan College with her AAS in Veterinary Technology in 2015 and her Master's Degree in Advanced Practice in Veterinary Nursing from the University of Glasgow in 2021. She obtained her VTS in Clinical Practice (canine/feline) in 2024.

Kat currently organizes and manages the surgery department at VCA Braelinn Village in Peachtree City, Georgia and supports the technician and assistant supervisors for Atlanta area VCA Hospitals. These jobs combine her love of veterinary medicine and her love of teaching and allow her to nerd out with a wide variety of technicians and assistants, especially on the topics of pain management, anesthesia, wound care, and the growing education and career opportunities for technicians and assistants.
In addition to her role as President for the Georgia Veterinary Technician Association, Kat serves on the Advisory Council for San Juan College, multiple committees for the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice, several Task Forces, and helps to facilitate a Journal Club at her home hospital.

Her husband encourages her to have some hobbies outside of veterinary medicine, so she also enjoys traveling, crafting, hiking, reading and writing. She has 2 dogs (Browning and Cricket), 1 cat (Wi******er), and 1 chinchilla (Mr Mesqueaks).

We look forward to her lectures on understanding CBCs and mitigating mistakes in the veterinary practice!

09/04/2026

It’s National Wildlife Day! 🗓️

If you were a wild animal, what would you be and why? If you’ve worked with wildlife in your career, what is a fun fact you could share? Let us know in the comments! 🦓 🐻 🐒 🐅 🐿️ 🦅

09/03/2026

There is hope. Visit https://988lifeline.org/ call or text 988.
We want you to stay.

09/01/2026

September is National Su***de Awareness Month and we care about YOU.

This month we will be sharing valuable resources to bring awareness to mental health and break ⛓️‍💥 the stigma around struggling mentally. 🧠

First up, let’s help you learn how to know, recognize and respond to the signs and behaviors associated with suicidal ideations.

Take this free training sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and learn how to Question, ❓ Persuade, and Refer someone you feel might be suffering before it’s too late. ⏰ 😔

Free for all veterinary professionals: Learn how to recognize signs that someone may be considering su***de and guide them to professional help. This free training is available to everyone on the veterinary team and takes just 60 minutes to complete.

08/30/2026

While you’re at it, nominate for AL Vet Tech of the year on our website, too!!

Nominations for NAVTA's Vet Tech of the Year are NOW Open!

Help NAVTA recognize a credentialed veterinary technician who exemplifies professional excellence, leadership, mentorship, innovation, and a commitment to advancing the veterinary technology profession. The Veterinary Technician of the Year Award celebrates individuals whose contributions elevate patient care, inspire their peers, and make a meaningful impact on veterinary medicine.

Nominations are open through November 6, 2026, at 12 p.m. EST.
https://navta.net/awards/veterinary-technician-of-the-year/

08/28/2026

Ready for another conference speaker?

🗣️ Introducing Dr. Jarrod Harney! 🎤

Dr. Jarrod Harney grew up in Decatur, Alabama. After earning a BS in Animal and Dairy Science, and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Mississippi State University he and his family moved to Arab, Alabama, in 2012. Dr. Harney has practiced mixed animal medicine in the north Alabama area since that time. Dr. Harney has been married to his wife, Katherine, for 18 years, and they have three children: Dylan, Cooper and Blakely. He enjoys practicing mixed animal medicine because every day looks a little different. Dr. Harney loves developing relationships with his clients and patients alike, but most of all glorifying God through the works of his hands. “

08/27/2026

✨ Get ready to hear some amazing speakers!
Annual Conference is shaping up to be great!

Our first lecturer highlight is Dr. Eileen Jenkins!

Eileen Jenkins, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM) is a veterinarian, board-certified in small animal internal medicine by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Dr. Jenkins received a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology from the University of Lynchburg, a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from North Carolina State University, and a Master of Biomedical Sciences (MS) from Auburn University. Dr. Jenkins is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and more than a dozen other military education programs. She is certified by the United States Department of Agriculture as a Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostician.

Dr. Jenkins’ primary research interests are working canine performance, olfaction and decontamination. She has authored eleven peer-reviewed publications and has presented at state, national and international veterinary conferences. Dr. Jenkins has twenty years of clinical and research experience with working dogs. Dr. Jenkins retired from the U.S. Army after more than 24 years of military service, having served primarily in the Veterinary Corps and Chemical Corps. She has extensive experience in decontamination and CBRNE preparedness and response at the state, national, and international levels. She has deployed three times – twice to Afghanistan and once to Kosovo. Her military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Purle Heart, Bronze Star, and Parachutist Badge.