{"id":128268,"date":"2025-11-21T19:55:18","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T19:55:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/?p=128268"},"modified":"2025-11-21T20:00:33","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T20:00:33","slug":"where-we-stand-navtas-first-ever-deib-landscape-survey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/diversity-equity-inclusion\/where-we-stand-navtas-first-ever-deib-landscape-survey\/","title":{"rendered":"Where We Stand: NAVTA\u2019s First-Ever DEIB Landscape Survey"},"content":{"rendered":"

T<\/span>he veterinary nursing profession thrives when it is built on passion, skill, and teamwork. But like many healthcare professions, it is also shaped by who is welcomed, represented, and supported in the workforce. Recognizing that inclusivity strengthens the profession and the community it serves, NAVTA recently released its first-ever Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Landscape Survey Report: Where We Stand.<\/span><\/p>\n

This landmark project offers the most detailed snapshot to date of credentialed veterinary technicians\u2019 perspectives on DEIB in both their workplaces and the broader veterinary community. The report highlights encouraging signs of acceptance, while also uncovering areas where more progress is needed\u2014providing a valuable baseline to measure change in the years ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why DEIB Matters<\/span><\/h2>\n

Veterinary medicine has undergone dramatic demographic shifts in recent decades. One of the most visible changes has been the feminization of the profession. Yet, progress in racial and ethnic representation has lagged behind. Veterinary technology reflects these broader workforce trends: a field that is predominantly female and White, with persistent barriers that make it harder for underrepresented groups to enter and advance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Focusing on DEIB is not just about fairness\u2014it\u2019s about sustaining the profession. Inclusive workplaces foster higher job satisfaction, longer career tenure, and greater innovation. In a field already challenged by compassion fatigue, burnout, and retention issues, the importance of fostering belonging cannot be overstated. As NAVTA\u2019s DEIB position statement notes, \u201cBy actively embracing diversity, advancing equity, fostering inclusion, and promoting belonging, we can strengthen the veterinary nursing profession, enhance the quality of care provided to animals, and create a more just and equitable professional landscape for all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

About the Survey<\/span><\/h2>\n

NAVTA\u2019s DEIB Committee designed and distributed the survey in September\u00a02023. Invitations went to more than 3600 credentialed members, and 259\u00a0technicians responded. To improve accessibility, the survey was offered in both English and Spanish and took about 15 minutes to complete.<\/span><\/p>\n

Participants were asked about demographics, workplace experiences, and perceptions of DEIB. Participants could also provide open-ended feedback on ways to strengthen inclusivity in both the association and the profession.<\/span><\/p>\n

Key Findings<\/span><\/h2>\n

Demographics<\/h3>\n

The following demographic details were reported. <\/b>These results confirm what many already suspected: While the profession is inclusive in some respects, representation gaps remain, and barriers tied to disability and language persist.<\/span><\/p>\n