The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America Inc. has proclaimed Oct. 10-16, 2004, as National Veterinary Technician Week.

This year's theme, "Veterinary Technicians . . . the heart of animal health care," focuses on the caring aspect of a veterinary technician's role.

Veterinary technicians are responsible for nursing animals, administering medications, assisting in surgery, taking radiographs, inducing and monitoring anesthesia, managing the hospital, and performing laboratory duties.

They also work in biomedical research, the military, sales, industry, and education.

National Veterinary Technician Week has been celebrated annually since 1993 to recognize veterinary technicians nationwide for their contributions as members of the veterinary health care team.

During this week, veterinary technicians can focus favorable attention on their profession through a variety of activities. Visit the NAVTA Web site, www.navta.net, for resources. The site www.GoodNewsforPets.com features a NAVTA page.

These activities serve to educate the public about veterinary technicians as a vital member of the veterinary practice team, reinforce the value and professionalism of technicians to veterinarians and the public, provide an opportunity for technicians to salute one another for excellent performance in their work, and acknowledge veterinarians for hiring technicians.