Revolutionizing Veterinary Nursing: ASCEND Framework Published in JAVMA
January 26, 2026
We’re excited to share a significant milestone for Ethos and the veterinary profession.
Our manuscript introducing the ASCEND (Advancing Skills, Competency, and Education in Veterinary Nursing Development) framework has been published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA). Titled “A Workforce-Informed Competency Framework Defines 94 Core Abilities of Credentialed Veterinary Technicians,” this work represents a significant step forward in how veterinary nursing competency can be defined, developed, and sustained. Click here to read the manuscript in its entirety.
What this means for veterinary nursing
ASCEND is the first competency framework developed specifically for veterinary nurses and the first to be accepted as a scholarly manuscript in a cornerstone, peer-reviewed veterinary medicine journal with readership across clinical, educational, association, and research sectors. The framework establishes 94 clearly defined, workforce-informed core abilities, providing a shared, profession-wide foundation for competency-based development, career growth, and clinical excellence. This work supports broader priorities around workforce sustainability and elevating the role of veterinary nurses across the profession.
Competency frameworks translate high-level standards into clear, practical skills for each role. They help clarify expectations, ensure work is performed by appropriately trained team members, and support more consistent delivery of care.
From research to publication
This achievement was no small feat. “The journey to publication required persistence, collaboration, and expertise. We’re incredibly proud of the team, led by Julie Noyes, DVM, PhD, MA, MS, Learning Innovation Lead, that brought this work across the finish line, and grateful to everyone who contributed along the way,” said Pat Welch, DVM, DACVO, MBA, Head of Innovation and Clinical Learning & Development.
The publication contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting competency-based approaches in veterinary medicine and reflects a commitment to advancing the profession through rigorous research and shared learning.
Julie expressed “I’m so proud to be part of an organization that supports research not only to develop evidence-based learning and assessment systems internally, but also to openly share that evidence across the profession, putting the profession and the health of our patients first.”
