AAHA announces 2025 Veterinary Technician of the Year

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) announced earlier this week that it has selected the recipient of the 2025 Veterinary Technician of the Year award. This award is presented to a credentialed veterinary technician who has exceptional contributions to animal health, and this year’s winner is Hannah Miller, RVT, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

“Over 5 years, I've grown from part-time technician to lead surgery technician and interim supervisor, building a supportive culture where everyone feels valued. I'm passionate about mentoring new hires and being someone coworkers can turn to for guidance or support during tough days,” Miller said in an organizational release.1

“I coordinate continuing education to keep our team confident and capable, while fostering camaraderie through team bonding events and celebrations. My goal is to create an inclusive workplace that combats burnout through kindness and empathy—essential in our field. This clinic has become family to me,” she continued.

Sarah Hickey, DVM, surgical director at Animal Care Hospital, where Miller works as a veterinary technician, nominated Miller because of her hard work and dedication to their animal hospital. Hickey stated that through formal training and her own continued education, Miller empowers herself to manage complex cases and support the team with clinical decisions confidently. Hicky also stated that Miller brings professionalism, empathy, and clarity to everything she does at work.

Miller will receive a personalized trophy, a prize package including $750, free AAHA Con 2026 conference registration, and more. AAHA also shared the following veterinary technicians as runners-up for this award1:

• Allison Huettner, CVT, Country Hills Pet Hospital
• Laura Gervasio, RVT, Everhart Veterinary Hospital
• Heather Schroeder, CVT, Mesquite Veterinary Hospital

"Achieving and sustaining excellence in veterinary medicine is the guiding light for AAHA, and we are so proud to recognize how veterinary technicians support their practices and our profession to reach that goal. The skill set of veterinary technicians spans many disciplines and areas of interest, immeasurably enriching the lives of their co-workers, their clients, and their patients. It is our honor and privilege to recognize outstanding veterinary technicians every year and present this award to a truly exceptional individual," stated Jananne O’Connell, DVM, MVPH, AAHA board member.

In order to qualify for the award, technicians must be credentialed or actively pursuing credentialing, have worked at their current practice for at least 90 days, and be currently employed in a veterinary hospital. The award is also made possible by the support of Zoetis.

“I especially wish clients would see the importance of the veterinary technician for their pets. Many people think it’s the veterinarian drawing blood, monitoring anesthesia, cleaning the teeth, placing catheters, etc., but these tasks are normally the job of the technician,” Miller explained when asked what she wished people knew about her work.2

“We are the face they see before the veterinarian comes in and many don’t believe that we know the importance of doing the diagnostics, preventative care, or treatments we, as a veterinary team, recommend. I try my best to inform them of the value of the treatment plan, but without the DVM title, many people still are hesitant to trust until we’ve built that valid client-patient relationship,” she concluded.

References

1. AAHA Names 2025 Veterinary Technician of the Year. News release. American Animal Hospital Association. October 12, 2025. Accessed October 16, 2025.
2. Dunwoodie C. Meet AAHA’s 2025 Veterinary Technician of the Year finalists and winner!. October 13, 2025. Accessed October 16, 2025. https://www.aaha.org/trends-magazine/publications/meet-aahas-2025-veterinary-technician-of-the-year-finalists-and-winner/