For people who have been or are currently veterinary technicians either in Colorado or desire to move to Colorado

• What are the requirements for certification of technicians wishing to transfer to Colorado who have not taken the VTNE?
• What are the requirements for certification for technicians wishing to transfer to Colorado who have previously taken the VTNE?
• Why don't we call ourselves veterinary nurses? Is it even legal to use the term veterinary nurse?
• How do I take the VTNE?
• Once I take the VTNE, am I automatically certified in CO?
• What do I do if my certification has lapsed?
• Can I belong to multiple state organizations?
• When are CACVT dues and CE credits due in Colorado?
• What CE credits do I need?

What are the requirements for certification of technicians wishing to transfer to Colorado who have not taken the VTNE? Currently, you must have passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to become certified in Colorado. There are other states that offer the VTNE to people who have not graduated from an accredited program (although effort is being made to change this). Visit the AVMA website http://www.avma.org/ to find more information in this area.

What are the requirements for certification for technicians wishing to transfer to Colorado who have previously taken the VTNE?

• Graduation from an AVMA-accredited program in veterinary technology or current membership in another state association (must provide proof of current credentialing in other state).
• Receipt of scores on the VTNE from the AAVSB (American Association of Veterinary State Boards) with passing scores by CACVT's standards (425 or greater). Contact http://www.aavsb.org/ or call 877-698-8482 to transfer your scores to Colorado. We also accept an official copy of your scores.
• Receipt of membership application and corresponding fee.
• Fulfillment of Continuing Education requirements.

Why don't we call ourselves veterinary nurses? Is it even legal to use the term veterinary nurse?Gowning up!

• Both CACVT and CVMA have supported the nationally-accepted term "veterinary technician."
• CACVT contacted the Colorado Nurses Association and discovered that effective July 1, 2004, an amendment was passed to their practice act. The State Practice Act is the legal document that governs the profession in Colorado. It now states:
  • 12-38-123. Unlawful acts. (1)(b)(II) To use the title "nurse," "registered nurse," R.N.," "practical nurse," "trained practical nurse," "licensed vocational nurse," "licensed practical nurse," or "L.P.N." unless the person is licensed by the board.
• Currently, both CACVT and CVMA are unaware of any legal test of this language. Case law has not been established using the terminology "veterinary nurse." However, the potential exists due to the passage of this amendment. Thus, our goal is to inform you of this possibility. If any new evidence arises, we will pass it along.

How do I take the VTNE? The VTNE is administered through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). Rules and requirements for sitting for the exam are exclusively that of AAVSB. For information or to apply for the VTNE, visit www.aavsb.org or call 877-698-8482.

Once I take the VTNE, am I automatically certified in CO?

• No. As of January 2007, the VTNE and CO certification are totally separate processes.
• You must first pass the VTNE with an acceptable score of 425 or greater based on the scale score. CACVT is the certifying agency in Colorado. You do not have to be a member of CACVT, but the certification process is governed by CACVT. If you do become a member, your certification is included in membership.
• There are several levels of membership. See CACVT Membership area

What do I do if my certification has lapsed? If your certification has lapsed, contact the CACVT office directly. Each case is unique. In many cases, you can make up the CE hours and pay your dues if the lapsed time is not extensive. In general, if you have not maintained credentialing in some state, and if you have not taken CE for over four years, you will probably need to re-take the VTNE. Again, contact the CACVT office to discuss your specific circumstance.

Can I belong to multiple state organizations? Yes, as long as you follow the guidelines pertaining to each state. You do not have to live in Colorado to belong to the CACVT. This may be different for other states. In Colorado, CACVT maintains your certification through CE requirements.

When are CACVT dues and CE credits due in Colorado? We are on a two-year certification period with fixed dates that run from July 1 to June 30 on even numbered years (example July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2008). Dues are due at the beginning of this period and a minimum of 16 CE credits are due by the end of this period (but can be turned in at any time during this time). Everyone is scheduled to renew at the same time regardless of when you became a member of CACVT.

What CE credits do I need?

CE classes DO NOT carry over to the next certification period. Everyone starts fresh on July 1 of even numbered years. See CE Guidelines for more details.