Taking It to the Next Level

The field of veterinary technology is changing. Historically there was not much room to move up as a veterinary technician unless you went into management after numerous years. Then you were just proclaimed an office manager without formal training or even a new title. Changing jobs was then scary because without formal training, you may end up at a lower rate until you prove your worth to a new practice.

Times have changed! There are now many ways for a credentialed veterinary technician to forge ahead.

In management, there is now a credentialing process offered by the Veterinary Hospital Management Association (VHMA) that you can complete which will make you a CVPM (Certified Veterinary Practice Manager). This level of training can assure you of new opportunities and better pay due to your new level of education. You will be able to better serve clients, staff, the veterinarian and most of all, the patients.

The other level that a credentialed technician can obtain is a VTS (Veterinary Technician Specialist) in the field in which you are most interested in. NAVTA (National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America) CVTS (Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties) set forth rigorous standards for specialty academies. These academies standards are not unlike what veterinarians must go through to become specialized in their areas of interest and expertise.

Academies

The NAVTA Committee on Veterinary Technicians Specialties (CVTS) was formed in 1994 and is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The committee provides guidelines to veterinary technician organizations to facilitate the formation of a specialty. Academies develop advanced pathways which a candidate must follow and complete in order to be awarded the designation of VTS (Veterinary Technician Specialist) in their specific discipline.

Each of the academies then sets forth under CVTS approval, their own standards of qualification, credentialing and examination. After an applicant goes through the credentialing process and passes the examination, then they are granted the title of VTS (the specialty of their choice).  

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America is a nonprofit organization that represents and promotes the profession of Veterinary Technology. NAVTA provides direction, education, support and coordination for its members. Incorporated in 1981, NAVTA is the national organization devoted exclusively to developing and enhancing the profession of veterinary technology. For more information about NAVTA and the veterinary technician specialties, visit their website at www.navta.net.

How does this help me?

So, you may ask, what does this do for you? Are you going to make more money? Not necessarily at your current job, would be the answer. However, there is a world of opportunity out there. Many professional organizations will seek you out for education opportunities, drug companies will ask for your help with education, articles and book offers will come your way, and others in the veterinary field will look to you for guidance and education. What this means to us as specialists is attaining a higher level of expertise in our chosen field which then leads to better client/ patient care and advancement of our own skills and personal satisfaction. The higher pay will come in time!

For more information about specialization as a CVPM or as a VTS, please contact NAVTA, VHMA, or the specific group (see below). CACVT will also have events and recognition centered on the specialties throughout the year.

There are opportunities out there waiting for you to take advantage of them! It is hard work, but anything worth having is worth the effort!

Submitted by Sara Sharp, CVT, VTS (dentistry)

Current Veterinary Techncian Specialties (VTS) Available (in alphabetical order)

*AAEVT = American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians: www.aaevt.org 

AIMVT = Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians: www.aimvt.org
There are currently 5 sub-specalities: Small animal medicine, Large animal medicine, Cardiology, Oncology, and *Neurology

AVDT = Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians: www.avdt.us

AVECCT = Academy of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care: www.avecct.org

*AVST = Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians  click here for PDFwith details

AVTA = Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists: www.avta-vts.org

*AZVT = Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians: www.azvt.org

SVBT = Academy (formerly a Society) of Veterinary Behavior Technicians: www.svbt.org

 

*Congratulations to these new groups which have been formally approved by NAVTA at the NAVC conference in Orlando, FL, January 2010.

Academies in formation stages

These groups are in the process of establishing an academy but are not formally recognized. If you are interested in the "grass roots" efforts, please contact the group directly. 

AVNT = Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians
- nutritiontechs@aol.com or on facebook: Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians (AVNT)

Other Certification Programs

AALAS = American Association for Laboratory Animals: technician certification www.aalas.org

CMAR = Certified manager Animal Resources Program - under AALAS. Visit either the CMAR Certification Program or AALAS. 

CVPM = Certified Veterinary Practice Manager: www.vhma.org
Click here for background information about CVPM (in PDF format)
Click here for background information about VHMA (in PDF format)

IVAPM = International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management:  www.ivapm.org

Other Associated Groups

AVTE = Association of Veterinary Technician Educators, Inc.: www.avte.net 

VESPA = Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Practice Associations: www.vespassociation.org

If your group is not listed here, please send the web site and any information to the CACVT office. Thank you.