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

There are currently 4 recognized specialty academies, Anesthesia (AVTA), Emergency and Critical Care (AECVT), Dentistry (AVDT) and Internal Medicine (AIMVT). Each of these specialty academies must comply with the CVTS standards of expertise. 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).

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 Specialties Available (in alphabetical order)

AALAS = American Association for Laboratory Animals: technician certification www.aalas.org
            they also offer management certification

AIMVT = Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians: www.aimvt.org

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

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

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

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)

SVBT = Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians: www.svbt.org

Congratulations to SVBT! At the SVBT Reception in New Orleans on July 20, 2008, NAVTA announced that the petition for the Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians had been accepted.  Behavior is now the newest technician specialty!  Official recognition will occur in NAVC in January 2009 (Orlando, FL).

In the Making

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

 

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