CVT'S WITH A VTS

OUR STORIES

Teri Raffel, CVT, VTS (Surgery)

The purpose of the Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians (AVST) is to increase the competence of those who perform specialty duties in the field of veterinary surgery. The academy will strive to ensure that the veterinary surgical technician possesses superior knowledge and skill in the care and management of surgical cases, surgical instruments, and the surgical suite. AVST will offer candidates advanced continuing education opportunities and will establish educational and professional experience prerequisites to earn recognition as a VTS (Surgery).

If you're thinking a surgery specialty is a good fit for you, make sure to consider a few things first:

You will have to have a minimum of at least three years with 6,000 hours of experiences as a CVT in the field of surgery within five years prior to applying and 75% of your experience needs to be spent in the area of specialization in surgery.
You will need to have advanced knowledge of surgical procedures and instrumentation , proper sterilization techniques, principles of infection control, aseptic techniques, perioperative patient care, physical rehabilitation and a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and pathophysiology of animals.
As with many other specialties, to obtain a VTS in surgery you will have to complete a skills form. The skills form documents those surgery related skills that have been mastered by the candidate and are necessary to participate in veterinary surgery at an advanced level.
Case Reports and Logs! These are an important part of your application, and can be challenging if you struggle with spelling, writing, and communication. You will have to write four in-depth case reports from the case report log demonstrating expertise in the nursing management of a variety of surgical veterinary patients. It's important to spend extra care when writing your four in-depth case reports. It' a good idea to have multiple people or mentors proof-read your case reports before turning them in.
You will need to provide two letters of recommendation from a VTS (Surgery), or a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgery. Note: Until there are sufficient numbers VTS (Surgery) letters of recommendation will be accepted from the following: VTS (Anesthesia, Emergency & Critical Care, Dentistry or Internal Medicine)

There are a few other important requirements needed to apply for the VTS (Surgery), so if you believe Surgery is your area of expertise then make sure to check out the AVTS list of requirements.

If you have a questions for Teri you can contact her at: 608-246-6193 or raffelteri@gmail.com

Jill Medenwaldt, CVT, VTS (Dentistry)

The Academy of Veterinary Dental Technians promotes an expansion of knowledge and education of veterinary dentistry among credentialed veterinary technicians of North America. The AVDT promotes the welfare of the companion animal and shall benefit the veterinarian, the veterinary technician, and the companion animal caregiver. The AVDT strives to expand the role of the veterinary dental technician in the workplace and facilitate the education of the veterinary community through continuing education and journal articles.

If you think dentistry is the right specialty for you, consider the following:

You need to be a credentialed veterinary technician for a minimum of 6000 hours of which approximately 3000 need to be dedicated to dentistry.
You do not need to work for a dental specialist to earn a VTS (dentistry), but you do need to have access to advanced dental procedures.
You must obtain a VTS (dentistry) mentor to aid you during the credentialing process. The mentor must be a member of the AVDT or a Diplomate of the AVDC.
Requirements for this application include completeion of case logs, case reports, continuing education among other things.
You are strongly encouraged to be a member of NAVTA and the American Veterinary Dentistry Society to have access to continuing education.
The credentialing process takes about 2 years.

if you believe dentisty is your area of expertise then make sure to check out the AVTD Credential Guidelines.

If you have questions or concerns please feel free to contact Jill at: jjecevicus@gmail.com

Trish Roehling, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia)

The Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists (AVTA) exists to promote interest in the discipline of veterinary anesthesia. The Academy provides a process by which a veterinary technician may become certified as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (Anesthesia). The Academy provides the opportunity for members to enhance their knowledge and skills in the field of veterinary anesthesia. A Veterinary Technician who becomes certified as a VTS (Anesthesia) demonstrates superior knowledge in the care and management of anesthesia cases. Certification promotes patient safety, consumer protection, professionalism and excellence in anesthesia care. The Veterinary Anesthesia arena is constantly evolving, thus, the attainment of competence is a continual activity.

To apply to the Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists you need to:

You need to be a licensed veterinary technician and/or a graduate of a veterinary technology program.
You need a minimum of 4500 hours of anesthesia before submitting your application. That is calculated as 2000 hours of work each year (40 hours/week x 50 weeks/year). If you provide anesthesia during 75% of your day, that is 1500 hours/year of anesthesia. You would need a minimum of 3 years to accumulate 4500 hours. If you spend 100% of your job providing anesthesia, it is recommended you accumulate three years of experience before applying.
You need to master the required number of advanced anesthesia skills in each area on the skills list and they must be reflected in the cases in your case log.
You need a case log of at least 50 (not more than 60) cases you anesthetized between Jan and Dec of the year you apply. These should be of a variety of ASA ratings (I to V). They should clearly demonstrate your expertise as an anesthetist.
You need to write 4 indepth case reports from that case log that demonstrate your anesthesia skills to their best.
You need to submit a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education credits accumulated in the 5 years prior to your application submission. The CE must be presented by a veterinary diplomat or resident of any American or European College or a VTS and it must relate in some way to anesthesia.

There are many other things to consider when applying to the AVTA, to see a complete list check out their website.

If you have any questions for Trish you can contact her at: troehling@svm.vetmed.wisc.edu

Kim Sprecher, CVT

Kim Sprecher, although not a VTS, talks about what it takes to become an Emergency and Critical Care Specialist. She shares her experience when taking the exam, what she did to prepare for the exam, and what type of skills to expect when perfoming a skills assessment. One of the primary means for assuring the public and the profession that AVECCT Veterinary Technician Specialist are highly qualified individuals is through their credentialing process. Some people feel that the credential requirements are tough and excessive, however, they are not designed to be obstacles to prevent candidates from becoming specialty certified; they are intended to assure the public and the profession that specialty certified technicians are truly qualified.

If you're considering a Specialty in Emergency and Critical Care, here are some credential requirements to consider:

After graduating from a recognized school of Veterinary Technology and / or becoming credentialed to practice as a Veterinary Technician, meet training requirements, as specified:
- Three years full-time work experience or its equivalent (5,760 hr), in the field of veterinary emergency and critical care medicine. All experience must be completed within five years prior to the application.
- A minimum of twenty five hours continuing education related to veterinary emergency and critical care, completed within the last five years prior to submitting the application.
Provide the documentary evidence of advanced competence in veterinary emergency and critical care nursing through clinical experience.
- Completion of the Advanced Veterinary Emergency Critical Care Nursing Skills Form.
- A case record log is maintained form January 1 - December 31 of the application year. A minimum of fifty cases should be recorded. The cases should reflect the management of the emergent or critically ill patient and mastery of advanced nursing skills.
- Four case reports that demonstrate expertise in the nursing management of a variety of veterinary patients requiring emergency and critical care. The case reports should be selected from the case record log.
- Two letters of recommendations from a Veterinary Technician Specialist in emergency and critical care, anesthesia or internal medicine, a Veterinary Emergency Critical Care Society Veterinarian or a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care.

For more detailed information on credential requirements, please see the AVECCT Credentials list, as there are only a FEW listed here.

Lisa Bach, CVT, BA, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, ACCBC

Lisa Bach is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a Certified Behavior Consultant for Canine, and an Associate Certified Cat Behavior Consultant. Not only has she previously applied for the Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians, but now she is certified through three other areas of recognition. We were able to talk with her about all of the Behavior-Related councils she has dealt with.

The Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians was organized for technicians striving to expand their roles in the veterinary technician field and become essential members of the veterinary behavior team. AVBT candidates have a superior knowledge of behavior grounded in science. They understand the important role behavior plays in the relationship between owners and animals and want to make a positive difference by utilizing humanely – based techniques for problem prevention, training, management, and behavior modification in ways that strengthen the human-animal bond.

To be a candidate to sit in for the exam with the AVBT, you need to have completed the following:

Proof of NAVTA and SVBT membership.
Proof of graduation of an AVMA approved Veterinary Technician program and/or credentialed to practice as a Veterinary Technician in some State or Province of the United States, Canada, or other country.
Two (2) letters of recommendations from the following: a VTS (Behavior), a supporting Veterinarian, or a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behavior.
Completion of the Skills Assessment Form: Clinical OR Research
Time Sheet: Three years (a minimum of 4,000 hours) work experience or its equivalent in the field of animal behavior, clinical or research based. All experience must be completed within five years prior to the application.
CE Record: A minimum of forty (40) continuing education (CE) hours related to veterinary behavior, animal behavior, or behavioral research within 5 years immediately prior to submitting application.
A clinical case log OR research case log is maintained for one (1) year within the three (3) years immediately preceding the submission of the application.
- Clinical- A minimum of fifty (50) cases must be recorded
- Research- One (1) year within the three (3) years immediately proceeding application must consist of behavior research or research using behavioral observations as a major portion of the study.
Five (5) detailed case reports (should come from your case log)
Publish a peer reviewed article

And that's not all! To learn more, look at the AVBT website.

As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and a Certified Behavior Consultant for Canine, Lisa obtained her certifications through The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. The CCPDT offers the only international, standardized certification for animal training and behavior professionals that is both psychometrically sound and independent of any course of study. They also have an application process that can be reviewed here.

As a Applied Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, Lisa obtained this certification through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. The IAABC was founded in 2004, recognizing that the practice of assisting the public with companion animal behavior problems was a growing field that encompassed many different professionals: veterinarians, animal trainers, animal shelter employees, academics as well as practicing consultants who didn't always fit neatly into one of the aforementioned categories. The goals of the IAABC were to standardize and support the practice of companion animal behavior consulting, while providing resources for pet owners needing advice. The organization is growing and currently has over 700 members throughout the world. To find out how to apply for certification through the IAABC, view their website.

If you have any questions for Lisa you can contact her at: bach@madisoncollege.edu or
(608) 616-3342

Liz Phipps, CVT

Liz is a CVT currently working on obtaining her VTS in Internal Medicine with her subspecialty in Oncology. She explained the process she is going through to become credentialed in this area. The Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians mission is to promote the interest in and advance the skills of Veterinary Technicians within the disciplines of veterinary internal medicine by providing cutting edge continuing education, working with veterinarians to advocate superior patient care, client education and consumer protection. The primary purpose of AIMVT is to provide the “opportunity for the veterinary technician to demonstrate superior knowledge in the care and management of patients within the selected discipline of the specialty of Internal Medicine when credentialed as a VTS (Internal Medicine).”

If you believe internal medicine is the right specialty for you consider the following:

The minimum work experience is at least 3 years and 6,000 hours as a credentialed veterinary technician in the field of Internal Medicine. This experience must be completed within five years prior to application.
You must have a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education. Over submission of hours is encouraged in cases of disqualification.
Submit three potential examination questions specific to the area of specialty you are seeking VTS certification in (e.g. Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Neurology, Oncology).
Two letters of recommendation from a VTS of AIMVT, or a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine . Until there are sufficient numbers of the aforementioned, letters of recommendation will be accepted from the following: VTS of Anesthesia, Clinical Practice or Emergency & Critical Care, Diplomates in Anesthesia, Emergency & Critical Care, Internal Medicine, or Surgery.
If you are intersted in having a mentor during your application year you can contact AIMVT staff to help you find a VTS in the specialty you are interested in.

These are only some of the core requirements for a VTS (Internal Medicine) visit the AIMV Certification page for all core and specific specialty requirements.

If you have any questions for Liz you can contact her at: lphipps@vesvsc.com

Linda Merrill, LVT, VTS (Small Animal Internal Medicine, Clinical Practice-Canine/Feline)

The Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice is the ninth officially recognized veterinary technician specialty (VTS) and is modeled after the American Veterinary Medical Association accredited veterinary college, the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP). Following the ABVP model, AVTCP has developed three initial species-specific categories, Canine/Feline, Exotic Companion Animal, and Production Medicine. The credentialed veterinary technicians of the AVTCP are dedicated to providing superior, comprehensive, multi-disciplinary care to clients and patients. The credentialed veterinary technicians of the AVTCP are expected to be knowledgeable and demonstrate expertise in a broad range of clinical disciplines. The VTS (Clin Practice) will care for the “total patient” while incorporating knowledge and skills represented by the NAVTA-recognized Veterinary Technician Specialty Academies.

To view a transcript of our interview with Linda Merrill, Click here.

If you are thinking of applying to the AVTCP consider the following requirements:

5 years with 10,000 hours of experience as a CVT, completed within 10 years of application, 75% of time in field of clinical practice in the practice category of choice, minimum.
40 hours acceptable advanced continuing education (see application packet for specific guidelines) with a minimum of 75% in the applicable practice category within the last five years. No more than 40% may come from online courses and/or accredited journals. Applicants are encouraged to submit > 40 hours of CE.
Completed Skills List for applicable practice category. A minimum of 80% of the skills must be mastered. Skills must be typed out and cross referenced in your case logs.
Five completed examination questions in the approved format for future use.
A minimum of 50 cases (maximum of 75) reflecting the mastery of advanced clinical practice knowledge and skills typed on the form.
Four case reports that demonstrate expertise in the management and treatment of clinical cases and will be reviewed for overall quality of nursing care, therapy instituted by the technician, goals of care and therapy, and the technician’s role in the management as it relates to the case.
One letter of recommendation sent separately and confidentially to AVTCP from an Academy member, a NAVTA approved VTS, or a Diplomate of an AVMA recognized veterinary specialty organization (RVSO). An additional letter of recommendation sent separately and confidentially to AVTCP from any of the above or a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM or VMD)

These are just a few of the requirement for this specialty so make sure to visit the Application Information section for additional information.

If you have any questions or concerns you can contact Linda at: lindam@aimvt.com

Ann Wortinger, LVT, VTS (Nutrition, Small Animal Internal Medicine, Emergency and Critical Care)

Although we were unable to interview Ann in person, we were able to do a phone interview with her. The mission of the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians (AVNT) is to advance the area of and promote excellence in the discipline of veterinary nutrition. The AVNT provides a process by which veterinary technicians may become certified as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in the field of nutrition thereby increasing the competence of those practicing in the field of veterinary nutrition. The AVNT mission is to enhance the skills and knowledge of veterinary nutrition technicians and promote technicians as integral members of the veterinary nutrition team.

To read a transcript of Ann's Interview, Click here.

Some of the credential requirements for a VTS (Nutrition) to consider include:

It is strongly encouraged that the candidate be a member of the NAVTA and a member of the AAVN
Three years (a minimum of 4,000 hrs) work experience or its equivalent in the field of animal nutrition, clinical or research based. All experience must be completed within three years prior to the application.
A minimum of forty (40) continuing education (CE) hours related to veterinary nutrition, animal nutrition, or nutrition research.
A case record log or research log is maintained for one (1) year immediately preceding the submission of the application.
Five (5) detailed case reports.
Two (2) letters of recommendations from the following four (4) categories: a VTS (Nutrition) member, a supporting Veterinarian, a veterinarian who is a member of the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition, or a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, and other Diplomates deemed appropriate by the Board of Regents.

To access the complete list of requirement visit the Credential Requirements or the Application Packet.

If you have any questions you can contact Ann at: annewortinger@aol.com

BEYOND

THE AAS