BEYOND
THE AAS
Specialties
​Veterinary Technician Specialties:​​
​As recognized by NAVTA's Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS) there are currently eleven specialty academies that are designed to recognize veterinary technicians who have excelled in a designated area of expertise.
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Each academy recognizes the unique attributes that veterinary technicians decide to excel in. Since there are several diffent academies it can become hard to stay informed on what requirements and skills are expected to complete in order to apply to an academy. Most require anywhere between three to five years of experience in your preffered specialty, and so it is important to take these requirements and expectations into consideration as you are working in the field. Below is a list of the current academies and short descriptions of what to expect when applying and where to start. If you find you need more information, feel free to check out the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) website.
Academies:
Gives the technicians the opportunity to expand their knowledge and their professional value by becoming a credentialed specialist in the field of animal dentistry.
A group of technicians from varied backgrounds who have come together to realize the formation of a new specialty organization specifically for veterinary technicians working in Internal Medicine. Sub-specialties include: small animal medicine, large animal medicine, cardiology, oncology and neurology.
Promotes excellence in the discipline of veterinary behavior medicine. Veterinary Technician Specialists with behavior certification will demonstrate superior knowledge in scientifically - and humanely - based techniques of behavior health, problem prevention, training, management, and behavior modification. The AVBT will advance the skills of veterinary technicians within the discipline of animal behavior and further their recognition as critical components of the veterinary behavior team in creating, maintaining, and strengthening the human-animal bond.
This academy promotes patient safety, consumer protection, professionalism and excellence in anesthesia care. The Veterinary Technician Specialist in Anesthesia is there to provide your pet with exceptional care before, during and after a procedure.
Has a goal of certifying veterinary technicians to assure the veterinary profession and the public that AVECCT certified technicians possess the knowledge and experience needed to work effectively in a well equipped and staffed emergency or critical care facility.
Created specifically for veterinary technicians working in zoological medicine. The AVZMT offers the opportunity for zoo technicians to demonstrate excellence in the field.
Created to develop and support the area of veterinary nutrition, develop the knowledge and expertise of veterinary technicians to become certified in the field of nutrition and endorse technicians as a vital part of the veterinary nutrition profession.
Modeled after the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, this academy has developed three initial species-specific categories: canine/feline, avian/exotic and production animal. The academy's credentialed veterinary technicians provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care. Candidates are expected to demonstrate expertise in a range of clinical disciplines within their species specialty.
Aims to advance the area of and promote excellence in the discipline of veterinary clinical pathology. The veterinary technicial specialist will demonstrate superior knowledge and performance of clinical pathology techniques, which will promote improved client service and confidence as well as enhanced patient care. The AVCPT will further the recongnition of credentialed specialty technicians as leaders in the profession of veterinary clinical pathology. ​
Encourages experienced surgical technicians to enhance their education and training by pursuing a surgical specialty. AVST will provide a standardized route through which technicians may qualify for a national examination to become VTS (Surgery). ​
Designed to advance the education and professional recongnition of credentialed equine veterinary technicians who display excellence in, and dedication to, providing superior nursing care to the equine patient.