Advanced Training For RVTs
Many RVTs have a passion for advanced training and certifications in areas of interest to advance their career. Subsequently, there is an increasingly a high demand for advanced veterinary care and support for pets, wildlife and livestock. Thus, specialized veterinary technician/technologist societies were born. These societies bring together like minded RVTs who share a common interest of an aspect of veterinary medicine. Any RVT can become a member of a society as long as they maintain the societies membership requirements.
In 1994, NAVTA created the Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS). The Committee provides a list of criteria as well as provides assistance for those societies who are interested in attaining Academy status.
A Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) Academy designates RVTs who have received specialist recognition in a specific area of veterinary medicine.
A Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) is a Registered Veterinary Technologist who is considered an expert in a very specific area of veterinary medicine and has mastered additional advanced skills within that area. This process takes several years of hard work and dedication to achieve including a high level of training, education and experience.
RVTs choose the path to pursue their VTS to directly benefit the patients they care for.
Personal reasons an RVT may choose to pursue their VTS may include:
- job satisfaction
- self-confidence
- expand professional opportunities
- increased compensation
Steps to Achieving Your Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) – 3-5 year process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Join society (if there is one associated with academy) |
| Step 2 | Look up and familiarize oneself with the VTS academy |
| Step 3 | Download application package |
| Step 4 | Identify skills checklist, reading list and required number of practice hours |
| Step 5 | Find mentor (contact the Academy or ABVTA for contact list) |
| Step 6 | Complete case reports and case log |
| Step 7 | Submit application as per Academy application instructions |
| Step 8 | Obtain permission to sit for exam |