The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS) was formed in 1994 and is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). This was in response to a growing interest among veterinary technicians to attain a higher level of recognition for advanced knowledge and skills in specific disciplines. The CVTS provides guidelines to veterinary technician organizations to facilitate the formation of a specialty organization. Academies develop advanced pathways, which a candidate must follow and complete to be awarded the designation of Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in their specific discipline. Our profession is growing, expanding, and changing, and it is an exciting time to be a veterinary technician!
What is an academy?
An academy consists of a group of credentialed veterinary technicians, who have completed a formal process of education, training, experience, and testing to qualify. In other words, to be a member of the Academy, you must be a VTS in that specialty. See "Requirements to become a veterinary technician specialist" sidebar.) Each Academy approves applications, develops, and administers the exam. Links to all the NAVTA-approved VTS Academies are available here.
What is a veterinary society?
Veterinary societies are not NAVTA-approved Specialty Academies. A society is a group of individuals interested in a specific discipline of veterinary medicine. The only requirement to join is being a veterinary professional interested in that type of veterinary medicine; no testing is required. The Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society is an example of this. Membership is open to veterinarians, interns, residents, technicians, students, managers, and administrators.
Application fees and cost
Additional continuing education specific to the specialty required to apply should be considered, as should the cost of purchasing text and reference books.
Application and examination fees vary by academy, but in general, the application fees are around $50, and exam fees are approximately $200. Exams are given once a year, historically at the national conference associated with the specialty, making travel expenses to the exam site the largest financial commitment; however, many Academies now offer a virtually proctored online exam.
What's in it for me?
The veterinary profession recognizes technicians who have obtained a VTS as having greater veterinary medical knowledge and having mastered advanced technical skills. Many technicians who have reached VTS status report an increased sense of job satisfaction and an increased level of respect among their colleagues.
