Just like veterinarians, veterinary technicians can attain a higher level of knowledge and be recognized for their developed skills in certain disciplines. Vet tech specialties can be achieved by following and successfully completing a course at a veterinary technician organization accredited by NAVTA and AVMA. The accredited academy for veterinary technician specialties must develop and offer advanced pathways for future VTS’s (Veterinary Technician Specialists) in a veterinary discipline of their choice.
Already accredited and recognized academies work under supervision and follow the guidelines issued by CVTS (Committee of Veterinary Technician Specialties), one of the eight NAVTA committees. This committee was initially formed back in 1994 and is recognized by AVMA.
The first recognized specialist academy by CVTS was the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians, back in 1996, followed by the Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists in 1998.
Academies for Veterinary Technician Specialties
For now, there is an overall of 15 CVTS accredited veterinary technician specialties academies in the United States. Of course, new academies are always welcome to apply following the committee’s guidelines.
The Academy of Laboratory Animal Technicians and Nurses
The academy promotes excellence in the field of laboratory animal medicine. Future certified specialists need to acquire remarkable skills in providing exceptional animal welfare, as well as proper medical care for research and laboratory animals. The three certifications available are Research Clinical Nursing, Research Surgeon, and Research Anesthetist.
The Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia
The area of veterinary anesthesia is evolving constantly in order to provide higher safety for the patients, professionalism in anesthetic care, and consumer protection. Veterinary technician specialists in anesthesia and analgesia will learn how to offer the best anesthetic care for their patients before the procedure, during the procedure, and afterward.
The Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians
Veterinary technician specialists in the field of veterinary behavior can learn how to humanely and scientifically prevent, manage and modify unwanted animal behavior. The creation, maintenance and strengthening the bond between humans and animals is what this academy tends to promote and teach its vet tech specialists.
The Academy of Veterinary Clinical Pathology Technicians
Clinical pathology maybe isn’t everyone’s pick of the litter but those that want to improve client service and customer confidence may want to consider this academy. The veterinary clinical pathology discipline is one of the most important and useful ones in everyday practical work. Distinct knowledge will contribute to better patient care.
The Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice
The academy is the ninth officially recognized veterinary technician specialty (VTS). It’s one of the most popular ones modeled after the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP), an AVMA accredited veterinary college. They offer a specialty in three different fields: Small Animal (Canine and Feline, or just Feline), Exotic Companion Animal as well as Production Medicine. There is a little bit of everything for everyone.
The Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians
Animal dentistry is one of the most developing fields of veterinary medicine and one that still needs to be promoted and explored. The academy was formed in 2000 and 6 years later the first candidates passed the exam and became certified. Taking your dental knowledge to a whole new level can open important doors for building your future careers.
The Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians
As we mentioned before, the academy is the first officially recognized vet tech specialty. Many veterinary technician specialists that went on for higher education and got certified work in well-equipped critical care centers and provide the best service possible. Emergencies are sometimes hard to handle but good outcomes are always a thrill, so better get prepared!
The Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians
Horses and other equine family members are exceptional and tender creatures that deserve professional approach and treatment. The academy offers certification for candidates that tend to provide superior nursing care regarding equine patients. Next year is the 10th anniversary of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians.
The Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians
Another popular academy that offers various fields of specialization when acquiring advanced skills in veterinary internal medicine. Candidates can choose between small animal internal medicine, large animal internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, and neurology.
The Academy of Physical Rehabilitation Veterinary Technicians
Even though the field of veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation hasn’t been explored enough, it’s highly appreciated one where professionals work hard to improve the quality of life of many animals. The academy is relatively young and the first examination process is planned for 2018.
The Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians
We all know that what you eat is what you are. Except for physiological purposes, nutrition offers benefits when treating some pathology as well. The academy promotes excellence in the field of animal nutrition and tends to train future VTS’s to become competent nutrition specialists.
The Academy of Veterinary Ophthalmic Technicians
Previously known as the Veterinary Ophthalmic Technician Society (VOTS) the academy offers advanced knowledge acquired in private practices and universities together with Diplomates of the ACVO (American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists). The main goal is to advocate the ocular health of the patients and provide ocular comfort and clear vision.
The Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians
Candidates wanting to obtain a VTS (Surgery) recognition must have all educational and professional prerequisites acquired through advanced continuing education. They must possess skills for caring and managing surgical cases, as well as advanced knowledge about surgical instruments and surgical suites.
The Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians
This is the last academy on our list and probably the most specific one. The candidates and future VTS’s (Zoo) must learn and demonstrate exquisite knowledge of zoological medicine while using scientifically and humanely based techniques.
Since we are covering vet tech-related topics, read the article about Some of the Top Accredited Vet Tech Schools in the US on our blog!
