Top 10 Associate Veterinarian Certifications

Certifications are an important part of an associate veterinarian's job market success. They demonstrate a level of expertise, skill and competence that employers look for when hiring. Certified veterinarians have proven their ability to perform the duties expected of them in the field, and many employers will look favorably upon applicants with certifications as they can be more confident in the quality of care they will receive. Certifications also allow veterinarians to stay up to date on the latest advancements in veterinary medicine and provide opportunities for further education and development. Additionally, certifications may provide access to additional resources such as professional networks, research and continuing education opportunities.

This article reviews some of the most beneficial certifications for Associate Veterinarians and explains how they can help to advance their careers.

What are Associate Veterinarian Certifications?

Associate veterinarian certification is a certification program offered by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) that provides recognition of associate veterinarians who have achieved a high level of professional competency. This certification is designed to help veterinarians demonstrate their commitment to providing quality care and services to their patients, clients, and the public. Associate veterinarians who are certified by the AVMA are expected to adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics in order to ensure that animal health care services are provided in an ethical, safe, and responsible manner.

The Associate Veterinary Technician Certification (AVTC) program is intended to provide recognition for those associate veterinarians who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their practice. The program evaluates an individual's knowledge, skills, and abilities related to veterinary medicine, as well as their ability to effectively communicate with clients and work collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team. In addition, it requires successful completion of a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, medical record keeping practices, client communication skills, veterinary ethics and laws.

Upon successful completion of the AVTC program requirements and passing of the examination process an individual will be awarded an Associate Veterinarian Certificate from the AVMA which recognizes them as having achieved a high level of professional competency in veterinary medicine. This certificate can then be used by employers or other organizations as evidence that they have met certain criteria when it comes to hiring or promoting individuals in a veterinary setting. Additionally this certificate may also be used by associations or other organizations when considering applicants for awards or scholarships related to veterinary medicine.

In summary associate veterinarian certification can help assure employers that they are hiring someone who has demonstrated commitment to excellence in their practice and has achieved a high level of professional competency in veterinary medicine. It can also help promote professionalism within the field by recognizing those individuals who strive for excellence when providing care for animals.

Pro Tip: When considering an associate veterinarian certification, make sure to research the program thoroughly. Look for accredited programs with a good reputation, and be sure to understand the requirements before signing up. Additionally, talk to other veterinarians who have obtained certification in the same field to get their insight on the process.

Related: What does an Associate Veterinarian do?

Top 10 Associate Veterinarian Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Associate Veterinarians today.

1. Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

A Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) is a professional who has completed an accredited veterinary technician program and passed the national certification exam administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). The CVT is a highly skilled member of the veterinary healthcare team, responsible for providing medical care to animals under the direction and supervision of a veterinarian.

It typically takes two to four years to complete an accredited veterinary technician program, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. Upon completion of the program, you must pass the AAVSB’s Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) in order to become certified.

To get certified as a CVT, you must first complete an accredited veterinary technician program. You can find accredited programs at community colleges, universities, and technical schools throughout the United States. Once you have completed your program, you will need to register with AAVSB and pay their fee before scheduling your VTNE exam. After successfully passing your VTNE exam, you will receive your official certification from AAVSB.

The cost for becoming a CVT varies depending on where you take your courses and how long it takes you to complete them. Generally speaking, tuition for an accredited veterinary technician program ranges from $6,000-$20,000 per year. Additionally, there is a fee of $300-$400 for registering with AAVSB and taking the VTNE exam.

2. Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM)

Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise of veterinary practice managers. The CVPM program was developed by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) and is administered by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

The CVPM program is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of veterinary practice managers. It consists of a series of courses, exams, and other requirements that must be completed in order to earn the certification. The program takes approximately two years to complete, depending on how quickly you can complete all of the requirements.

In order to become certified, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of experience as a veterinary practice manager or equivalent position, completion of an approved course in veterinary business management, and successful completion of the CVPM exam. Once these criteria have been met, you can apply for certification through VHMA's website.

The cost for the CVPM program varies depending on which components are included in your application package. Generally speaking, it will cost around $1,500-$2,000 USD for all materials and fees associated with becoming certified.

3. American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP)

The American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) is a nonprofit organization that provides certification for veterinarians who have achieved a high level of expertise in their chosen specialty. The ABVP certifies practitioners in 10 different specialties including avian, canine/feline, equine, food animal, reptile/amphibian, exotic companion mammal, dairy production medicine, and zoological medicine.

In order to become certified by the ABVP, a veterinarian must meet certain educational and professional requirements. These include completing an accredited veterinary degree program; passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE); and completing a minimum of three years of clinical practice in the specialty area for which certification is sought. Additionally, applicants must submit letters of recommendation from colleagues and clients attesting to their expertise in the field.

The process of becoming certified by the ABVP can take anywhere from 6-12 months depending on how quickly all required documents are submitted and reviewed. The cost to apply for certification is $1,000 USD plus any additional fees associated with submitting letters of recommendation or other required documents. Once accepted into the program, there is an annual fee of $350 USD to maintain certification status.

4. American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM)

The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) is an organization that promotes excellence in veterinary medicine by certifying specialists in the fields of internal medicine, cardiology, neurology, and oncology. The ACVIM was founded in 1978 and is recognized as a specialty organization by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

In order to become certified by the ACVIM, veterinarians must complete a three-year residency program in one of the four specialties. During this time, they must also pass a series of examinations and demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in their chosen field. After completing the residency program, they are eligible to take the certification examination administered by the ACVIM. Upon successful completion of this exam, they will be granted board certification from the college.

The cost for taking the certification exam varies depending on which specialty you are applying for. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 to take each exam. This fee covers all materials needed for taking and passing the exam as well as any administrative fees associated with it.

Overall, it takes approximately four years to become certified by the ACVIM; however, this can vary depending on how quickly you progress through your residency program.

5. American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is an international organization that sets the standards for veterinary excellence. AAHA accreditation is a voluntary process and is achieved by meeting or exceeding AAHA’s standards of excellence in areas such as patient care, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, anesthesia, surgery, dentistry, pharmacy and more.

It takes approximately 6-9 months to complete the accreditation process. During this time, a team of veterinary professionals from AAHA will visit the practice to review all aspects of the facility and its operations. The team will evaluate medical records, interview staff members and observe interactions between staff and clients. Once the evaluation is complete, a report will be sent to the practice with recommendations for improvement if necessary.

To become accredited by AAHA, practices must first submit an application package which includes a fee of $2,000-$4,000 depending on the size of the practice. After submitting their application package, practices are required to attend an online orientation session with an AAHA representative. This session provides information about how to prepare for and participate in an on-site evaluation. Finally, practices must adhere to all applicable state laws and regulations pertaining to animal health care facilities in order to receive accreditation status from AAHA.

In addition to providing recognition for high quality veterinary care, AAHA also offers resources such as educational programs and publications that help veterinarians stay up-to-date on best practices in animal health care.

6. American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) is a professional organization that provides education and resources to veterinarians who specialize in the care of cats. The AAFP was founded in 1985 and is dedicated to advancing the standards of feline medicine and surgery.

To become an AAFP member, you must be a licensed veterinarian in good standing with the state veterinary medical board where you practice, have at least two years experience in private practice or research involving cats, and have completed an approved continuing education program related to feline medicine within the past five years. You must also submit proof of completion of a minimum 30-hour course in feline medicine from an accredited institution.

Once all requirements are met, you can apply for membership online through the AAFP website. There is a one-time application fee of $75 USD that must be paid when submitting your application. After your application has been approved, you will receive your membership card and access to exclusive resources such as webinars, publications, discounts on conferences and more.

The AAFP also offers advanced certifications for members who wish to further their knowledge and expertise in feline medicine. These certifications include Certified Feline Practitioner (CFP), Feline Medicine Certification (FMC), Advanced Feline Practice Certification (AFPC), and Master Class Certification (MCC). Each certification requires additional courses, exams, and fees depending on which certification you are pursuing.

7. American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM)

American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of zoological medicine. ACZM is the only college in the U.S. that offers board certification in zoological medicine and its members are recognized as experts in the field.

The ACZM board certification process requires successful completion of an intensive two-year residency program, which includes clinical rotations and research projects. After completing the residency, candidates must pass a comprehensive written exam and an oral examination administered by ACZM board-certified specialists.

To become eligible for board certification, candidates must have completed a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent degree from an accredited institution, have at least three years of postgraduate experience in zoo animal health and welfare, and be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in their state or country.

The cost for board certification varies depending on the individual's situation but typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,000 USD for application fees, exam fees, travel expenses and other associated costs.

8. International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS)

The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the practice of veterinary acupuncture. It was founded in 1982 by a group of veterinarians who wanted to standardize the practice of veterinary acupuncture and provide educational resources to practitioners.

IVAS offers certification in veterinary acupuncture through its Certification Program. To become certified, applicants must complete a minimum of 200 hours of approved coursework, pass a written exam, and demonstrate proficiency in the clinical application of acupuncture. The program typically takes two years to complete and includes both classroom instruction and practical experience.

The cost for the IVAS Certification Program varies depending on the type of courses chosen, but generally ranges from $2,000-$3,000 USD. In addition, there is an annual membership fee which covers access to continuing education opportunities and other benefits such as discounts on products and services related to veterinary acupuncture.

In order to apply for certification through IVAS, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of completion of the required coursework and payment for the program fees. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be assigned an advisor who will help them throughout their studies and guide them towards successful completion of all requirements.

9. American Board of Veterinary Toxicology (ABVT)

The American Board of Veterinary Toxicology (ABVT) is a non-profit organization that certifies veterinarians in the field of toxicology. It is the only board of its kind in the United States and is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The ABVT provides certification to veterinarians who have demonstrated expertise in toxicology and have met rigorous standards set by the ABVT.

It typically takes two to three years to become certified by the ABVT. To qualify, applicants must first complete an accredited veterinary degree program and complete a residency or fellowship program in toxicology. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive written examination administered by the ABVT. Once certified, veterinarians are required to maintain their certification through continuing education courses and other activities approved by the ABVT.

To apply for certification, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of completion of residency or fellowship programs. The application fee is $450 USD for domestic applicants, while international applicants pay $550 USD. After submitting an application, it can take up to six months for it to be processed and reviewed.

Once approved, veterinarians who are certified by the ABVT can use their credentials when applying for jobs or consulting work related to veterinary toxicology. This credential provides employers with assurance that they are hiring qualified professionals who have demonstrated expertise in this specialized field.

10. National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is a professional association that represents veterinary technicians and other allied professionals in the field of veterinary medicine. NAVTA was founded in 1981 to promote and support the profession of veterinary technology, and it is now the leading organization for veterinary technicians in the United States.

To become a member of NAVTA, applicants must be currently enrolled or have graduated from an accredited program in veterinary technology. Applicants must also be employed as a veterinary technician or have been employed as a technician within the past three years.

Membership with NAVTA is free for students who are currently enrolled in an accredited program in veterinary technology. For all other members, there is an annual fee of $50 which covers membership benefits such as access to job postings, discounts on continuing education courses, and access to resources such as newsletters and webinars.

Once you become a member, you will receive your membership card within two weeks. You can then begin taking advantage of all the benefits that come with being a NAVTA member!

Do You Really Need a Associate Veterinarian Certificate?

Whether or not you need an Associate Veterinarian Certificate depends on your career goals. If you are looking to become a licensed veterinarian, then yes, you will need to obtain an Associate Veterinarian Certificate. This certificate is typically obtained from a veterinary college or university and is the first step in becoming a fully-licensed veterinarian. It will also provide you with the necessary education and hands-on training to begin working as an associate veterinarian in a veterinary clinic or hospital setting.

If you are looking for a job as a veterinary technician, animal caretaker, or kennel attendant, then no, you do not need an Associate Veterinarian Certificate. These positions typically require less formal education and training than what is required for veterinarians. However, it may be beneficial to take classes related to veterinary medicine if these are available so that you can stay up-to-date on the latest advances in animal health care and nutrition.

Overall, whether or not you need an Associate Veterinarian Certificate depends on what type of job you want within the field of veterinary medicine. If becoming a licensed veterinarian is your goal, then yes, it is necessary for you to obtain an Associate Veterinarian Certificate before moving forward with your career plans.

Related: Associate Veterinarian Resume Examples

FAQs About Associate Veterinarian Certifications

1. What is an Associate Veterinarian Certification?

Answer: An Associate Veterinarian Certification is a designation that recognizes the completion of a comprehensive program of study and training in veterinary medicine, including courses in animal anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, pharmacology, nutrition and public health. The certification also includes an exam to ensure that the veterinarian has achieved a certain level of proficiency in their field.

2. How do I become certified as an Associate Veterinarian?

Answer: To become certified as an Associate Veterinarian you must complete an accredited program of study and training in veterinary medicine. After completing your education and passing the certification exam, you will be eligible for certification by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

3. How long does it take to get certified as an Associate Veterinarian?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified as an Associate Veterinarian depends on your educational background and experience in veterinary medicine. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three to five years to complete the necessary education and training requirements for certification.

4. How much does it cost to get certified as an Associate Veterinarian?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified as an Associate Veterinarian depends on several factors such as the type of program you choose and any additional resources or materials needed for the certification process. Generally speaking, the total cost can range from $500-$1000 depending on your individual needs.

5. What are some benefits of having an Associate Veterinarian Certification?

Answer: Having an Associate Veterinarian Certification provides many benefits such as increased job opportunities, higher salaries, potential career advancement opportunities, increased credibility among colleagues and clients, improved patient care standards and access to specialized resources within the industry. Additionally, having this certification allows veterinarians to practice with greater autonomy while still maintaining high levels of professionalism and expertise in their field.