Top 10 Veterinary Assistant Certifications

Certifications for veterinary assistants are important because they demonstrate that a candidate has the knowledge and skills needed to perform job duties in a professional, safe, and effective manner. Certification also gives employers assurance that their employees have undergone the proper training and understand what is expected of them. Certifications can also provide a competitive edge for those seeking employment or advancement in the field. In addition, certifications can help boost confidence in one’s own abilities and be seen as a sign of commitment to the profession.

The purpose of this article is to review the best certifications for Veterinary Assistants and discuss how they can help advance their careers.

What are Veterinary Assistant Certifications?

Veterinary assistant certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to work in a veterinary office. The credential is available through several organizations and typically requires successful completion of an exam. It can help individuals who are interested in becoming a veterinary assistant stand out from other applicants by providing evidence of their qualifications for the job. Additionally, it can signal employers that an applicant is knowledgeable about the profession and committed to providing excellent care for animals. Having certification may also lead to higher pay and more advanced positions within a veterinary practice.

Pro Tip: Before you start the certification process for Veterinary Assistant, make sure you have a solid understanding of the field and the requirements. Research the different certifications that are available, review any necessary prerequisites and study up on any related topics. Additionally, it may be beneficial to gain some hands-on experience through internships or volunteer opportunities in order to better understand the job and develop your skills.

Related: What does a Veterinary Assistant do?

Top 10 Veterinary Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Veterinary Assistants today.

1. Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA)

Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of veterinary assistants. It is administered by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). The CVA program provides veterinary assistants with the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the profession.

The CVA program requires applicants to successfully complete a minimum of 200 hours of supervised clinical experience, as well as an online or on-site examination. Depending on the state, additional requirements may be necessary for certification.

To become certified, applicants must submit an application, pay a fee, and provide proof of completion of the required clinical hours. The cost for certification varies depending on the state but generally ranges from $150-$250.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants will receive their CVA certificate within 6-8 weeks.

2. Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

A Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) is a professional who has achieved a higher level of education and training in the field of veterinary medicine. They are responsible for providing medical care to animals under the supervision of a veterinarian. To become a CVT, an individual must complete an accredited veterinary technician program, which typically takes two years to complete. After completing the program, individuals must pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken and can range from $300 - $500 USD. Once certified, CVTs are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every two years.

3. Certified Animal Health Technician (CAHT)

Certified Animal Health Technician (CAHT) is a professional certification program for animal health technicians. This certification is offered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). The CAHT program provides recognition to individuals who demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the areas of veterinary medicine, laboratory animal care and management, and animal health technology.

The CAHT program requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, nutrition, parasitology, clinical pathology, laboratory techniques, anesthesia and surgery. The exam also includes questions on regulatory issues related to veterinary medicine.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the CAHT program. Applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements set by AAVSB before they can take the exam. These requirements include having a high school diploma or equivalent, completing at least two years of post-secondary education in a veterinary technician program or an approved animal science program, and having at least one year of experience working with animals in a veterinary setting.

The cost for taking the CAHT exam varies depending on where you live but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD. Additionally, some states may require additional fees for licensing or registration after passing the exam.

4. Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM)

Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) is a professional certification program for veterinary practice managers. It is designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of practice management in the veterinary industry. The certification is administered by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).

To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of two years of full-time experience as a veterinary practice manager, or equivalent experience, and must pass an exam that covers topics such as personnel management, financial management, marketing and customer service. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to apply for the CVPM certification, applicants must first become members of VHMA. Membership costs $175 per year and includes access to resources such as job postings, webinars, and discounts on products and services. After becoming a member, applicants can then register for the exam which costs $450.

The entire process from start to finish typically takes between six months to one year depending on when the applicant registers for the exam.

5. Certified Professional Animal Care Provider (CPACP)

Certified Professional Animal Care Provider (CPACP) is a certification program offered by the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and proficiency in providing quality care for animals. The CPACP program includes a comprehensive curriculum that covers topics such as animal health, nutrition, behavior, safety, and more.

The CPACP program consists of two components: online coursework and an in-person exam. The online coursework consists of 10 modules that cover topics such as animal nutrition, health care, behavior management, and safety. Each module requires approximately 8 hours to complete. Once all 10 modules are completed, applicants must pass an in-person exam at an approved testing center.

The cost of the CPACP program varies depending on the number of modules taken. For example, if you take all 10 modules it will cost $495 USD; however, if you only take 5 modules it will cost $295 USD. Additionally, there is an additional fee for the in-person exam which is currently $150 USD.

In total, it takes approximately 80 hours to complete the CPACP program and obtain certification.

6. Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

A Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is a professional credential for individuals who have completed an accredited program in veterinary technology and passed the national exam administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). The RVT credential is the highest level of certification available in the field of veterinary technology.

It typically takes two to four years to complete an accredited program in veterinary technology, depending on whether you are enrolled in a certificate or associate degree program. After completing your education, you must pass the AAVSB’s Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) in order to become a Registered Veterinary Technician.

To get started on becoming an RVT, you will need to research and find an accredited program that meets your needs. Once you have completed your education and passed the VTNE, you must apply for licensure with the state board where you plan to practice. Depending on the state, there may be additional requirements such as continuing education credits or a criminal background check.

The cost of becoming an RVT varies depending on which educational program you choose and what fees are associated with applying for licensure. Generally speaking, tuition for an accredited veterinary technician program ranges from $4,000-$20,000 per year. Additionally, most states charge a fee when submitting an application for licensure; this fee can range from $50-$200.

7. Certified Veterinary Office Manager (CVOM)

Certified Veterinary Office Manager (CVOM) is a professional certification program for veterinary office managers offered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). The CVOM program provides veterinary office managers with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage a veterinary practice.

The CVOM program consists of an online course, a written exam, and a practical exam. The online course covers topics such as financial management, personnel management, marketing and communication, customer service, and legal issues. The written exam covers the material from the online course. The practical exam is designed to assess the candidate’s ability to apply the knowledge gained in the online course in a real-world setting.

It takes approximately six months to complete all requirements for certification. Candidates must first complete the online course before they can take the written and practical exams. After completing all requirements, candidates must submit their application for review by AAVSB.

The cost of becoming certified depends on whether or not you are already an AAVSB member. For non-members, it costs $275 for registration plus $150 for each exam taken (written and practical). For AAVSB members, it costs $200 for registration plus $100 for each exam taken (written and practical).

8. Certified Veterinary Receptionist/Technician (CVRT)

A Certified Veterinary Receptionist/Technician (CVRT) is a professional certification for individuals who work in the veterinary field. This certification is designed to recognize and reward those who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of veterinary reception and technician duties.

The CVRT exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as animal anatomy, physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, medical terminology, client relations, office management, and more. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

To become certified as a CVRT, you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having at least one year of experience working in a veterinary practice or related field. You must also submit an application along with your resume and proof of experience to the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). Once your application is approved, you will be able to register for the exam.

The cost of becoming certified as a CVRT varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$300 to take the exam including registration fees and any additional materials needed for preparation.

9. Certified Equine Medical Assistant (CEMA)

Certified Equine Medical Assistant (CEMA) is a professional certification program designed to provide equine medical assistants with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist veterinarians in providing quality care for horses. The CEMA program consists of an online course, an exam, and a practical skill assessment.

The online course is self-paced and covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, equine health maintenance, nutrition, diseases and treatments, pharmacology, and client communication. It typically takes between 6-8 weeks to complete the course.

To become certified as a CEMA, you must pass the exam with a score of 80% or higher. The exam consists of multiple choice questions related to the topics covered in the online course. It is administered by an independent testing agency and costs $150 USD.

The practical skill assessment is conducted by an approved CEMA instructor at a facility chosen by the student. During this assessment, students are evaluated on their ability to perform various tasks related to horse care such as grooming, feeding, administering medications, collecting samples for laboratory tests, and assisting with medical procedures. This assessment typically takes 2-3 hours to complete and costs $200 USD.

Once all requirements have been met successfully, students will receive their official Certified Equine Medical Assistant (CEMA) certificate from the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians (AAEVT).

10. Certified Feline Medical Assistant (CFMA)

Certified Feline Medical Assistant (CFMA) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of veterinary professionals who specialize in feline medicine. The program is offered by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP).

The CFMA certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in feline medicine, including two years as a veterinary technician or assistant, before they can apply. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, behavior, pharmacology, medical procedures and client education.

The CFMA certification process takes about four months to complete. The first step is to submit an application with supporting documents such as proof of experience and references from employers or colleagues. After the application has been reviewed and accepted, applicants will receive a link to register for the exam. Once registered, applicants will have 90 days to complete the exam online or at a testing center.

The cost for the CFMA certification is $250 USD. This fee includes access to online study materials and practice exams as well as one attempt at the actual exam.

Do You Really Need a Veterinary Assistant Certificate?

Yes, a veterinary assistant certificate is an important credential to have if you are interested in working as a veterinary assistant. This certification demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality care for animals. It also shows potential employers that you are committed to the profession and have taken the initiative to learn more about it.

The requirements for obtaining a veterinary assistant certificate vary from state to state, but most programs require at least a high school diploma or equivalent and some basic coursework in animal health and care. In addition, many states require that applicants pass an exam administered by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). This exam covers topics such as animal anatomy, physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, medical terminology, record keeping and other topics related to animal care.

Having a veterinary assistant certificate can also increase your opportunities for advancement within the profession. Many employers prefer to hire certified veterinary assistants because they feel they are better equipped to handle the demands of the job. Furthermore, having this professional credential can also make you more attractive to potential employers when applying for jobs outside of traditional veterinary settings.

In short, obtaining a veterinary assistant certificate is essential if you want to pursue a career as a veterinary assistant. It shows potential employers that you have taken the time and effort necessary to gain knowledge about this field and can provide quality care for animals. Earning this credential can open up new opportunities for advancement in your career as well as provide additional recognition from employers who value certified professionals in their organization.

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FAQs About Veterinary Assistant Certifications

1. What is a Veterinary Assistant Certification?

Answer: A Veterinary Assistant Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates the holder has completed a program or course of study in veterinary assisting, and has the necessary skills and knowledge to assist veterinary professionals with patient care, administrative duties, and other related tasks.

2. How do I become certified as a Veterinary Assistant?

Answer: To become certified as a Veterinary Assistant, you must complete an accredited program or course of study in veterinary assisting. Depending on the program or course you choose, you may also need to pass an exam to receive your certification.

3. How much does it cost to get certified as a Veterinary Assistant?

Answer: The cost of certification can vary depending on the program or course of study you choose. Generally speaking, most programs cost between $500-$1500 USD for tuition and materials.

4. Is there any ongoing education required for Veterinary Assistants?

Answer: Yes, many states require that Veterinary Assistants complete continuing education courses in order to maintain their certification status. It’s important to check with your state licensing board for specific requirements regarding continuing education credits and/or renewal fees associated with maintaining your certification status.

5. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Veterinary Assistant?

Answer: Becoming a Certified Veterinary Assistant can provide numerous benefits including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, recognition by employers and clients alike, increased knowledge and expertise in the field of veterinary medicine, and more respect from colleagues within the profession.