Top 10 Veterinary Receptionist Certifications

Certifications for a veterinary receptionist are important in the job market because they demonstrate a higher level of knowledge and expertise in the field. Certifications can also indicate that an individual has taken the time to invest in their professional development, which can be attractive to employers. Additionally, certifications may open up more opportunities for advancement, as they can show employers that an individual is capable of taking on more responsibility and managing larger projects. Finally, certifications are often required by certain employers, making them essential for those looking to find employment in the veterinary field.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Veterinary Receptionists and explains how they can help advance a receptionist's career.

What are Veterinary Receptionist Certifications?

Veterinary receptionist certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of a veterinary receptionist. This certification demonstrates to employers that a candidate has met certain standards when it comes to their knowledge of the veterinary field and their ability to provide excellent customer service. The certification is offered by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

The certification requires applicants to pass an exam, which covers topics such as animal anatomy, physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, and medical terminology. Upon completion of the exam, applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in office management principles, communication skills, customer service techniques, and other related areas.

Having certification can be beneficial for those seeking employment in the veterinary field because it provides evidence that they have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills required for the job. It also shows potential employers that they are dedicated to continuing their education and staying up-to-date with advancements in veterinary medicine. Certification can also help increase an individual’s salary potential as employers may be more likely to offer higher wages to certified professionals.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements and regulations for veterinary receptionist certification in your state prior to beginning the process. Many states require a certain level of education or experience, as well as passing an exam in order to receive certification.

Related: What does a Veterinary Receptionist do?

Top 10 Veterinary Receptionist Certifications

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

1. Certified Veterinary Receptionist (CVR)

Certified Veterinary Receptionist (CVR) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). The CVR program is designed to recognize and promote excellence among veterinary receptionists. It provides a way for receptionists to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of veterinary medicine.

The CVR program requires candidates to successfully complete an exam that covers topics such as client relations, medical terminology, office management, and animal care. Candidates must also have at least one year of experience working as a veterinary receptionist in order to be eligible for the certification.

The exam typically takes about two hours to complete and can be taken at any NAVTA-approved testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on the location but generally ranges from $50-$100.

Once a candidate has passed the exam they will receive their CVR certification which is valid for three years. After this period they will need to retake the exam in order to maintain their certification.

2. Certified Veterinary Office Manager (CVOM)

Certified Veterinary Office Manager (CVOM) is a professional certification program that provides veterinary office managers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage their practice. The program is offered by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). It is designed to help veterinary office managers increase their ability to manage the business side of a veterinary practice and provide leadership for staff.

The CVOM certification requires successful completion of an online course, which consists of six modules and takes approximately 30-40 hours to complete. Once the course has been completed, applicants must pass an exam administered by NAVTA in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CVOM certification program varies depending on whether you are a NAVTA member or non-member. For NAVTA members, the cost is $299, while non-members pay $399. In addition, there is a one-time registration fee of $25 for both members and non-members.

3. Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM)

Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize veterinary professionals who have achieved excellence in the management of veterinary practices. The program was created by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and is administered by the Veterinary Management Certification Board (VMCB).

The CVPM program requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in veterinary practice management, as well as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as financial management, personnel management, marketing, and legal issues.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the CVPM program. During this time, applicants must complete an application process that includes submitting transcripts and passing a written exam. After passing the exam, applicants must submit proof of their experience in veterinary practice management.

The cost of obtaining the CVPM certification varies depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances. Generally speaking, it costs between $500 and $1,000 for the application fee and exam fee combined. In addition to these fees, applicants may need to pay for travel expenses related to attending any required seminars or workshops associated with the program.

4. Certified Animal Care Technician (CACT)

Certified Animal Care Technician (CACT) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in animal care and handling. The program is administered by the National Association of Professional Animal Care Technicians (NAPACT).

The CACT certification requires applicants to complete an online course, pass a written exam, and demonstrate proficiency in animal care and handling. The online course covers topics such as animal welfare, nutrition, anatomy, physiology, behavior, safety protocols, and more. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering the same topics as the online course. To demonstrate proficiency in animal care and handling, applicants must successfully complete a hands-on practical assessment at an approved facility.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all requirements for the CACT certification. Applicants must pay a fee for each step of the process: the online course ($150), the written exam ($50), and the practical assessment ($200). In total, it costs approximately $400 to become certified.

5. Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA)

A Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) is a professional who has completed an accredited program and passed a certification exam to demonstrate their knowledge and skill in the veterinary field. This certification is administered by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

It typically takes about one year to complete the requirements for this certification. To become certified, individuals must complete a NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program, which includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience. After completing the program, applicants must pass an examination administered by NAVTA.

The cost of becoming a CVA varies depending on the program chosen. The cost of tuition can range from $500 to several thousand dollars, depending on the length of the program and whether it is online or in person. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the certification exam such as registration fees and study materials.

Once certified, CVAs are expected to adhere to NAVTA’s Code of Ethics and Professionalism, which outlines expectations for conduct in the workplace and with clients.

6. American Association of Veterinary State Boards Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT)

The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) is a professional credential for veterinary technicians. It is the only national certification program that requires passing an exam and meeting the educational requirements of a state board in order to become certified.

In order to become a CVT, individuals must first complete an approved veterinary technician program from an accredited college or university. After completing the program, individuals must then pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) administered by the AAVSB. Once both criteria are met, applicants can apply for certification through their state’s veterinary medical board. The cost of applying varies from state to state but typically ranges from $50-$100.

Once certified, CVTs must maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits every two years in order to stay current on best practices and new technologies in veterinary medicine.

Overall, it typically takes about two years to complete all of the requirements for becoming a CVT.

7. American Animal Hospital Association Certification in Veterinary Receptionist Skills (AAHA-VRS)

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Veterinary Receptionist Skills Certification (AAHA-VRS) is a program designed to recognize and certify veterinary receptionists who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to deliver exceptional client service. The certification is available to those who have at least one year of experience as a veterinary receptionist in an AAHA-accredited hospital.

To get certified, applicants must pass an online assessment that covers topics such as customer service, communication skills, medical terminology, practice management software, and more. The assessment takes approximately two hours to complete and costs $99 USD. Once the assessment is passed, applicants will receive their certification which is valid for three years.

In addition to passing the assessment, applicants must also meet certain educational requirements. Applicants must have either completed an accredited veterinary technology program or have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. They must also be able to provide proof of current employment in a veterinary clinic or hospital that is accredited by AAHA.

The AAHA-VRS certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence in customer service and provides recognition of the knowledge and skills required by successful veterinary receptionists. It can help individuals stand out from other job candidates when applying for positions within the field.

8. National Association of Professional Pet Sitters Certification in Veterinary Receptionist Skills (NAPPS-VRS)

The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters Certification in Veterinary Receptionist Skills (NAPPS-VRS) is a certification program designed to provide veterinary receptionists with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage their duties. The program consists of six modules that cover topics such as customer service, scheduling, medical records management, financial transactions, client education and communication, and animal handling.

It typically takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the NAPPS-VRS program. To get certified, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it with a copy of their resume or CV. After submitting the application form, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online course materials. Once the course materials are completed and submitted for review, applicants will receive an official certificate from NAPPS-VRS.

The cost of the NAPPS-VRS certification program is $150 USD. This fee covers all course materials and exam fees. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining a background check or other requirements depending on your state's regulations.

Overall, obtaining NAPPS-VRS certification can help veterinary receptionists demonstrate their commitment to professional development and enhance their job prospects in the field.

9. International Board of Veterinary Specialties Certification in Veterinary Receptionist Skills (IBVS-VRS)

The International Board of Veterinary Specialties Certification in Veterinary Receptionist Skills (IBVS-VRS) is an international certification program designed to recognize the professional competencies of veterinary receptionists. This certification program is offered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). The IBVS-VRS certification is a voluntary credential that demonstrates a veterinary receptionist’s commitment to professional excellence and dedication to providing quality care.

The IBVS-VRS certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete, depending on the individual's experience and background. To be eligible for the IBVS-VRS certification, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience as a veterinary receptionist or equivalent position, and must pass an exam administered by AAVSB.

To earn the IBVS-VRS certification, applicants must first register with AAVSB and submit an application packet that includes proof of experience, references, transcripts from any relevant courses taken, and a fee. After registering with AAVSB, applicants will receive instructions on how to access the online examination system. Once all required materials are submitted and approved by AAVSB, applicants will be able to take the exam at their own convenience.

The cost for the application packet is $250 USD and there is also an additional fee for taking the exam which varies depending on which country you are taking it in.

10. Professional Animal Care Certification Council Certification in Veterinary Receptionist Skills (PACC-VRS).

The Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACC) Veterinary Receptionist Skills (VRS) certification is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate proficiency in the skills needed to work as a veterinary receptionist. The program is designed to provide employers with an objective measure of an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of veterinary reception.

To obtain the PACC-VRS certification, applicants must pass a written exam that covers topics such as customer service, medical terminology, record keeping, scheduling appointments, and handling payments. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must also submit proof of relevant work experience or education in the field of veterinary reception.

The cost for the PACC-VRS certification exam is $150 USD. Once an applicant passes the exam, they will receive their certificate within 4-6 weeks. The PACC-VRS certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking a refresher course or retaking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Veterinary Receptionist Certificate?

No, you do not need a veterinary receptionist certificate to become a veterinary receptionist. While certifications can be beneficial for certain career paths, they are not necessarily a requirement in order to become a veterinary receptionist.

That being said, having a certification may give you an edge over other applicants who have not taken the time or effort to obtain it. It also gives employers confidence that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the job successfully. Certifications demonstrate that you have gone through some sort of formal training and are knowledgeable about the job duties of a veterinary receptionist.

In addition, certifications can help open up more opportunities within the field and make it easier to move up in your career. Employers may look more favorably upon those with certifications when considering promotions or raises.

At the end of the day, whether or not you choose to get certified as a veterinary receptionist is up to you and depends on your individual goals and circumstances. If you feel that obtaining certification will help further your career and give you an edge over other applicants, then it would be worth considering.

Related: Veterinary Receptionist Resume Examples

FAQs About Veterinary Receptionist Certifications

Q1. What is a Veterinary Receptionist Certification?

A1. A Veterinary Receptionist Certification is a formal certification program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a receptionist in a veterinary clinic or hospital. The certification covers topics such as customer service, medical terminology, filing and record keeping, insurance billing, office procedures, and more.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Veterinary Receptionist?

A2. To become certified as a Veterinary Receptionist, you must complete an approved training program and pass an examination administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your Veterinary Receptionist Certification.

Q3. What are some of the benefits of becoming certified?

A3. Becoming certified as a Veterinary Receptionist can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in the veterinary field. It also shows potential employers that you have taken the initiative to gain additional knowledge and experience in this area of work. Additionally, it can lead to higher wages and better job opportunities.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified?

A4. Depending on your level of experience and background knowledge in veterinary medicine, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all requirements for certification. This includes completing an approved training program and passing the examination administered by the AAVSB.

Q5. Are there any continuing education requirements associated with the certification?

A5: Yes, continuing education is required for those who wish to maintain their certification status with the AAVSB. This could include attending seminars or workshops related to veterinary medicine or taking online courses related to veterinary receptionism topics such as customer service or medical terminology