SPECIALTY VETERINARY ORGANIZATIONS

These listings have opportunities for RVTs to further their training. RVTTC recognizes that provincial criteria for continuing education (CE) may be met by the following organizations, however, contact your association to determine if CE credits from these sources are valid in your province.

The NAVTA Committee on Veterinary Technicians Specialties (CVTS) was formed in 1994 and is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association. 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 in order to be awarded the designation of VTS (Veterinary Technician Specialist) in their specific discipline. https://www.navta.net/veterinary-technician-specialties/

For more information please contact the specific organization, academy or society.

LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE
(Last Updated — January 2022)

The Academy of Laboratory Animal Veterinary Technicians and Nurses is designed to promote excellence in animal welfare and medical care for animals used in laboratory animal settings by specialization in veterinary technology/nursing in the distinct field of Laboratory Animal Medicine. Contact: Stephen Cital RVT, SRA, RLAT, VTS-LAM

The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science	www.aalas.org
The AALAS believes that the use of laboratory animals in scientific and medical research is essential to the improvement and protection of the quality of all life. The humane and responsible care of laboratory animals is vital to quality research and, as such, an essential aspect of AALAS endeavors. AALAS is dedicated to building and disseminating a knowledge base in laboratory animal science for the education and training of those who work in this field.
The American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine	www.aclam.org
ACLAM is a specialty board recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) as the certifying organization for laboratory animal medicine, a recognized specialty within the veterinary medical profession.
The Society of Laboratory Animal Veterinary Technicians	slavt.net
Formed to develop a network of professional veterinary technicians dedicated to the advancement of responsible and humane laboratory animal care and use to benefit humans and animals, to exchange of information and expertise in the care and use of laboratory animal and to advance by actively seeking continuing education opportunities for the members.
The Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Medicine	calam-acmal.org
CALAM is a national organization for veterinarians whose vision is to be recognized and respected as leaders in laboratory animal welfare.
The Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science	calas-acsal.org
CALAS is a national association dedicated to providing high quality training and educational resources to animal care professionals across Canada. We believe animal research, when necessary, must be conducted professionally, ethically and compassionately.

VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALTY ACADEMIES
(Last Updated — January 2022)

Designates veterinary technicians receiving recognition as a specialty and is restricted to credentialed veterinary technicians who must complete a formal process of education, training, experience and testing.

The Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians	www.avdt.us
Allows technicians the opportunity to expand their knowledge and their professional value by becoming a credentialed specialist in the field of animal dentistry. For information, please contact avdtsecretary@gmail.com.
The Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia	www.avtaa-vts.org
Promotes patient safety, consumer protection, professionalism and excellence in anesthesia care and pain management. The Veterinary Technician Specialist in Anesthesia and Analgesia is there to provide your pet with exceptional care before, during and after a procedure.
The Academy of Internal Medicine Veterinary Technicians	www.aimvt.com
A group of RVTs from varied backgrounds who have come together to realize the formation of a new specialty organization specifically for RVTs working in Internal Medicine. Sub-specialties include: small animal medicine, large animal medicine, cardiology, oncology and neurology.
The Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians	avecct.org
The AVECCT has the goal of certifying Veterinary Technicians to ensure the veterinary profession and the public that AVECCT certified technicians possess the knowledge and experience needed to work effectively in a well equipped and staffed emergency or critical care facility.
The Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians	www.avbt.net
The AVBT promotes excellence in the discipline of veterinary behavior medicine. Veterinary Technician Specialists with behavior certification will demonstrate superior knowledge in scientifically — and humanely — based techniques of behavior health, problem prevention, training, management, and behavior modification. The AVBT will advance the skills of veterinary technicians within the discipline of animal behavior and further their recognition as critical components of the veterinary behavior team in creating, maintaining and strengthening the human-animal bond.
The Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians	www.avzmt.org
Created specifically for veterinary technicians working in zoological medicine, the AVZMT offers the opportunity for zoo technicians to demonstrate excellence in the field.
The Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians	www.aevnt.org
Created to meet the needs of the equine veterinary community. For information, please contact info@avent.org .
The Academy of Veterinary Clinical Pathology Technicians	www.avcpt.net
Created to advance the area of and promote excellence in the discipline of veterinary clinical pathology.Contact: Barbie Papajeski, MS, LVT, RLATG – avcpt.vts@gmail.com
The Academy of Physical Rehabilitation Veterinary Technicians	aprvt.com
Our mission is to provide assistance in veterinary physical rehabilitation, encouraging veterinary professionals and colleagues to further their education, while improving the quality of animals’ lives. General Contact: vetrehabtechs@gmail.com. Facebook @vetrehabtechs
Academy of Veterinary Ophthalmic Technicians	avot-vts.org
Advocate ocular health while advancing the knowledge and practice standards in the field of Ophthalmology. The Academy operates under the guidance of NAVTA and ACVO to foster yearly continuing education, professional development, and networking with industry partners.
The Academy of Veterinary Surgical Technicians
Encourages experienced surgical technicians to enhance their education and training by pursuing a surgical specialty. AVST will provide a standardized route through which technicians may qualify for a national examination to become a VTS (Surgery). Contact: Heidi Reuss-Lamky, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia, Surgery), Fear Free Certified Professional – frzbdogmom@aol.com.
The Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Diagnostic Imaging	avtdi.org
The AVTDI is comprised of veterinary technicians dedicated to performing a higher level of veterinary Diagnostic Imaging modalities such as: digital radiographs, fluoroscopic special procedures, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound and nuclear medicine imaging.
The Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice	avtcp.org
Modeled after the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, this academy has developed three initial species-specific categories: canine/feline, avian/exotic and production animal. The academy’s credentialed veterinary technicians provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care. Candidates are expected to demonstrate expertise in a range of clinical disciplines within their species specialty. Contact: Liza Rudolph, LVT, CVT
The Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians	nutritiontechs.com
Created to develop and support the area of veterinary nutrition, develop the knowledge and expertise of veterinary technicians to become certified in the field of nutrition and endorse technicians as a vital part of the veterinary nutrition profession.

The Academy of Dermatology Veterinary Technicians – The purpose of ADVT is to promote excellence through specialization in the discipline of veterinary dermatology by demonstrating an advanced proficiency of dermatologic procedures, working with the veterinary team and client to advocate superior patient care, and providing cutting-edge continuing education.

VETERINARY SOCIETIES
(Last Updated — January 2022)

For individuals interested in a specific discipline of veterinary medicine that must represent a distinct and identifiable specialty, supported by an existing veterinary specialty.

Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians– enriches human animal interactions by promoting scientifically based techniques of training, management, and behavior modification. SVBT provides a forum for discussion and continuing education while working with allied professional organizations to strengthen the veterinary health care profession.

The American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians– a professional Association for equine veterinary technicians, assistants and practice managers, as well as other support staff. Their mission is to promote the health and welfare of the horse through the education and professional enrichment of the equine veterinary technician and assistant.

Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians – provides a forum for collaboration of all individuals interested and involved with veterinary emergency and critical care medicine and surgery. Their mission is to promote the advancement of knowledge and high standards of practice in veterinary emergency medicine and critical patient care.

The American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV) is a national association of veterinarians and veterinary technicians dedicated to improving the quality of life in animals through physical medicine and rehabilitation.