National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America is a non-profit organization started in 1981, to promote the profession of Veterinary Technology. NAVTA is nationwide within the United States and extends into Canada, allowing for the spread and promotion of proper patient care by educated veterinary professionals.
NAVTA – Approved Veterinary Assisting Program
NAVTA has partnered with VetMedTeam in the development of a designation for veterinary assistants that have completed a strict course of study and taken the VetMedTeam examination, becoming Approved Veterinary Assistants (AVA). Programs reviewed by NAVTA and approved are eligible to have graduates attempt the AVA examination and gain the important distinction between the average working veterinary assistant and an Approved Veterinary Assistant.
All NAVTA Approved programs must follow strict guidelines in the development of the curriculum, externship parameters, and student academic progress throughout their course of study. In Addition, all approved schools must re-apply for NAVTA approval every 2 years to assure compliance.
Currently Animal Behavior College is one of 4 approved online classes with NAVTA course approval.
NAVTA – Gaining access to the AVA examination
Upon completion of a student’s program with Animal Behavior College, a student specific AVA code is released so the student will have access to the examination and begin to set up the proctor services necessary. Graduates will have up to 12 months to complete the AVA examination from the date of their graduation and will have up to 5 attempts to pass the examination. For further information, please visit VetMedTeam.
NAVTA – Maintaining AVA Certification
In order to maintain AVA certification, assistants will need to complete up to 10 hours of continuing education (CE) within a two year period from the date of certification issued. If the CE hours are not complete, the AVA Certification will not be re-issued to the assistant causing a lapse in renewal process. Much like Licensed/Certified/Registered Veterinary Technicians, CE is necessary to make ensure patient safety, prevent malpractice and negligence within a veterinary facility.
