A partnership with Patterson Veterinary Academy & Colorado Veterinary Medical Association
CVAs are trained to perform a wide range of tasks, freeing up veterinarians and technicians to focus on their respective areas of expertise.
CVAs obtain knowledge and skills during their training that allow them to provide the highest quality of care during examinations, procedures, and treatments.
CVAs are formally trained to answer client questions, assist with appointments, and help create a positive and welcoming environment.
Encouraging your staff to become CVAs demonstrates your commitment to their professional development and can help attract and retain top talent.
The Certified Veterinary Assistant program (CVA) is a learn-on-the-job vocational training experience that covers the basic fundamentals of veterinary medicine and animal care and handling. This program is a member benefit for CVMA members.
Through this program, veterinary medical personnel are empowered to become informed, skilled, and trusted members of the veterinary medical team.
Each level is $295 for the CVA course materials and the exam fee for clinics. Courses must be purchased individually for each CVA level.
Entry level skills and knowledge, roughly equivalent to 90 days of on-the-job training in a veterinary clinic.
Intermediate level skills and knowledge, roughly equivalent to 180 days of on-the-job training in a veterinary clinic beyond certification Level I.
Advanced level skills and knowledge, roughly equivalent to 180 days of on-the-job training in a veterinary clinic beyond certification Level II.
All users will need to create an account to access the CVA renewal form.
Please follow the instructions below to create an account. This is a one-time process.
Are you a school administrator or teacher? Click here to find out more about the Patterson’s VETS School Curriculum Program.
Go to the Patterson Veterinary Academy checkout page.
Applicant must complete a specified number of hours of work experience under the supervision of a licensed DVM or RVT.
Complete all the course material within the training platform. There is an estimated 15 hours of content.
Applicants must demonstrate the hands-on skills listed on the Skills Validation Checklist and have it validated by a licensed DVM or RVT.
Successful completion of the certification examination (70%). CVMA will be notified and get in touch with your account details and certificate.
Certification is valid for one calendar year, beginning with the date of initial certification. This date will serve as the CVA’s permanent anniversary date.
Only approved supervisors/administrators can register individuals for the CVA course. Upon registration, they receive an access code granting access to the CVA Prep Course and Certification Exam.
There are two ways to purchase the CVA test:
Individual CVA applicants are required to have a program supervisor to verify requirements and proctor their exam. Therefore, registration to the CVA course should ONLY be purchased by an approved supervisor/administrator.
Upon purchase, registration access to the CVA Prep Course and the CVA Certification Examination is granted via an access code that will be emailed to the administrator.
During the calendar year preceding the date of expected renewal, the CVA must complete a minimum of five (5) hours of continuing education instruction.
Any educational content produced and provided by a recognized provider and intended for veterinary staff training may be used to satisfy the CE requirement.
Proof of Participation
Documentation validating each continuing education activity must be kept on file by the Certified Veterinary Assistant. These records will be audited at random. When CVMA requests copies of CE documentation the veterinary assistant must provide copies of all documentation for review by CVMA. Failure to provide sufficient documentation of required CE will be cause for the applicant’s certificate to be deactivated to probationary status.
The applicant for certificate renewal will have six (6) months to correct the CE deficit and thus remove the probationary status.
Failure to complete all CE requirements within the 6-month probationary period will deactivate the certificate completely and the individual will lose the right to use the CVA designation and all other privileges pertaining to certification.
To regain certificate status, the lapsed individual must re-test for certification.
Certification is valid for one calendar year, beginning with the date of initial certification. This date will be clearly shown on the certificate issued to the successful candidate and on each subsequent certificate issued for re-certification. This date will serve as the CVA’s permanent anniversary date.
Beginning the second year of seeking certification renewal, candidates are required to acquire five (5) hours of continuing education (CE) each year (this requirement is waived the first year). These CE hours may be acquired through any legitimate veterinary educational venue, including but not limited to: state and local VMA meetings, online courses, professional seminars presented by veterinary companies, etc. Hours accumulated beyond the five required hours may be carried over to the next year’s requirement. CVMA will make every effort to notify the CVA in writing when their certificate is due to expire, but the CVA is responsible for contacting CVMA on or before their anniversary date and for submitting the application for renewal of certification.
The CVA has sixty (60) calendar days following the anniversary date in which to submit the application for renewal of certification, the CVA evaluation, and the renewal fee. If all items required for renewal of certification are not received in the CVMA office before the 60-day deadline, the CVA will lose certification status and will be required to re-test for certification. The CVA renewal fee is $30.00 and the candidate for renewal must submit a check or pay online for that amount made payable to CVMA.
CVMA will honor a transfer of a CVA certificate from another state. Email [email protected] with your current state’s CVA certificate and request to transfer to start the process.
Get in touch with Jessica Gray at [email protected] for more information.
