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; it was developed by the Texas Veterinary Medical Association and Animal Care Technologies to train and certify those individuals wishing to follow a career path as a veterinary assistant. Through this program, veterinary medical personnel are empowered to become informed, skilled, and trusted members of the veterinary medical team.
The CVA program consists of three levels:
- CVA Level I: Entry level skills and knowledge, roughly equivalent to 90 days of on-the-job training in a veterinary hospital.
- CVA Level II: Intermediate level skills and knowledge, roughly equivalent to 180 days of on-the-job training in a veterinary clinic beyond certification at CVA Level I.
- CVA Level III: Advanced level skills and knowledge, roughly equivalent to 180 days of on-the-job training in a veterinary clinic beyond certification at CVA Level II.
All CVAs must complete each level in sequential order before progressing to the next level.
Eligibility criteria and requirements
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. Candidates are required to acquire five (5) hours of continuing education (CE) each year to renew their certification (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.
Click here to view the full renewal policies.