Veterinary Medical Technology

Career Advancement

Once you have reached your goal of becoming an RVT, there are additional options for taking your career even further. In addition to obtaining a 4-year degree in veterinary technology and becoming a technologist, there are many academies and societies that technicians can join. These specialties often boost a technician's career advancement and salary opportunities. Academies and societies are managed and approved by NAVTA.

Academies

Technicians that join an academy receive special recognition after completing a formal process of education, training, experience, and testing. Only fully credentialed technicians are eligible to receive this designation, which is usually denoted as VTS-(specialty name), and comes after the RVT in their name.

Current Academies

• The Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists
• The Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians
• The Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice (with three initial species-specific categories: canine/feline, avian/exotic and production animal.)
• The Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians
• The Academy of Dermatology Veterinary Technicians
• The Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians
• The Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians
• The Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians (Sub-specialties include: small animal medicine, large animal medicine, cardiology, oncology and neurology.)
• The Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians
• The Academy of Veterinary Clinical Pathology Technicians

Current Societies

• Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians
• Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society
• The American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians
• The American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians (AARV)

Laboratory Animal Medicine Certifications (AALAS)

• American Association for Laboratory Animal Science

Other Certifications

• Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant (CCRA) through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute
• Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner
• Pet Loss Grief & Companioning Certification
• Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM)
• PennHIP Imaging Certification

Please Note:
Curriculum guides are for students enrolled during the current academic year. Students enrolled in a previous academic year should visit the Program Evaluation link in Self-Service to find the required list of courses for graduation. For assistance, consult your advisor.