CVA Program
In partnership with Patterson Veterinary Academy, Michigan veterinary staff can earn the certified veterinary assistant credential to demonstrate their skill and knowledge as a member of the veterinary healthcare team. The program fee includes both online training that helps prepare participants for the exam and the exam fee. There are three levels of certification. Everyone begins at Level I.
Level I
Entry level skills and knowledge, roughly equivalent to 90 days of on-the-job training in a veterinary clinic.
- Applicant must be at least 16 years of age
- Applicant must have obtained 90 days of practical work experience (equivalent to 500 hours, paid or volunteer) in a veterinary setting under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian or a certified veterinary technician
- Applicant must submit a completed application for examination for CVA Level I certification including complete payment of examination fee(s)
- Completed CVA Level I “Skills Validation Checklist”
- Applicant must score 70% or better on the CVA Level I certification exam
CONTENT PLACEHOLDER
CONTENT PLACEHOLDER
Level II
Intermediate level skills and knowledge, roughly equivalent to 180 days of on-the-job training in a veterinary clinic beyond certification Level I.
- Applicant must hold a valid CVA Level I certification
- Applicant must have obtained 180 days of practical work experience (equivalent to 1,000 hours, paid or volunteer) under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian or a certified veterinary technician, counted from the date initial certification at CVA Level I was awarded (see section 3.3 for exception).
- Applicant must submit a completed application for examination for CVA Level II certification including complete payment of examination fee(s)
- Completed CVA Level II “Skills Validation Checklist”
- Applicant must score 70% or better on the CVA Level II certification exam
CONTENT PLACEHOLDER
CONTENT PLACEHOLDER
Level III
Advanced level skills and knowledge, roughly equivalent to 180 days of on-the-job training in a veterinary clinic beyond certification Level II.
- Applicant must hold a valid CVA Level II certification
- Applicant must have obtained 180 days of practical work experience (equivalent to 1,000 hours, paid or volunteer) under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian or a certified veterinary technician, counted from the date initial certification at CVA Level II was awarded (see section 3.3 for exception).
- Applicant must submit a completed application for examination for CVA Level III certification including complete payment of examination fee(s)
- Completed CVA Level III “Skills Validation Checklist”
- Applicant must score 70% or better on the CVA Level III certification exam
CONTENT PLACEHOLDER
CONTENT PLACEHOLDER
Become a Certified Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Assistants are a vital part of the veterinary healthcare team. Add this credential to show current and future employers that you meet a high standard of skill in the performance of your duties as a veterinary assistant.
Step 1:
Enroll
Click on the enroll link to complete the registration process and get started on earning your certification.
Step 2:
Complete course material
The course material is all online so students can do the course work on their own time. The Skills Checklist validates the skills you have learned both on the job and through the course material. A licensed veterinary or licensed veterinary technician must sign off on each skill listed in the checklist.
Step 3:
Pass the exam
The exam is offered online and is proctors by a licensed veterinarian. You will receive your certificate and a lapel pin designating your new credential shortly after your exam results are reported to MVMA.
Step 4:
Renew every 3 years
Once you have earned the credential, you will need to earn continuing education to maintain your certification. Renewal is every three years.