- Location: Mesa, AZ
- Program Type: High School
- Instructor: Rebecca Covington, CVT
The East Valley Institute of Technology high school Veterinary Assistant Program in Mesa, AZ has been approved by NAVTA since 2016. During that period, hundreds of students have graduated from the program, passed the AVA Exam, and are working as Veterinary Assistants in various Vet Hospitals and Facilities.
Rebecca Covington, CVT is the program’s director and states: “Our program embodies the core purpose of the AVA Week celebration…recognizing the essential role Veterinary Assistants play in animal care and the veterinary profession.”
The EVIT curriculum is rigorous and hands-on clinical experiences produce graduates who are compassionate and skilled. The program uses a variety of interactive and immersive learning experiences including labs which simulate actual veterinary procedures, a surgical prep lab using program-owned supplies and equipment, behavior workshops with live animals, field trips to clinics and Veterinary Technology Schools, and guest speakers including Veterinarians and Credentialed Veterinary Technicians. Over 125 EVIT students take the AVA Exam each year upon graduation and the program has an exceptional pass rate nearing 100%.
Students also participate in a student-run enterprise where animals are provided baths and grooming. Owners/ clients are interviewed for patient history, and the students enter all information and records in a Veterinary software program.
All EVIT instructors are CVTs in Arizona with years of clinical experience and the instructors provide strong mentorship. Students are also coached in communication, teamwork, professional confidence, and the instructors maintain high standards with personalized support. Ms. Covington recalls a student who suffered from severe anxiety and was nearly non-verbal, yet with instructor dedication and coaching, the student graduated from the program and passed the AVA Exam. Ms. Covington stated, “but the best part was watching the student talking and interacting with other students and at their externship.” The student had to move to another state, but is currently enrolled in a Credentialed Veterinary Program.
As one of several NAVTA-Approved high school Veterinary Assistant Programs, instructors maintain clear boundaries between the skill set of a Credentialed Veterinary Technician and a Vet Assistant. The curriculum includes instruction outlining the scope of practice for Vet Assistants in Arizona and instructor’s model appropriate delegation to VA students. Program externship agreements require partner clinics to follow proper delineation of roles and encourage students to continue their education. Students are not only taught what they can do, but why those boundaries matter for patient safety, legal, compliance, and professional teamwork.
AVA Membership Tier
In 2026, NAVTA introduced a new AVA membership tier designed to support veterinary assistants through professional development, continuing education opportunities, recognition, and community. The membership tier was created to help veterinary assistants strengthen their connection to the profession while gaining access to resources that support career growth and long-term success. Those interested in joining can learn more at https://navta.net/membership.