May 19-25 is Approved Veterinary Assistant Week
NAVTA’s mission statement boldly proclaims that, “NAVTA is a diverse community of Credentialed Veterinary Technicians, Students, and Veterinary Assistants, united in advancing the profession of veterinary nursing through strategic advocacy, awareness, and professional development.”
To recognize these valuable members of the veterinary support staff, NAVTA is expanding last year’s Veterinary Assistant Day to a full week, establishing the national Approved Veterinary Assistant Week during the third week of May each year.
Decades ago, NAVTA developed the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) program to identify and honor exceptional Veterinary Assistant training programs. Today, the NAVTA AVA program has more than 60 approved online, high school, and adults college campus programs. There are over 2500 Veterinary Assistants practicing throughout the US and Canada carrying the designation of NAVTA Approved Veterinary Assistants.
One goal of the AVA program is to help provide the delineation between the unlicensed Veterinary Assistant (VA) and the Credentialed Veterinary Technician by defining the skills allowable to the VA and to encourage VA graduates to pursue a higher level of education as Credentialed Veterinary Technicians.
In order to be eligible to take the Approved Veterinary Assistant designation examination, candidates must complete a NAVTA approved training program. With successful completion of the exam, individuals will become an Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) and be recognized for their accomplishment with the AVA designation.
During last year’s Veterinary Assistant Day, NAVTA-approved AVA programs and veterinary hospitals around the country celebrated their Veterinary Assistants with parties, special recognition, and awards for their tireless work to improve the lives of pets and wild animals. These individuals work closely with the Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians restraining animals, providing nutrition, helping prepare surgical units and support surgical patients, cleaning and disinfecting the facility, and offering support and information to clients.
This year, NAVTA is pleased to offer discounted membership of just $15 to Approved Veterinary Assistant students and practicing Approved Veterinary Assistants during the week of May 19-25, 2024. Please join NAVTA in recognition of these vital members of the veterinary team during National Approved Veterinary Assistant Week, May 19-25, 2024.
To take advantage of our discounted membership dues, please enter code “AVA2024” (Select “Associate Member”).
Please note that this discount is only valid to NAVTA Approved Veterinary Assistant Designees and is only available May 19-25, 2024.
If you are a current AVA student, please contact your program advisor for your specific discount code.