CVMA Certified Veterinary Assistant Program

The CVMA’s Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVMA CVA) program is an opportunity for veterinary assistants to expand their knowledge and advance their careers in the veterinary profession.

Veterinary assistants learn through online education, in-practice practical experience, and skills assessments under the supervision of licensed veterinarians and RVTs before their final examination. Thanks to the work of our CVMA CVA Committee, the CVMA CVA program now offers Level I (basic knowledge) and Level II (advanced knowledge).

Benefits to Veterinary Assistants:

• Professional growth and increased value to the veterinary team

• Proficiency in medical terminology, nursing skills, surgical preparation, and much more

• The ability to learn while continuing to work

• One year of complimentary CVMA membership upon completing Level I certification

Benefits to Veterinary Practices:

• Cost-effective, high-quality training on a flexible schedule

• Improved patient care

• Access to over 1,000 training videos from Animal Care Technologies in both English and Spanish

• Ability to track veterinary assistants’ progress

• Multiple staff members can be enrolled in the program at the same time, each working at their own pace

• Support staff development, which can increase veterinary assistants’ skills on the job and prepare them to become Registered Veterinary Technicians

• Reduced turnover by creating career opportunities, not just jobs