A Veterinary Technologist has graduated from an AVMA accredited bachelor degree program in Veterinary Technology. Most AVMA-accredited programs lead to an associate' degree after two years but some lead to a four-year baccalaureate degree. Students earning a baccalaureate degree usually receive higher salaries and greater level of job responsibilities.

Georgia Colleges:

Fort Valley State University

Distance Education:

A Veterinary Technician/Technologist Specialist has met the same requirements as a Veterinary Technician/Technologist plus spends about 75% of their time doing a specific task and has passed a specialist certification exam administered by a Specialist Academy/Society.

Developed in response to a growing interest among Veterinary Technicians to attain a higher level of recognition for advanced knowledge and skills in specific disciplines, NAVTA developed the Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS).  The Committee provides a standardized list of criteria and assistance for societies interested in attaining Academy status.

Currently there are seven academies and four societies offering specialty certification.

The Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians

The Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians gives the technicians the opportunity to expand their knowledge and their professional value by becoming a credentialed specialist in the field of dentistry.

The Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists

Certification as a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Anesthesia promotes patient safety, consumer protection, professionalism and excellence in anesthesia care. The Veterinary Technician Specialist in Anesthesia is there to provide your pet with exceptional care before, during and after a procedure. 

The Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians

The Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians is a group of technicians from varied backgrounds who have come together to realize the formation of a new specialty organization specifically for veterinary technicians working in Internal Medicine. 

The Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians' goal in certifying Veterinary Technicians is to assure the veterinary profession and the public that AVECCT certified technicians possess the knowledge and experience needed to work effectively in a well equipped and staffed emergency or critical care facility. 

 The Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians

The Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians promotes excellence in the discipline of veterinary behavi or medicine.  Veterinary Technician Specialists with behavior certification will demonstrate superior knowledge in scientifically - and humanely - based techniques of behavior health, problem prevention, training, management, and behavi or modification.  The AVBT will advance the skills of veterinary technicians within the discipline of animal behavior and further their recognition as critical components of the veterinary behavi or team in creating, maintaining, and strengthening the human-animal bond.

The Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians

The Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians was created to establish a high quality pool of specialized technicians with expertise in zoology. 

The Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians 

The Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians was created to meet the needs of the equine veterinary community.  

The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) was formed in 1981 in order to provide individuals who are actively involved in Veterinary Practice Management with a means of effective communication and interaction. Our membership is comprised of Veterinarians, Hospital Administrators, Practice Managers, Office Managers and Consultants.

In 1989 the VHMA realized the increasing need among Veterinarians and Practice Managers for a program that would qualify the knowledge and experience necessary to successfully manage the ever-changing business management of today's veterinary practices. The Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certification is the result of that realization.

American Association for Laboratory Animal Science 

The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS), a 501(c)3 nonprofit membership association, is the premier forum for the exchange of information and expertise in the care and use of laboratory animals. Since 1950, we've been dedicated to the humane care and treatment of laboratory animals and the quality research that leads to scientific gains that benefit people and animals. Below is a sampling of the programs, products, and services we provide our members and the laboratory animal science community.

Certification. Nationally recognized as the authoritative endorsement of technician competence, our technician certification program certifies three levels of technical knowledge. The Technician Certification Registry is a voluntary program for technicians to demonstrate a current, credible level of knowledge. Laboratory animal facility managers will be interested in our Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR) program, which is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field. The annual CEU requirement ensures that certified animal resource managers are abreast of the latest in management techniques and theory.

Institute for Laboratory Animal Management (ILAM). ILAM is an education program for professional laboratory animal managers that focuses on management concepts applicable to the animal resource industry.

See an AALAS Brochure