Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did we form the Academy of Veterinary Emergency Critical care Technicians?

We felt the timing was right; veterinary medicine has seen a rapid growth in knowledge and technology in the last several years. Technicians have worked along with veterinarians during this period of rapid growth and change. Like the veterinarian, it is difficult for the technician to keep abreast of all the changes that are occurring. Those technicians that work with a specialist (e.g. surgery, internal medicine, and emergency and critical care) find themselves being channeled into those areas of specialization. It would only seem natural to recognize those technicians who have achieved a broad base of knowledge and skill in their area of specialization. That is what we envision for the Academy of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Technicians.

2. How will the technician benefit from certification in the AVECCT?

We hope that certification in this specialty will achieve wide recognition and enhance the self-esteem of veterinary technicians. We also want to promote consumer protection, professionalism, and excellence in emergency and critical care nursing. Some may question whether or not this will increase the pay for technicians, that's not for us to say. We did not do this with financial gain in mind. If a technician should receive a higher salary or obtain a position because of their certification we consider that an extra added benefit.

3. How do I become a member?

Becoming a member is very involved and requires a lot of hard but rewarding work. You will be required to submit your qualifications to the credentials committee. Credentials include: Certified, Licensed, or Registered as a Veterinary Technician or a graduate of a AVMA approved Veterinary Technician program; proof of continuing education in veterinary emergency and critical care medicine, and documentary evidence of advanced competence in veterinary emergency and critical care nursing through clinical experience. If your credentials are accepted, you will then be eligible to sit for the certifying examination.

4. What should I know about the application process?

The application process is very detailed and instructions are provided in the application packet. However, we wrote an article which appeared in the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care and the Veterinary Technician discussing the Ins and Outs of the AVECCT Application Process.

5. What type of examination will be offered?

The examination will be multiple choice. The examination committee may choose to include any or all of the following as part of the testing process: oral examination, latent image, computer simulations, or audiovisual aids.

6. What type of questions will be asked on the exam?

Topics to be covered on the examination are those that are crucial to emergency and critical care nursing. Topics to be covered will include, but are not limited to: Anesthesia/Analgesia, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal ( incl. hepatic, acute abdomen, pancreatitis, peritonitis), Urinary, Fluid/Electrolyte/Acid-Base, Endocrine/Metabolic, Hemolymphatic/Immunologic (incl. Oncology), Neurologic, Musculoskeletal, Toxicology/Pharmacology, Reproductive, Misc. Triage/Emergency Care ( incl. Burns, ophthalmology, envenomation, hyper/hypothermia, exotics, procedures/equipment not specifically related to other systems, etc). Ancillary diagnostic techniques will be included in each topic were appropriate. Anatomy and physiology, data collection/identification of problems will also be covered. Technicians certified as VTS (Emergency & Critical Care) need to have an understanding of clinical techniques and how procedures are performed. Therefore, the examination will also include indications, equipment needed, complications, and troubleshooting with regards to common clinical procedures.

7. When will the next examination be offered?

Updated AVECCT examination information can be found on the Exam Info Page here.

8. How do I prepare for the examination?

Reading journal articles or books, and attending emergency and critical care seminars is a good start. Click here for a brief list of some sources that may be of help.

9. How can I keep informed about the status of the AVECCT exam?

The best way to keep informed is through the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. Each edition will have the latest information regarding the status of our Academy. You can also check here, as we will be updating this site as information changes or becomes available.

10. How do I get on the mailing list for the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care?

To receive a copy of the Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care you must be a member of VECCS. If you are not a member, membership applications can be obtained by writing:

VECCS

6335 Camp Bullis Rd. Suite #23

San Antonio, TX 78257