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Experienced-based credentials

Have you already been working in the role of a veterinary technician (or plan to) and need to become registered? There are different options for obtaining a credential based on how much experience you have. Please see the pathways below and review the details that best fits you. Click on the option for more information.  This option expires 12/31/2023.

  • Pathway 1
    • Currently, has completed the following requirement (or will complete this requirement in the year 2023) 
      • At least 6500 hours of work experience in the role of a veterinary technician in the 7 years prior to application submission date
    • Passed the VTNE
      • If you have already passed the VTNE, your credential will be approved with your work experience. 
      • If you haven't passed the VTNE yet, you will have an 18-month window after the submission/approval of your work experience to successfully pass the test and secure your credential.
  • Pathway 2
    • Currently, has completed the following requirement (or will complete the requirement in the year 2023)
      • At least 9000 hours of work experience in the role of a veterinary technician in the 7 years prior to application submission date
*If you won't complete the requirements for either of these pathways until after 12/31/23, obtaining a provisional registration is required to apply for a credential. Please see the information about obtaining a provisional registration.

 

Pathway 1- this option expires 12/31/23

On or before 12/31/23, individuals who have completed the requirements listed below qualify to apply for a credential from the CACVT. 

Please note, if you intend to take the VTNE after approval of your work experience verification, make sure to submit your application to the CACVT at least 3 weeks before the VTNE application submission deadline. This allows adequate time for approval of the work experience verification form and your request to sit for the VTNE.

Requirements
  • At least 6500 hours of work experience in the role of a veterinary technician in the 7 years prior to application submission date.
  • Passed the VTNE 
    • If you have already passed the VTNE, your credential will be approved with your work experience. 
    • If you haven't passed the VTNE yet, you will have an 18-month window after the submission/approval of your work experience to successfully pass the test and secure your credential.
Steps to obtain an experienced based credential with pathway 1
  1. Download and complete the Work Experience Verification Form
    1. Experience must be equivalent to the duties performed in the role of a veterinary technician
    2. Hours do not need to be consecutive, but all hours need to be obtained in the 7 years prior to application submission date.
    3. Hours and skills must be verified with a notarized affidavit, signed by a supervising licensed veterinarian
      1. All skills/knowledge statements must be completed
      2. Multiple forms may be submitted if one veterinarian cannot attest to all the skills and/or hours
      3. The supervising veterinarian must be licensed in the state of Colorado.
        1. If multiple form submissions are made, only one veterinarian is required to be licensed in the state of Colorado
      4. Notarized form(s) must be scanned and submitted with the application
        1. Original notarized document(s) must be retained by the applicant for a minimum of 5 years and provided if requested by CACVT.
  2. Submission of experienced-based credential application including the following:
    1. Completed and signed Work Experience Verification Form
    2. Payment of work experience verification form review fee
    3. *If you have already passed the VTNE, this step is required, but you can skip to step 4 below*
      1. Verification of a passing VTNE score from the AAVSB (passing score is set by the AAVSB-currently 425+)
        1. If VTNE was passed in Colorado from 1/1/2009 to present, the CACVT has the score report from the AAVSB on file for verification.
        2. If VTNE was passed in another state or before 12/31/2008, a VAULT transfer will need to be completed by the applicant to have the VTNE score reported directly to CACVT from the AAVSB. There is no limit on how long ago the VTNE was passed.
          1. https://www.aavsb.org/licensure-assistance/vault-basic-transfer-services
          2. The jurisdiction to choose when completing your Basic VAULT transfer service application is the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine.
  3. Once your experienced-based credential application is approved, you will receive an official confirmation email outlining these next steps:
    1. If you have not taken the VTNE, you can now contact the AAVSB to schedule the VTNE
      1. https://www.aavsb.org/vtneoverview
      2. Please note the AAVSB calls this type of credential alternate pathway or on-the-job trained
      3. Once you pass the VTNE, proceed to the next step
    2. If you have already passed the VTNE, please proceed to the next step
  4. The final step is to apply for registration with DORA
    1. Once all credential application requirements are fulfilled and approved, you will be able to download a Proof of Credential Certificate to submit with your registration application to DORA.
    2. Once you are registered, you are legally allowed to use the titles Registered Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Technician…and the credentials RVT or VT. Those titles and credentials are legally protected by Colorado's Veterinary Practice Act, and unqualified individuals are subject to disciplinary action.  
    3. For more information on registration, please refer to your confirmation email or visit the State Board of Veterinary Medicine's homepage.
Quick links for resources related to pathway 1

Work Experience Verification Form

Experienced-based Credential Application

Request transfer of VTNE scores to CACVT

Schedule VTNE testing appointment

DORA's Veterinary Technician Registration Application

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Pathway 2- this option expires 12/31/23

On or before 12/31/23, individuals who have completed the requirements listed below qualify to apply for a credential from the CACVT.

Requirements
  • At least 9000 hours of work experience in the role of a veterinary technician in the 7 years prior to application submission date
Steps to obtain an experienced-based credential with pathway 2
  1. Download and complete the Work Experience Verification Form
    1. Experience must be equivalent to the duties performed in the role of a veterinary technician
    2. Hours do not need to be consecutive, but all hours need to be obtained in the 7 years prior to application submission date
    3. Hours and skills must be verified with a notarized affidavit, signed by a supervising licensed veterinarian
      1. All skills/knowledge statements must be completed
      2. Multiple forms may be submitted if one veterinarian cannot attest to all the skills and/or hours
      3. The supervising veterinarian must be licensed in the state of Colorado.
        1. If multiple form submissions are made, only one veterinarian is required to be licensed in the state of Colorado
      4. Notarized form(s) must be scanned and submitted with application
        1. Original notarized document(s) must be retained by the applicant for a minimum of 5 years and provided if requested by CACVT.
  2. Submission of experienced-based credential application including the following:
    1. Completed and signed Work Experience Verification Form
    2. Payment of work experience verification form review fee
  3. Once your experienced-based credential application is approved, the final step is to apply for registration with DORA
    1. After all credential application requirements are fulfilled and approved, you will be able to download a Proof of Credential Certificate to submit with your registration application.
    2. Once you are registered, you are legally allowed to use the titles Registered Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Technician…and the credentials RVT or VT. Those titles and credentials are legally protected by Colorado's Veterinary Practice Act, and unqualified individuals are subject to disciplinary action.  
    3. For more information on registration, please refer to your confirmation email or visit the State Board of Veterinary Medicine's homepage.
Quick links for resources related to pathway 2

Work Experience Verification Form

Experienced-based Credential Application

DORA's Veterinary Technician Registration Application

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