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Certified Veterinary Assistant Certification and Training Program
What is the CVA Certification and training program?
What is the CVA Certification and training program?
OVMA, in partnership with Patterson Veterinary Academy, is proud to offer veterinary medical personnel the opportunity to expand their professional growth by offering an online Certified Veterinary Assistant training program.
This program creates a solid foundation for animal health professionals, enabling them to become more informed, skilled, and trusted members of their teams.
Why enroll your staff?
Why enroll your staff?
Although the CVA program does not change what assistants are legally permitted to do, it does offer benefits to your staff and practice at large, including:
Program Content
Program Content
Participants can access training videos on demand, so they can continue working while they study. Topics covered include:
Medical terminology
Anatomical directions
Client relations, Recordkeeping and Patient histories
Best safety practices
Equipment maintenance, Proper cleaning and Disinfecting techniques
General grooming
Patient restraint techniques
Laboratory skills and procedures, Cleaning and chemical handling
Surgical assisting
And much more!
Hands-On Training
Hands-On Training
Participants must demonstrate competency in dozens of foundational skills.
A licensed veterinarian or RVT will mentor the student throughout the program to assess and verify their skills along the way.
Enrollees are required to accumulate 500 hours of practical, supervised work experience before they can take their exam.
Certification & Renewal
Certification & Renewal
All learners must start with Level I training, followed by Level II and then Level III.
An online exam comprised of 100 randomly generated questions ensures participants possess a sound knowledge base. 70% correct answers required to pass.
Renewal takes place every (2) years on even years (2026, 2028, etc) for all Levels.
Five (5) hours of CE and an application fee of $25 are required to renew.
Cost
Cost
OVMA Member Discounted Fee, per admin sign up for PVA Subscriptions: $50 (Sign into the member center to get your code!)
Enjoy the discounted and bundled fee of $295 for the CVA ONLY sign up through PVA!
Here to Renew?
Here to Renew?
The next CVA renewal deadline is March 1, 2026.
For renewal instruction and info please email the office at ohiovma@ohiovma.org.
Enrollment and Program Process
Enrollment and Program Process
Review all necessary CVA Application items and download your forms
Download the CVA Level III Application - We're going through some program udpates, if you need this today please email the OVMA office.
2. Sign Up or Sign in to the Patterson Veterinary Academy (PVA)
Review the below Program Administration details to be sure you qualify and are ready to begin. OVMA Members please use the below button to sign in and get your discount code first!
The fees above will purchase the program materials, training and exam for ONE applicant. The purchaser will recieve an email with instructions for the applicants access.
3. Complete the Online and Hands-On Trainings!
Be sure the learner and supervisor keep applications up to date through the hands-on hours via the skills checklist. Included above is an example Hour Documentation log (supervisors can use similar outlines of their own) to track along with the checklist.
If you run into any issues with the PVA online coursework, email them directly.
4. Email the OVMA Office your Completed Application
Completed applications (included above) and documentation of hours to support the continuing education items are required. These are subject to audit by OVMA.
5. Take the Exam!
Once the learner has taken the exam, OVMA will receive a copy of the results and information. A certificate will be sent to the address on file (learned or supervisor/practice) to proudly display at work or home.
6. Upkeep Your Certification
Every two years CVA's will need to submit (5) CE hours to the OVMA office.
These CE hours may be acquired through any legitimate veterinary educational content produced and provided by a recognized provider, including but not limited to: state and local VMA meetings, online courses, professional seminars presented by veterinary companies, etc. Hours must be obtained between renewal periods. CVA’s may take all five hours of CE online.
Pro tip! Attend the Midwest Veterinary Conference (MVC) and accrue all hours at once!
Interested in advancing further? CVA Levels II and III are waiting, see the above applications and PVA to learn more.
Check out the OVMA Career Center to see who is hiring the CVA workforce.
Program Administration: Learners, Supervisors, and Proctors
Program Administration: Learners, Supervisors, and Proctors
The CVA program can be purchased as a standalone course, or part of the PVA annual subscription.
The CVA program for hospitals must be guided and supervised by a licensed DVM or RVT. It is intended for individuals working in a veterinary practice to seek further education and training to elevate their skills, offer better patient care and enhance their career opportunities.
If you do not have a supervisor that is a licensed DVM or RVT, you do not qualify for this program.
The CVA Program Application and ongoing Certification for Ohio is managed through the OVMA. Please be aware of all application items and requirements before starting.
Are you a current supervisor or exam proctor?
Have a question or follow up about the program, Send Us an Email!
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