What is NAVTA? Resources for Veterinary Assistants
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) stands as the cornerstone for veterinary technology organizations across the country. NAVTA plays an essential role in advancing the field through advocacy, education, and professional development. Since its founding, NAVTA has worked to elevate the status of veterinary technicians (vet techs), establish consistent professional standards, and ensure that veterinary professionals receive the recognition they deserve.
Understanding NAVTA's mission provides insight into how this organization continues to shape veterinary medicine and improve the workplace for other veterinary professionals. For current or future vet assistants, like those in The Academy of Pet Careers' veterinary assistant program, NAVTA is a great resource to have at your disposal.
What is NAVTA?
NAVTA is a non-profit organization that aims to promote veterinary technology in America. Though they focus on The US, their reach also extends into Canada. Founded in 1981, NAVTA acts as the voice of vet techs everywhere, speaking on behalf of those in veterinary support roles.
Vet techs play a crucial role in the veterinary profession, providing medical care and support to animals under the supervision of veterinarians. In order to make sure that techs get the appreciation they deserve, NAVTA focuses on advocacy, awareness, educational and professional development, and standardization. However, those in other veterinary support roles, like vet assistants, should not shy from the perks NAVTA has to offer.
Vet assistants, who have very similar roles to vet techs, can benefit from the resources provided by NAVTA. These resources include community membership, career tools, research and publications, and even schooling options. If you are looking to get the proper education to become a veterinary assistant, The APC offers a vet assisting program to ensure students have the skills, knowledge, and experience to begin their veterinary careers.
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How does NAVTA work?
Leadership
NAVTA's Board of Directors, as of 2025, consists of eight leaders: the president, president-elect, immediate past president, treasurer, directors, and the executive director. All leaders are credentialed professionals, most as current or past vet techs. The leadership team members serve defined terms and are responsible for strategic planning and organizational management.
Committees
Various committees focus on specific aspects of the profession. These committees comprise volunteer members who contribute their expertise to furthering NAVTA's mission in specialized areas. There are currently 10 active committees, including veterinary specialty committees, the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) Committee, the Continuing Education Committee, and the Student Chapters of NAVTA (SCNAVTA).
Members
Anyone can become a NAVTA member, regardless of their background. However, a subscription can cost $35, $79, $99, $125, or $160 per year depending on the person's credentials, interests, and anticipated involvement. Members get access to other professionals across the industry, e-publications, discounts, events, and more.
What is the purpose of NAVTA?
Advocacy and Awareness
NAVTA's primary purpose is to represent and advance the interests of veterinary technicians and technologists across America. The organization serves as the national advocate for the profession, working to increase recognition of veterinary technicians' education, skills, and contributions to animal healthcare.
Education and Professional Development
A key goal of NAVTA is providing educational resources and professional development opportunities. These are meant to help members grow their careers and maintain competency in the field. The organization develops and curates certificate programs, continuing education programs, scholarship programs, professional resources, and networking opportunities that support lifelong learning.
Standardization
NAVTA strives to elevate the profession through the promotion of standardized credentials, title protection, and appropriate utilization of techs' skills. One of NAVTA's current initiatives is the Veterinary Nurse Initiative (VNI). The mission of VNI is to standardize the role of "Veterinary Nurse," making the role available only to licensed veterinary technicians.
Community
Members get access to veterinary professionals across the country, providing valuable networking and community engagement opportunities. Members can choose their level of involvement. Therefore, individuals can run for the board of directors, volunteer for committees, complete one of their programs, or simply join in on holidays like National Veterinary Technician Week.
NAVTA Member Benefits for Vet Assistants
Becoming a NAVTA member has great benefits for anyone in the veterinary field, especially veterinary assistants. As a member, people can access webinars, summits, certification programs, continuing education programs, specialty committees, and The NAVTA Journal to stay up-to-date on all things veterinary technology. Beyond veterinary education, you get access to the Career Center. This perk includes resume writing, coaching, interview tips, and their veterinary job board. As a veterinary assistant, yearly membership would cost $99.
The organization also works collaboratively with other veterinary associations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and Fear Free. These partnerships work to develop consensus on issues affecting the entire veterinary team. Such partnerships strengthen the profession's collective voice while addressing shared concerns. These resources help members stay current with evolving medical knowledge while providing the chance for professionals to make their voices heard.
Key Takeaways
NAVTA's influence extends throughout veterinary medicine, improving standards of care and enhancing professional practice. Through its advocacy and educational initiatives, NAVTA continues to shape how veterinary medicine is practiced. As a national association for veterinary technology, their main priority is vet techs. However, NAVTA is a great resource for anyone in a veterinary support role. If you want a gateway into the veterinary world without the hurdles of becoming a vet tech, vet assisting may be the perfect path for you. If that's the case, The Academy of Pet Careers veterinary assistant program is a great first step towards your dream career.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very similar, both being support roles in a veterinary team. However, there are some differences between vet techs and vet assistants. For example, the only task a vet tech can perform that is off-limits to a vet assistant is administering anesthesia.
NAVTA operates at the national level, focusing on broad initiatives that affect veterinary technicians across the United States. It works on nationwide advocacy, sets professional standards, and coordinates efforts between various state associations.
Yes, NAVTA membership isn't limited to credentialed veterinary technicians. The organization offers several membership categories to accommodate different roles within veterinary medicine.
NAVTA itself doesn't directly certify veterinary technicians. Rather, it recognizes the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), which is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).
When a group of veterinary technicians wants to establish a new specialty, they submit a petition to the Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS). This demonstrates the need for specialized information in that area, defining the knowledge and skills required, and outlining certification requirements.
Hope Allen
Hope Allen combines her lifelong passion for animals with her digital marketing expertise. Growing up in a veterinary family, she gained hands-on experience working as an office assistant and sterilization tech at their mobile practice. This foundation, coupled with her degree in design and digital content strategy from Lindenwood University, allows her to bring unique insight to pet-focused content.