CVTEA accreditation policies and procedures

Last update to this section: August 2025

II. The AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA®)

In 1972 the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) authorized a program of accreditation of training for animal technicians and assigned the responsibility for the program to the Council on Education. At the same time, the HOD authorized the Board of Directors to appoint a Committee on Accreditation of Training for Animal Technicians (CATAT) to function under the guidance of the Council on Education to carry out all duties associated with implementation and continuation of this program. The Board made the initial appointments in1972. In 1974 the charge to the Committee was extended to include all matters pertaining to animal technicians and its title was changed to the Committee on Animal Technician Activities and Training. In 1989 the HOD approved a change in nomenclature substituting the title veterinary technician for animal technician. In 1990 the AVMA Board of Directors approved the name change to the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA).

Scope of Recognition

The CVTEA accredits undergraduate programs in veterinary technology within the United States and internationally. As the sole recognized accrediting body for veterinary technology programs in the U.S., CVTEA applies a specialized accreditation process exclusive to veterinary technology education and does not accredit other types of academic programs within institutions. The intent of the CVTEA is stated in its mission statement developed in 2001: to shape the future of veterinary medicine by promoting veterinary technology and the veterinary professional team through education, quality, integrity, service, leadership, and collegiality.

CVTEA accreditation of educational programs serves to inform the public of those institutions providing quality education for veterinary technicians and to benefit graduates by providing a measure of recognition and enhancing their prospects of employment mobility.

Membership

The Committee consists of 20 members. The membership includes:

  • Eight veterinarians – one each from the following categories: Council on Education, clinical veterinary medicine-large animal, clinical veterinary medicine-small animal, laboratory animal medicine, faculties of colleges of veterinary medicine, educators of veterinary technicians, and two at-large.
  • Seven veterinary technicians (three at-large, one who must be an educator in a veterinary technology program, one specified clinical small animal, one specified clinical large animal, one unspecified preferably recent graduate within the last five years for a 3-year term with option for one 3-year renewable term).
  • Two categories of either a veterinarian or veterinary technician: representing state boards of examiners in veterinary medicine, representing veterinary medicine industry.
  • One Canadian member of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Animal Health Technologist/Veterinary Technician Program Accreditation Committee (AHTVTPAC) who may be either a veterinarian or a veterinary technician.
  • Two public members who must be engaged in activity other than veterinary medicine or employment as a veterinary technician.

Appointment and Tenure

The AVMA CVTEA Selection Committee appoints the members of the Committee with the following exceptions: the Council on Education appoints one member from its membership, the Committee appoints public members, and the AHTVTPAC appoints the Canadian member. Members serve six-year terms, beginning at the close of the AVMA annual meeting. The COE representative is appointed by the chair of the COE to serve as a voting member for a one-year renewable term

A member shall represent only one area in the context of appointment to the Committee. All veterinary technician members must be graduates of an AVMA or Canadian VMA-accredited veterinary technology program and be currently licensed/registered/certified. All US veterinary technician members must be members in good standing of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). Canadian veterinary technician members must be members of the Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Canada (RVTTC), and Canadian veterinarian members must be members of the CVMA.

Members may not serve consecutive full terms. For this purpose, a period less than three years shall not be considered a term.

Standing Subcommittees

The CVTEA has five standing subcommittees: Executive Committee (EC), Standards Validity and Reliability Subcommittee, Accreditation Policies and Procedures Manual Subcommittee, Equipment and Skills Evaluation (EASE) Subcommittee, and the Future Focus Subcommittee (FFS). The following procedure is used in forming committees:

Subcommittees are elected by the CVTEA membership to fill the required categories of representation from CVTEA on each subcommittee. Subcommittee members are elected for one-year renewable terms. Subcommittee chairs are elected by the full committee membership. The CVTEA chair or vice chair serves as an ex-officio member on each subcommittee.

The Executive Committee is comprised of the CVTEA chair, vice chair, chair of the Accreditation Policies and Procedures Manual Subcommittee, chair of the Standards Validity and Reliability Subcommittee, chair of the Equipment and Skills Evaluation Subcommittee, and chair of the Future Focus Subcommittee. The purpose of the Executive Committee is to serve as a decision-making group for urgent issues that arise in-between full CVTEA meetings. The Executive Committee adheres to the voting policies and procedures established by the AVMA.

The Standards Validity and Reliability Subcommittee is a five-member subcommittee comprised of two veterinarians, two veterinary technicians, and one public member. The Subcommittee is responsible for ongoing review of and recommendations for improvement to the accreditation standards. The chair is elected by majority vote of the CVTEA.

The Accreditation Policies and Procedures Manual Subcommittee is a five-member subcommittee comprised of two veterinarians, two veterinary technicians, and one public member. The Subcommittee is responsible for ongoing review of and recommendations for improvement to the CVTEA policy and procedures. The chair is elected by majority vote of the CVTEA.

The Equipment and Skills Evaluation Subcommittee is a four–member subcommittee comprised of two veterinarians and two veterinary technicians. The Subcommittee is responsible for ongoing review of and recommendations for improvement to the essential skills and required equipment lists. The chair is elected by majority vote of the CVTEA.

The Future Focus Subcommittee is a five-member committee responsible for monitoring issues impacting veterinary technology education and the CVTEA’s ability to meet its charge including, but not limited to, cyclical strategic planning and continuous improvement of the accreditation process.

CVTEA Officers

The officers of the CVTEA are as follows:

  • Chair
  • Vice Chair
  • Chair of the Standards Validity and Reliability Subcommittee
  • Chair of the Accreditation Policies and Procedures Manual Subcommittee
  • Chair of the Equipment and Skills Evaluation Subcommittee
  • Chair of the Future Focus Subcommittee

The Chair of the CVTEA is the Chief Administrator of the Committee and presiding officer responsible for the conduct of all official meetings. As presiding officer, the Chair:

  • Must be familiar with the bylaws and standing rules of the Committee as well as the job descriptions for officers and committees.
  • Ensures that action taken by the Committee is based on a majority vote.
  • Conducts meetings according to the most recent version of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
  • In consultation with AVMA staff, establishes the agenda for Committee meetings.
  • With AVMA staff assistance, originates or edits all official Committee correspondence and communication reflecting policies and procedures of the Committee to the veterinary technology programs and other individuals and organizations interacting with the CVTEA. Such correspondence communicating official Committee action or policy will be on AVMA letterhead over the signature of the Chair.
  • The Vice Chair of the CVTEA shall be a member of the Executive Committee and shall assume all duties and responsibilities of the Chair in the latter's absence.

Meetings

Meetings are held three times each year. Twice each year in Schaumburg, Illinois and once per year online modality.

Reports

The Committee reports its activities to the AVMA Board of Directors and other stakeholders following each meeting. Resources include an online newsletter and on the AVMA website.

Expenses

The AVMA reimburses committee members for expenses associated with attendance at Committee meetings.

Code of Conduct

The code of conduct for Committee on Veterinary Technician Education & Activities (CVTEA) members is defined in the Accreditation Policies and Procedures of the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education & Activities (P&P). The CVTEA P&P manual is grounded in the best practices published by the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors. Committee members are expected to always adhere to the CVTEA code of conduct. Failure to do so may result in measures including, but not limited to, a written reprimand or dismissal from the Committee.

CVTEA Mission Statement
The mission of the AVMA CVTEA is to shape the future of veterinary medicine by promoting veterinary technology and the veterinary professional team through education, quality, integrity, service, leadership, and collegiality.

Integrity

To foster ongoing confidence in the specialized accreditation process, both the veterinary technology program and the AVMA CVTEA must be assured that functions assigned to each entity are clearly understood. The following are some areas where the special efforts must be made to ensure integrity of the process.

Integrity – Veterinary Technology Program

  1. The program must present accurate information to the CVTEA for accreditation evaluation and must allow access to all parts of the operation during the site visit.
  2. The program must refrain from misleading advertisement of the program and must correct any inaccuracy in a timely manner.
  3. The program must make every effort to protect students. The protection must include, but is not limited to, unbiased grading procedures and access to educational opportunity, scholarships, and student services.
  4. If a program releases information regarding its accreditation status, the information must be correct. Should misinformation be released, the college must correct the information in a timely manner.

Integrity – CVTEA

  1. The CVTEA must conform to the Conflict of Interest Policy.
  2. During the evaluation process, the CVTEA must evaluate the program only on the Standards of Accreditation. Application of the Standards to all programs must be unbiased.
  3. The site visit and deliberation toward the assignment of accreditation status must be conducted with the highest ethical standards.
  4. All material, discussion, and decision of the CVTEA regarding accreditation must be confidential.
  5. The CVTEA must recognize institutional and program diversity when making accreditation decisions.
  6. The CVTEA must inform all appropriate state, institution, and program officials of matters related to accreditation in a timely manner.
  7. No current CVTEA members may serve on a site visit to a program in which there is a conflict of interest.

Confidentiality

To ensure that all matters dealing with accreditation of veterinary technology programs are conducted with integrity and objectivity, the CVTEA has adopted a confidentiality policy. Those who participate in CVTEA activities, including but not limited to elected CVTEA members, non-CVTEA site team members, and appropriate AVMA staff, must maintain the confidentiality of all non-public information relating to accreditation and veterinary technician education.

To provide programs, accrediting and state agencies, and the public with the most accurate information possible, the CVTEA has adopted specific policies and procedures governing all CVTEA communications. Communications that are not consistent with the CVTEA’s policies and procedures and that have not been approved and issued by the CVTEA are strictly prohibited. All discussions, observations, and documents associated with site visits and accreditation decisions are confidential to the CVTEA and should not be discussed with anyone other than elected CVTEA members, appropriate AVMA staff and non-CVTEA site team members when necessary. Information regarding accreditation decisions cannot be shared with any individual or group other than: 1) the institution and program through the official report of evaluation, 2) reports to accrediting and state agencies, and 3) the public through official announcements and communications made by the CVTEA chair. Any inquiries made to CVTEA members regarding the accreditation process or about specific programs should be referred to the appropriate AVMA staff.

It is the policy of the CVTEA to ensure that its accreditation decisions are independent and are not subject to interference from any organization or individual. Appropriate AVMA staff may attend CVTEA meetings and provide assistance to the CVTEA as necessary and shall maintain the confidentiality of all non-public information regarding accreditation decisions. The CVTEA Chair and appropriate AVMA staff may share non-public information regarding accreditation decisions with appropriate AVMA officials in the course of litigation and pursuant to the attorney-client privilege. Should the need arise to consult with other AVMA-affiliated individuals, outside experts, or other consultants, the CVTEA Chair and appropriate AVMA staff shall be consulted beforehand.

In accordance with AVMA policy, all information related to the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education & Activities (CVTEA) accreditation of a veterinary technology program is strictly confidential. This includes, but is not limited to, reports of evaluation, letters, self-evaluation and accreditation materials, interim/annual reports, correspondence, and the content of any discussion related to the veterinary technology program or its accreditation. All requests for information related to a specific institution and/or veterinary technology program must be referred to AVMA staff or the respective institution.

Freedom of Information Acts, which may be applicable in a given state, province, or country do not apply to AVMA confidential information related to the accreditation of veterinary technology programs. Information requested through such acts may be obtained through due process from the respective institution or state/province/country office.

Conduct during CVTEA Meetings

No member of the CVTEA who has an identified conflict of interest shall participate in any way in accrediting decisions. The individual shall leave the room when the report in question is being discussed. In cases where the existence of a conflict of interest is less obvious, it is the responsibility of any Committee member who feels a potential conflict of interest exists to consult the CVTEA Chair prior to the discussion. The CVTEA chair shall discuss the matter with the Executive Committee and advise the CVTEA member whether the conflict is of a nature to warrant that the member recuse themselves from the discussion. In addition, any CVTEA member may bring forth concerns to the CVTEA Chair that another member may have a conflict of interest. The Chair and the Executive Committee will discuss the matter with the member for whom there is a perceived conflict, and the Chair will advise the member if it is warranted that the member recuse themselves from the discussion. The conflict of interest policy shall be limited to decisions regarding accreditation and shall not infer conflict with other decision-making responsibilities.

Meetings will be conducted according to Roberts Rules of Order as practiced by the AVMA. Committee members should feel free to discuss matters openly, but only after being recognized by the Chair. Discussions should be conducted in a collegial fashion, allowing all members to voice their opinions on the matters being discussed.

Conduct during CVTEA Site Visits

CVTEA members will be cognizant of any possible conflict of interest, either real or perceived, when being considered as a possible member of a site visit team. Members of the Committee, public members, or AVMA staff are not eligible to participate in the site visit if a conflict of interest is identified. The chair of the site visit, in consultation with AVMA staff, has the authority to dismiss any member of the team who has a conflict of interest or who becomes disruptive or unmanageable during any phase of the evaluation. Should a conflict of interest or disruption occur with the chair, another site team representative can assume leadership of the site team with unanimous consent of the remaining members of the team.

Following a site visit, each member of the site team is given information how to access an on-line evaluation form. The CVTEA conducts an analysis of the survey according to frequency and distribution of response, and prepares a report to the CVTEA. The CVTEA reviews the report and initiates necessary changes to improve the site visit to ensure that the standards are applied in a consistent and reliable manner.

Site team members are required to conduct themselves professionally, courteously, and with the utmost respect for faculty, students, and other representatives of the educational program visited as well as fellow site visit team members.

Site team members must:

  • Remember that the objectives of accreditation include verifying that a program meets established standards;
  • Keep a positive attitude and not offer negative feedback or other criticism during the site visit;
  • Remember that all materials, discussions, deliberations, and reports of the site visit are confidential;
  • Refrain from discussing the “state of a program” with anyone other than site team members and appropriate AVMA staff;
  • Remain open-minded throughout the evaluation process;
  • Carefully study the materials contained in the program self-study to acquire a basic understanding of the college and its operation;
  • Be prepared for two days of intense work;
  • Participate in the discussions, both with college administration, program personnel, and in the team deliberations;
  • Focus on and uphold the Standards of Accreditation;
  • Evaluate the program regarding its compliance with the Standards of Accreditation, not as compared to other institutions;
  • Be alert at all times using all senses;
  • Be on time for all functions;
  • Be involved in all functions of the site visit;
  • Refer all requests for information to the site team chair;
  • Enter into discussions by asking good questions, but do not enter involved discussions except for clarification of unclear points;
  • Be a good listener, and record observations, and plan on being present during all discussions as appropriate to the schedule;
  • Dress in corporate/professional attire for all site visit activities); and
  • Wear identification badges at all times.

Site team members must not:

  • Bring any preconceived ideas about the program to the site visit;
  • Have a personal agenda regarding the institution, its programs, or people;
  • Become separated from the team for any reason unless so assigned by the site team chair;
  • Become involved in a confrontation involving any issue of the visit;
  • Compare institutions or programs, since each institution and its program will be unique and the Committee is not attempting to diminish diversity among programs or to hinder or impede innovation;
  • Offer judgments on solutions to problems during the course of the visit; these activities are to be reserved for the exit interviews with the program director;
  • Ask questions about issues not related to the standards;
  • Tell “war stories”.

Remember at all times, the site team is a guest of the program and is there to assist the program in meeting its mission and goals.

There is no place in accreditation for adversarial relationships. The program and the Committee should proceed with the premise that both parties are dedicated to the common goal of quality in veterinary technician education. Only through full and open communication and cooperative efforts to correct deficiencies can educational excellence be attained.

Interactions between the Committee and the programs should have a collegial tone, and be based on mutual trust and a desire to arrive at a full understanding of the current status of the educational program. The program director and other administrative officers should be knowledgeable in the definitions of the various levels of accreditation status and the impact of the failure to meet one or more of the standards.

Accreditation decisions made by the CVTEA can have far-reaching consequences for the program. Careful and thoughtful site visit activities and accreditation decision activities must reflect the integrity of the process.

During the course of the site visit, site team members will develop a clear sense of the program’s ability to comply with the standards and its ability to sustain the program within the resources identified. Many of your thoughts will be condensed and entered into the draft report of evaluation during site team deliberation. During the site team deliberations, the chair will begin to formulate deficiencies and recommendations to be verbally presented to the program director (and their designated group) and the president of the institution (and their designated group). It is important that there is site team consensus with these deficiencies and recommendations. At these two final meetings the site team chair will verbally present the finding of the team. Other team members should not speak until the report is complete, or unless the chair, program director, or members of administration asks for additional information wherein a team member might make a substantial contribution.