AAEVT Academy - VTS - Equine Veterinary Nursing

THE AEVNT APPLICATION PACKAGE IS NOW AVAILABLE!The attachments are in a PDF file which can be viewed using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Specialty: VTS – EVN

In December of 2008, the AAEVT sent out an inquiry as to those members interested in organizing an Academy for Equine Veterinary Technicians. Through that inquiry and a review of qualified applicants, an organizing committee was formed. The Committee members are: Deborah Reeder, RVT, Sheri Miller, LVT, DeeAnn Wilfong, CVT, Amy Butzier, CVT, Sharon Klingler, RVT, Joni Watkins, RVT, Kristi Ely, RVT, Jaime DeFazio, CVT, and Jessie Loberg, CVT. The Organizing Committee researched and drafted an extensive proposal ( 88 pages) which was presented to the NAVTA CVTS for consideration. The deadline for this submission was April 1, and we also had to have a non- profit status established.  We made the deadline and our proposal was reviewed and with only a couple of minor changes, was accepted by the NAVTA Board at the AVMA meeting in Seattle. At that meeting there was a reception where the announcement was made. Amy, Deb and Sharon were able to attend.

The proposal outlines all of the qualifications and experience of the Organizing Committee members,  includes a Constitution and Articles of Incorporation as well as Bylaws, and a Missions Statement, states the criteria for membership in the Academy, states the route through education, training and experience that provides the pathway to qualify for examination, lists the criteria that must be met to be eligible to sit for the examination, as well as the process for examination,  lists the clinical skills and categories to be proficient in and through which the examination questions will come from,  lists out resources and preferred clinics for training, gives an overview of the survey conducted as well as recommendations from the AAEP and a representation from its members, and an in-depth case study example.

Here are some excerpts from the Proposal:

The Organizing Committee members were carefully selected from a group of applicants from the AAEVT. We feel this final group offers diversity, excellence in their field, as well as a dedication to the purpose and success of the Academy – AEVNT. We have asked each member of Organizing Committee to sign a letter of Intent and Confidentiality. They are all aware that they have a commitment to the completion of this organizing process for at least three years and may only be replaced due to extenuating circumstances.

 

CONSTITUTION and ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

 

ARTICLE I

NAME

 

This organization shall be known as the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians (AEVNT) hereinafter referred to as the "The Academy".

 

ARTICLE II

INCORPORATION

 

Section 1.      The Academy shall be incorporated under the laws of the State of Texas as a not-for-profit organization organized exclusively for educational purposes, within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future Federal Tax Code).

a.    Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, The Academy shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation/organization exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 50l(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future Federal Tax Code) or (b) by a corporation /organization, contributions to which are deductible under, Section 17O(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section at any future Federal Tax Code).

 

ARTICLE III

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

 

Section 1.      MISSION STATEMENT

     To advance the education and professional recognition of

credentialed equine veterinary technicians who display

              excellence in and dedication to providing superior nursing care

                       to the equine patient.

 

                   PURPOSE

The Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians exists to promote excellence in the discipline of equine veterinary nursing.  TheAcademy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians will provide a process by which credentialed veterinary technicians may become certified as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in the field of equine veterinary nursing (EVN).  The equine veterinary nursing technician who becomes certified as a VTS - EVN will demonstrate superior knowledge in scientifically – and humanely – based techniques of equine veterinary nursing.

 

Section 2.      OBJECTIVES

a.    Promote advancement and a standard of excellence of nursing practice for those credentialed veterinary technicians involved in equine veterinary nursing.

b.    Establish advanced levels of education and experience prerequisites leading to certification in the veterinary technician specialty of equine veterinary nursing.

c.    Examine, certify and recognize equine veterinary technicians as specialized team members in equine nursing. Designation will be: VTS- EVN

d.    Provide mentorship, instruction, scientific and practice management presentations, resources and other contributions to knowledge relating to equine nursing.

e.    Educate the equine veterinary technician, veterinary technology students, the equine veterinary profession and industry on the value of advanced education and specialty credentialing of the equine veterinary nursing technician and the employment of these individuals.

f.     Educate the public on the benefit of the equine veterinary nursing technician profession; not only to the horse, but to the industry we serve.

g.    Provide resources and leadership to the equine veterinary technician profession.

h.    Promote and maintain the professional relationship between the AAEP, the AAEVT and other Academy specialties.

i.      Promote continuing education and dissemination of knowledge relating to equine veterinary nursing.

 

ARTICLE lV

MEMBERSHIP

 

Section 1.      The members of the Academy shall be known as "Veterinary Technician Specialist- Equine Veterinary Nursing” (VTS-EVN).

 

Section 2.      VTS- EVN shall be further classified as one of the following:

a.    Charter VTS- EVN: veterinary technicians having achieved distinction in the field of equine veterinary nursing and having qualifications far exceeding those proposed as necessary for candidates to take the certifying exam. Charter members will be limited to the members of the Organizing Committee. Charter members will not be exempt from the re-certification process every 3 years and they must pay all applicable fees.

b.    VTS: A credentialed veterinary technician of high ethical and moral character who has fulfilled the requirements for certification as set forth in the Bylaws of the Academy.

c.    Hereinafter Charter VTS- EVN (Veterinary Technician Specialist- Equine Veterinary Nursing) will be referred to as Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS- EVN). 

 

ARTICLE VII

EXAMINATION, CERTIFICATION AND RECERTIFICATION

 

Section 1.     Credential Requirements for Initial Certification

  

a)    Credential Requirements dictate that each applicant, before he or she is declared eligible for examination, must:

                                          i.    Be a graduate of an AVMA accredited Veterinary Technician program and/or credentialed to practice as a Veterinary Technician in a State or Province of the United States and/or Canada. The candidate must be an active member of the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians (AAEVT), and it is strongly encouraged that the candidate be a member of the NAVTA.

b)   After graduating from an AVMA accredited school of Veterinary Technology and/or becoming credentialed to practice as a Veterinary Technician (or its equivalent), candidates must meet education and experience requirements, as specified:

                                          i.    Three years /a minimum of 5,000 hrs work experience or its equivalent in the field of equine technology, clinical or nursing based, with not less than 75% of their experience (a minimum of 4000 hrs) being dedicated to the specialty of equine veterinary nursing. All experience must be completed within the three years prior to the application.

                                         ii.    A minimum of fifty (50) continuing education (CE) hours related to equine veterinary technology or nursing.

1.    The continuing education must be completed within the last three years immediately prior to submitting the application. At least 10 hours of the CE must be completed within the year of application.

2.    The continuing education must be received from an accredited veterinary technician school, school of veterinary medicine, national or regional conference, or a conference sponsored by AAEVT or the academy of veterinary equine nursing technicians.  Proof of attendance is required. All continuing education hours must be RACE approved or equivalent.

 

                                        iii.    Provide the documentary evidence of advanced competence in equine veterinary nursing.

1.    Completion of the Equine Veterinary Nursing Skills Form. The skills form documents those skills that have been mastered by the candidate and are necessary to practice as equine veterinary nursing technicians at an advanced level. The credentials approval committee will provide the form. It is subject to change based upon the current state of the art in equine veterinary nursing. The credentials required to sign off on the applicants skills shall be the following:  a veterinarian who is an AAEP member, a veterinary diplomat employed in an equine practice, or a VTS - EVN.

 

 

2.    A case record log is maintained for one (1) year immediately preceding the submission of the application.

a.    A minimum of fifty (50) acceptable cases is required for application approval. A minimum of fifty (50) cases and not more than seventy-five (75) cases must be recorded and submitted. The cases shall reflect the management of the equine patient and mastery of advanced veterinary equine nursing skills. The log should include the following: Date, Patient identification (name or number), species/breed, age, sex, weight, veterinary diagnosis, length of care, final outcome, and summary of equine veterinary nursing techniques and procedures performed by the applicant on the patient

 

3.    Five (5) detailed case reports. Case reports must demonstrate expertise in the management of a variety of veterinary patients requiring advanced equine nursing services. The case reports should be selected from the case record log. Numerous skills from the advanced skills list should be demonstrated in the detailed case reports. Case reports must be the original work of the applicant.

 

4.    Two (2) letters of recommendations written by members from the following categories: a VTS-EVN, a veterinarian who is an AAEP member, or a veterinary Diplomat, who is employed in equine practice.

 

Section 2.      Applicant procedures for admission to examination for equine veterinary nursing technician status are as follows:

a.    Application for examination must be made by the applicant to the Recording Secretary on a form provided by the Academy, and submitted along with the prescribed application fee and required documents on or prior to the calendar date six (6) months preceding the scheduled examination. The application fee will not be refunded if applicant is not eligible to take the examination.

b.    The Regents upon recommendation by the Credentials Approval Committee will make eligibility rulings, and applicants will be notified of results no less than four (4) months preceding the scheduled examination date.     

c.    The applicant is required to sign the following agreement when he or she applies: I hereby apply to the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians for examination in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Academy for credentials evaluation and appeal; herewith, I enclose the application fee. I also hereby agree that prior to or subsequent to my examination the Academy may investigate my standing as a credentialed veterinary technician, including my reputation for complying with the standards of ethics of the profession.

 

 

All candidates must complete:

 

Credential Requirements dictate that each applicant, before he or she is declared eligible for examination, must:

1.    Provide a complete CV

2.    Be a graduate of an AVMA accredited Veterinary Technician program and/or credentialed to practice as a Veterinary Technician in a State or Province of the United States and/or Canada.

3.    The candidate must be an active member of the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and it is strongly encouraged that the candidate be a member of the NAVTA.

4.    Education and Experience requirements as specified:

                                          i.    Three years /a minimum of 5,000 hrs work experience or its equivalent in the field of equine technology, clinical or nursing based, with not less than 75% of their experience (a minimum of 4000 hrs) being dedicated to the specialty of equine veterinary nursing. All experience must be completed within the three years prior to the application.

                                         ii.    A minimum of fifty (50) continuing education (CE) hours related to equine veterinary technology or nursing.

                                        iii.    The continuing education must be completed within the last three years immediately prior to submitting the application. At least 10 hours of the CE must be completed within the year of application. Proof of must be submitted.

5.    Provide the documentary evidence of advanced competence in equine veterinary nursing

                                          i.    Completion of the Equine Veterinary Nursing Skills Form.

                                         ii.    A case record log is maintained for one (1) year immediately preceding the submission of the application.

                                        iii.    A minimum of fifty (50) acceptable cases is required for application approval. A minimum of fifty (50) cases and not more than seventy-five (75) cases must be recorded and submitted.

 

6.    Two (2) letters of recommendations written by members from the following categories: a VTS-EVN, a veterinarian who is an AAEP member, or a veterinary Diplomat, who is employed in equine practice.

 

AAEP and AEVNT Relationship

The relationship between the AAEP and the AEVNT would be one of mutual support and respect.  We would like to request the following from AAEP:

• Occasionally give guidance and feedback to the Academy
• Work with AEVNT to promote the health and welfare for the equine species
• Work with AEVNT to promote the human-animal bond
• Work with AEVNT to incorporate equine nursing specialization in veterinary education at the technician and veterinary levels
• Assist with the creation and maintenance of internships and externships for equine veterinary nursing technicians
• Encourage universities with equine medicine departments to hire AEVNT members
• Encourage AAEP members  to hire AEVNT members
• Support the AEVNT examination committee by submitting questions for the AEVNT examination process

 

 

 

 

AAEVT and AEVNT Relationship

 

The relationship between the AAEVT and the AEVNT will be one of mutual support and sharing of resources, however the AEVNT will not be governed in any way by the AAEVT Executive Board. The Executive Director of the AAEVT may be the same person as the Executive Director of the AEVNT and if so, will act as a professional liaison and advisor between the two entities. The AEVNT will be a non- profit organization created solely for educational and credentialing purposes.  Due to the nature of the profession, there may be credentialed officers of the AAEVT Executive Board, who may also be officers of the Organizing Committee or the Council of Regents for the AEVNT.  The AAEVT will offer the sharing of their resources such as CE offerings, web site access, financial support if required, sponsorship and industry support, VLS CE Center access, graphics, printing and marketing resources, member accessibility and communication, and public awareness of the equine veterinary profession. The AEVNT may request the following from the AAEVT:

·         Coordination of organization of CE for Academy members in conjunction with the AAEVT Regional Symposiums or the AAEP/ AAEVT Technician Program.

·         Work with the AEVNT to promote the health and welfare of the equine species

·         Communication regarding the AEVNT and the specialty qualifications to the equine veterinary industry and sponsors.

·         Sharing of resources such as the web site, access to data, graphics, printing and marketing resources.

Accepted tasks/ duties within the purview of the VTS-EVN:  *** All tasks and duties performed must be in compliance with the individuals State Veterinary Practice Acts and any State and Federal Rules and Regulations.

VTS-EVN areas of expertise: including but not limited to:

• Be able to demonstrate a comprehensive working knowledge of equine veterinary nursing care from the newborn foal to the aged
• Be able to correctly understand, communicate, train and mentor others, and utilize the knowledge required in the performance of all tasks and duties as an equine veterinary nursing technician in the areas of:
  • Client, Trainer, RDVM, Owner communication
  • Horse Management
  • Equine Terminology
  • Equine Nutrition
  • Anatomy and Physiology as related to equine species
  • Reproduction and Genetics
  • Wellness and preventive care
  • Foal Care
  • Pharmacology
  • Laboratory Diagnosis
  • Anesthesia
  • Surgical Assistance
  • Nursing Care/ Fluid Therapy
  • Diagnostic Procedures
  • Equine Medical Emergencies
  • Office Procedures/ Basic Hospital practice – Equine
  • Safety management and Bio-Security – as relates to the horse

 

 

 

 

Academic requirements

AEVNT technician specialists are required to have academic training (course work or self-study under the guidance of an equine veterinarian) in the following areas:

• Horse Management
• Equine Terminology
• Equine Nutrition
• Anatomy and Physiology as related to equine species
• Reproduction and Genetics
• Wellness care
• Foal Care
• Pharmacology

AEVNT ADVANCED SKILLS LIST

All qualified candidates will have demonstrated advanced equine veterinary nursing skills. In their performance of their duties and responsibilities as an equine veterinary nurse technician, all candidates shall demonstrate expertise in the majority of the following areas of advanced skills.  Advanced skills may only be performed on an equine patient.  Acceptable equine species areEquus caballus (horse), Equus asinus (donkey) and any hybrid thereof ie. mule and hinny.

All qualified candidates must show proficiency in Categories 1-4, and 12-13, as the mastery of the skills included in these categories are deemed essential for the equine veterinary nursing technician/ VTS-EVN. Candidates must also be proficient in 75% of the remaining skills listed.

• In the performance of their duties and responsibilities as an equine veterinary nurse, an AVENT shall show competency in the following Advanced Skills:

1. Horse Management

• Demonstrate proper and safe restraint of equine patients including the use of physical restraint devices, including but not limited to, shanks and twitches.
• Have a working knowledge of  the set-up and how to monitor a recumbent horse in a sling ( i.e. Anderson)
• Load injured, compromised or sick equine patient in a horse trailer using proper safety techniques

·         Properly use hoof picks, hoof rasps, hoof nippers, & hoof knife

• Properly remove horseshoes

 

2. Equine Terminology

• Demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of equine terms and terminology through communication, application of skills and performance of duties.

3. Equine Nutrition

·         Assist with client education in equine nutrition

·         Demonstrate ability to identify an equine with nutritional concerns

·         Demonstrate competent total (&partial) parenteral nutrition

 administration techniques

4. Anatomy and Physiology as related to equine species

• Demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of the equine anatomy and physiology through communication, application of skills and performance of duties.

 

5. Reproduction and Genetics

·         Theriogenological nursing 

·         Preparing a mare for breeding exam (prep of the perineum...)

·         Assist with artificial insemination

·         Calibrate & operate computerized sperm motility analyzer

·         Perform semen collection using mount mare & phantom mare

·         Prepare endometrial & testicular biopsies (for histological sectioning & staining)

·         Prepare semen extender for cool shipment

·         Prepare semen extender for freezing stallion semen

·         Prepare solutions and transport media for flushing embryos

·         Safely handle breeding stallions for natural cover, semen collection, etc.

·         Safely handle mares ( including ovariectomized mares) during semen collection,

·         Set up and assist with standing flank oocyte aspirations and transfer

·         Set up and assist with uterine infusion & lavage

·         Standardize & use pH meter

·         Standardize and operate osmometers

·         Assist and prep for normal foaling delivery, dystocia, or C- section delivery

 

6. Wellness care

·         Apply and use mouth speculums

·         Be knowledgeable in the performance of a thorough dental examination, including aging of the horse

·         Perform sheath cleaning on both stallions and geldings

·         Demonstrate working knowledge of recommended vaccination and de-worming schedules ( as recommended by the AAEP)

7. Foal Care

·         Perform foal emergency set-up & receiving

·         Perform foal feeding via nasogastric tube

·         Demonstrate foal folding

·         Demonstrate foal naval umbilicus care techniques

·         Perform milk collection on mares

·         Perform naso-gastric intubation

·         Place and maintain indwelling feeding tubes

·         Reposition recumbent foal

·         Perform proper foal restraint techniques

·         Knowledge and set up of ICU foal care unit

·         Demonstrate knowledge of and recognition of signs of imminent foaling by mare

·         Assist with foaling, both routine and dystocia

 

 

8. Pharmacology

·         Demonstrate working knowledge of equine pharmacology

·         Identify and maintain list and proper inventory control of all drugs, supplies, equipment needed for an equine practice, as well as ambulatory

·         Demonstrate a working knowledge of race track and performance / sport horse drugs and supplies, including withdrawal times, rules and regulations, resources

·         Demonstrate knowledge of controlled substances, keeping a log and the rating system (Class I-V)

9. Laboratory Diagnosis

·         Properly collect diagnostic specimens for analysis(ex: urine, blood, feces, cells, tissue, specimens for cytology)

·         Perform an IgG Assessment

·         Perform a blood gas analyzer quality control

·         Demonstrate adequate blood gas analyzer usage- obtain, measure and interpretation

·         Perform arterial blood sample collection techniques

·         Perform blood culture techniques 

·         Perform milk sampling techniques

·         Be knowledgeable regarding the legal and proper workup for a Coggins ( EIA and a health certificate ( proper collection and paperwork)

·         Perform a manual CBC

·         Demonstrate knowledge in the evaluation of blood donor cross-match results and determination of  the best donor

·         Perform microbiology tests to include cultures and sensitivities

·         Perform fecal examination using multiple methods

 

10. Anesthesia      

·         Endotracheal Tube Placement and Management

·         Ventilator Set-up and Administration

·         Maintain and use equine specific diagnostic monitoring equipment

·         Set up and interpretation of Capnography

·         Direct arterial blood pressure equipment set-up and interpretation

·         Perform an Electrocardiogram- attach leads correctly, understand basic interpretation and understand advanced interpretation

·         Demonstrate re-breathing bag usage

·         Demonstrate nursing anesthesia skills - specific to equine including the following;

o   Demonstrate knowledge of Analgesic drugs - dosages and usages

o   Perform blood gas interpretation

o   Demonstrate knowledge of anesthetic agents and induction drugs

o   Demonstrate knowledge of CRI  calculations and administration

o   Demonstrate knowledge of drugs for cardiac arrest

o   Demonstrate knowledge of paralytic agents

o   Demonstrate knowledge of reversal agents

o   Demonstrate knowledge of synthetic colloids, hypertonic saline, blood, and their indications in the equine

o   Demonstrate knowledge of the use of bicarb

o   Demonstrate knowledge of the use of calcium

o   Demonstrate knowledge of the use of anticolenergics

o   Demonstrate knowledge of the use of inotropes

o   Demonstrate knowledge of the use of Guaifenesin (GG)

o   Assist with an Intercostal block

o   Perform a mask induction of a foal

o   Perform naso-tracheal intubation

11. Surgical Assistance

·         Perform suction set-up and use

·         Properly apply head & tail ropes for recoveries

·         Properly place recovery hood

·         Perform re-intubation - guide tube

·         Proper handling of the equine patient being induced/ recovered

·         Perform post-operative patient recovery

·         Perform pre-operative patient preparation

·         Be knowledgeable on sterile fields, how to assist in a sterile environment

·         Be knowledgeable on precautions to take with a “dirty” surgery

·         Set up, operate, clean & troubleshoot arthroscopy equipment

·         Set-up and Use of electrocautery unit

·         Surgical laser set-up and usage

·         Operate hoist using safety techniques for both personnel and patient

·         Knowledge of proper positioning and padding for procedure

·         Operate Laparoscopic equipment

·         Operate Videoendoscopic unit

·         Properly package instruments for cold, gas and steam sterilization as well as troubleshooting sterilization units and being aware of the shelf life of all methods of sterilization

 

12. Nursing Care/ Fluid Therapy

·         Place a sterile urinary catheter

·         Demonstrate a working knowledge of advanced bandaging and wound management techniques including splints and  assisting with application of casts

·         Administer parenteral medications intramuscularly, intravenously, subcutaneous

·         Perform blood collection for transfusions

·         Administer blood and plasma to an equine patient

·         Demonstrate adequate knowledge of Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)techniques

·         Administer of liquid oral medications and understand the pharmacokinetics of such

·         Perform arterial blood collection

·         Perform lateral thoracic vein catheterization

·         Perform IV fluid administration on both gravity dial system and pump

·         Demonstrate working knowledge of fluid doses and ability to calculate appropriate volumes of additives, fluid doses and drip rates.

·         Perform Oxygen catheter placement

·         Perform Oxygen set-up and therapy as directed

·         "Piggy Back" fluids administration and knowledgeable regarding interactions

·         Padding and positioning - recumbent horse

·         Reposition recumbent equine - adult

·         Place nasogastric tube for the purpose of stomach lavage and refluxing of patient and perform reflux procedure/ administering medications or liquids

·         Obtain venous blood - cephalic vein

·         Obtain venous blood - facial vein (equine)

·         Plasma selection and administration…set-up, materials, monitoring (J-5 for endotoxemia, Hi-gamma IgG for FPT, botulism antitoxin, WNV…)

·         Administer eye medication through sub- palpebral lavage system

·         Apply fluorescein dye to eye for examination per prescription

·         Assist with an auriculopalpebral block

·         Perform proper eye examination using gross observation techniques as well as ophthalmoscope examination for the purposes of data collection, not to diagnose

·         Demonstrate nebulizer  ( ie Aero Mask) set-up and usage

·         Demonstrate equine patient euthanasia techniques

·         Perform a variety of wound management and treatment techniques including bandaging, splints, wound prep, aseptic technique

·         Perform central venous guide wire catheterization to include over the wire catheters being placed in the jugular, lateral thoracic or cephalic

·         Knowledge and set up for ICU foal care

·         Recognize signs of sepsis and demonstrate knowledge of managing

·         Demonstrate a working knowledge of

AEVNT

Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians

1708 Redwing Street

San Marcos, CA  92078

Phone (214) 505-1548

Fax (760) 301-0349

Contact: Deborah Reeder, RVT Email: DBReeder@gmail.com Or Amy Butzier, CVT Email: Abutzier@mountida.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9 A.M. EDT, August 26, 2009

AAEVT Receives approval for Formation of equine specialty academy

San Marcos, CA, August 26th, 2009:  The American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and Assistants (AAEVT) received approval from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) to form an Academy for recognition of specialization in equine veterinary nursing. The name of the Academy will be the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians and the specialty designation will be VTS:EVN.

The announcement was made at the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) conference in Seattle in July. Academy organizing members, Sharon Klingler, Amy Butzier and Deborah Reeder were in attendance at the NAVTA Technician Social when the announcement was made.

In December of 2008, the AAEVT formed an organizing committee to begin the process of writing an 88 page petition, seeking non- profit status and creating Bylaws for submission to the Credentialing Committee of the NAVTA, CVTS. The CVTS conducted an extensive review of the petition and the AEVNT was approved for provisional status. The AEVNT is the only specie specific recognized Academy. Full accreditation status is achieved after 10 years of successful completion of all requirements and certification processes.

The purpose of the AEVNT Academy is to provide a high standard of advanced training and education in equine veterinary nursing, to provide a process for certification and examination, and to recognize those credentialed equine veterinary technicians who have achieved and successfully completed this level of specialty status. These individuals will raise the standard of care for the equine patient and be the mentors and trainers for those who follow in their footsteps. These individuals should also be desirable candidates for employment in progressive equine practices, and should be recognized for their effort and dedication to advancing their professional career.

The Organizing committee members will be meeting at the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Annual Convention this December to begin work on examination questions and criteria for application and membership. We hope to begin to accept applications to the Academy in 2010.

Organizing Committee members are: Amy Butzier, CVT; Jamie DeFazio, CVT; Kristi Ely, RVT; Sharon Klingler, RVT; Jessie Loberg, CVT; Sheri Miller, LVT; Deborah Reeder, RVT; DeeAnn Wilfong, CVT and Joni Watkins, RVT.

There will be an informational meeting for those interested in the AEVNT immediately following the AAEVT Technician Scientific sessions on Monday, December 7^th.