The constant call for veterinary technicians to achieve a high degree of recognition for advanced knowledge and abilities in a variety of areas has raised a number of difficulties. The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NATVA), for example, established a Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS) (NAVTA, 2014). The organization encourages the development of speciality institutions by providing a defined list as well as criteria for supporting societies with academic status achievement. This paper will identify and describe one of the Academy of Veterinarian Technologies' RVT areas. We will also explain the qualifications and procedures for getting the RVT specialist license. The specialty of my choice from the Academy of Veterinarian Technology is behaviorists. Notably, the discipline is offered in the Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians (AVBT) (NAVTA, 2014). Once qualified as a behaviorist technician, one can have an exclusive scientific and human knowledge to identify the techniques of behavioral health, conduct training, management, and modification of actions (NAVTA, 2014). Besides focusing on animal activities, the AVBT advances the understanding of technicians to recognize the critical components of the veterinary behaviors including strengthening the human-animal relationships.
Requirements for the Behaviorists Technicians
In order to serve as a candidate and a potential behaviorist, a specialist is expected to develop an advanced knowledge of behavior that is scientifically-based (NAVTA, 2014). The proficiency should include an active role of behavior in the relationship between the animals and their owners while attempting to make a positive difference through utilizing the concept humanely-based methods. As a result, it is easy to reduce problems, modify actions and reinforce the animal-human bond.
Membership
For one to be qualified under the AVBT specialty, he is acknowledged as a Veterinary Specialist (behaviorist) (NAVTA, 2014). The candidate has to be of high ethical and moral characters and can show sound characters and professionalism throughout work. Also, the experts should have achieved a distinction in the field of animal behavior as well as the advanced qualifications in the field more than the juniors who have not undertaken their exams (NAVTA, 2014). For one to be regarded as having honorary in the VTS behavior, he must have embraced a remarkable contribution towards the progress and development of the animal actions.
As a behaviorist member, there is a requirement of attending the biannual meetings at the academy. During the moment, one should present the report activities to the academy while participating in a caucus (NAVTA, 2014). Likewise, the annual conferences should be turned up for, mainly to avail the progress of duties of the office for the Academy. Through the functions, experts can assess the improvement and give input and directions on the underperformed areas.
Procedures for Obtaining a Special License
To get a special certificate, one has to undergo the four procedures. The steps include: availing the needed credentials, applying for the examination, taking the test, and finally the certification (NAVTA, 2014). In the first stage, giving the required qualifications, someone must be a graduate of an AVMA that is the authorized Veterinary Technician Program. Besides, he must have the legal rights of a veterinary specialist in either some states or provinces within the US. Upon graduating from a Veterinary Technology institution or obtaining the accreditation as a veterinary technician, one had to take a minimum of three years while working in the field of animal behavior, clinical or research (NAVTA, 2014). Additionally, another forty hours of continuing education is essential especially in the areas that are related to veterinary behavior, animal actions, or behavioral research. The ongoing training has two aspects; must be obtained from an acknowledged veterinary technician colleges, as well as being completed within five years before applying for the license.
On the other hand, a candidate for RVT behaviorist must present the documentary testimonial showing an advanced proficiency in the veterinary behavior (NAVTA, 2014). The stage entails a clinical research by accomplishing veterinary behavior skills forms and maintenance of a case record log or research log (NAVTA, 2014). Also, one must have carried out a vigorous research for about one year with numerous reports and documentation in the areas of animal actions.
The second step is where one applies for the examination based on the legalities and requirements VTS (behavior) standards. Third, is the undertaking of the actual study. The testing is particular and is revolving around Veterinary behavior (NAVTA, 2014). To proceed to the final stage of accreditation and licensing, the candidates must have passed and obtained a minimum score as suggested by the Regents. In the last phase, accreditation and awarding of an exclusive license, the candidates must have passed the certifying examination. Through the performance, the Regent approval for VTS behavior is warranted. After succeeding through the test, the Regents direct the Secretary to award a certificate beginning the month of giving results (NAVTA, 2014). Henceforth, the contender is granted the authorization license to be a VTS behaviorist.
In conclusion, the behaviorist is one of the RVT specialties under AVBT. For one to acquire the proficiency, the requirements include an advanced knowledge of scientifically-based behavior and high ethical and moral character. Also, the candidate must be able to attend both annual and biannual caucuses to present the progress of activities for the company. To acquire an exclusive license as a VTS (behaviorist), the procedure required include offering the necessary certifications, applying for the examination while following the rules of AVMA, taking and passing the test. Finally, the successful contestant is awarded the final license to become a legalized VTS behaviorist.
Reference
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), (2014). Specialties. Retrieved 6th September, 2017 http://www.navta.net/?page=specialties
