Welcome!

Thank you for visiting the Academy of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Technicians and Nurses (AVECCTN) website. AVECCTN is the first organization to be recognized by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (formerly known as the North American Veterinary Technicians Association) as a veterinary technician specialty. Veterinary Technicians who successfully meet the credential requirements and pass the AVECCTN examination are designated as Veterinary Technician Specialists (Emergency & Critical Care).

 

What is AVECCTN?

AVECCTN is not a course or a school, but is a certifying body governed by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA).  AVECCTN certifies veterinary technicians as Veterinary Technician Specialists in Emergency and Critical Care VTS(ECC).  

Achieving VTS(ECC) status is based on work experience over a three to five year period, continuing education, and accumulation of a myriad of advanced skills related to emergency and critical care.  Once the minimum qualifications have been met, technicians may apply to the Academy through a rigorous application process.  Successful applicants are invited to sit for our certifying examination, held annually in the host city at the International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium.   

Only those technicians who can meet or exceed all of the requirements, and pass the examination, earn the designation: VTS(ECC).

AVECCTN is fully recognized by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA).

 

AVECCTN Is International!

Thinking about becoming a VTS(ECC) but you don't live in the United States?? We have members from 11 different countries as of 2026 (US, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Hungary, Ireland, and Switzerland!). 

Please do not let your international status hold you back.  We are willing to accept foreign equivalents for training and experience.  We cannot however offer the application or examination in languages other than English.