{"id":11551,"date":"2022-11-17T20:55:33","date_gmt":"2022-11-17T20:55:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/?p=11551"},"modified":"2022-11-18T20:58:17","modified_gmt":"2022-11-18T20:58:17","slug":"personal-professional-development-vts-in-dermatology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarynurse.com\/personal-professional-development\/vts-in-dermatology\/","title":{"rendered":"VTS in Dermatology"},"content":{"rendered":"

The mission of the Academy of Dermatology Veterinary Technicians (ADVT<\/a>) is to promote excellence in the discipline of veterinary dermatology by demonstrating an advanced proficiency of dermatologic procedures, working with the veterinary team and client to advocate superior patient care, and providing cutting-edge continuing education.<\/p>\n

Dermatology conditions are common in small animal patients. Our goal was to not only include veterinary nurses\/technicians working in veterinary dermatology specialty practices and universities but also provide a veterinary technician specialist (VTS) opportunity for those working in private practice. The academy aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of veterinary nurses\/technicians and promote them as integral members of the veterinary dermatology team.<\/span><\/p>\n

History of the ADVT<\/h2>\n

The history of the ADVT began many years ago after NAVTA announced the formation of the Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS) in the July\u00a01994 edition of the Veterinary Technician<\/i> journal. The first step mentioned in the process was to identify others with the same interest in a specialized discipline. An inquiry to the NAVTA executive director via postal mail (yes, this was prior to websites and email) was sent to determine if any groups were working on a dermatology specialty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once given the go-ahead to proceed, our founding group began the tedious process of developing the proposed academy infrastructure (i.e., creating bylaws, a constitution, committees, a website, and a listserv). It took us quite a few years to have enough credentialed veterinary technicians that shared the same passion for dermatology while also meeting the requirements to serve on the organizing committee. Eventually, we found qualified veterinary technicians at the North American Veterinary Dermatology Forum (NAVDF<\/a>) <\/span>continuing education events and had sufficient numbers that met the criteria for an organizing committee. The authors are among the 8 organizing committee members who helped develop a petition to submit to the CVTS. After receiving support from the American College of Veterinary Dermatologists, we submitted our petition to the NAVTA CVTS and received provisional recognition in 2015 and became the 12th\u00a0recognized specialty. The organizing committee members earned the ADVT VTS Charter Member designation when they took the first VTS examination administered in 2017.<\/span><\/p>\n

Application Process<\/h2>\n

Interested credentialed technicians can refer to the ADVT\u2019s website (<\/span>vetdermtech.org<\/span><\/a>) for the most up-to-date details on the application process. To start the initial process, an Applicant Information and Work Experience Form (obtained from the website) is submitted along with a fee. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, the applicant will be sent a packet that includes all the forms and information needed to begin the credentialing process. Credential packets expire after a 3-year period.<\/span><\/p>\n

Requirements<\/h2>\n

The eligibility process to sit for the exam requires the applicant to submit proof of their credential as well as hours worked in the field of dermatology, skills performed, case logs, and case reports to show their knowledge and experience in the field. Submission requirements include:<\/span><\/p>\n