Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question that we are commonly asked? No bones about it! There are a lot of questions people have about veterinary technology and the Ohio Association of Veterinary Technicians. Here you can find just a few of those compiled questions that will help you get a basic understanding of the way things work in the world of veterinary technology.
To become a member just visit the membership page for information. If you have questions please feel free to contact us and we will reply to your question promptly.
Yes! Being a member of the OAVT gives you access to state CE information, changing laws that effect veterinary technicians in Ohio and gives you the opportunity to meet other VT students.
Yes! You would be an affiliate member of the OAVT, receive our newsletter and be able to take part in Midwest Veterinary Conference and Discovery at the discounted rates.
First, in what county do you live? Do you work in the same county or a different county? You can be a member of the district you work in or the district you live in, each has it's advantages. Each county has a corresponding district number. For example if you live in Wayne county (district 8) but work in Ashland county (district 4) you could pick one or the other. Choosing the district in which you work is helpful because you are more likely to be in contact with other OAVT members in that district, while choosing the one where you live may place you closer to district meetings and events. The choice is yours!
To become a veterinary technician in the state of Ohio you must go to a 2 or 4 year American Veterinary Medical Association (or AVMA) nationally accredited school to receive an associates or a bachelors degree in veterinary technology. You then take the VTNE (national board exam for veterinary technology) and register with the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board (or OVMLB) as a credentialed veterinary technician. Please see our Vet Tech Schools Links section of our Links & Information page for information on the accredited schools in Ohio.
A veterinary technician is a person who has attended an accredited program in veterinary technology, graduated and is registered with their state licensing board. They are involved in many different aspects of veterinary medicine and perform many of the duties vital to excellent patient and client care in a hospital setting. The term veterinary nurse has been used to help the public relate to what a veterinary technician does, but it would be more accurate to say that a veterinary technician is a nurse, dental hygienist, surgical assistant, scrub nurse, radiology technician, lab technician, microbiologist, client service specialist, communications expert, transcriptionist, pharmacology technician, manager, nutritionist, animal trainer, behavior counselor, sanitation specialist and an exceptional person.
If you are working in the field of veterinary medicine and would like to become a credentialed technician you now have options that haven't been there before. The Ohio programs not only offer daytime classes but also part-time programs and evening programs, so it's worth checking them out! Be aware that there are also AVMA nationally accredited distance learning programs that allow you to go to school, keep your job and earn your degree! Please see the Vet Tech Schools section of our Links & Information page for more information on these programs.
While the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (or NAVTA) represents technicians on a national level, the OAVT represents us on a state level. Various policies set by the national organization are not necessarily adopted by the state organizations and vice versa. It is important to be involved on both a national and a state level, so that you are aware of both national and state issues and are able to voice your concerns to both parties. While NAVTA can provide discounts on attending national events, the OAVT provides discounts on state events such as the Midwest Veterinary Conference and Discovery. Being an OAVT member also can keep you up to date on district events that are in your neighborhood!
When you are in your last set of classes, or after you graduate, contact the OAVT through this website or the OVMA office, and we will be able to put you in contact with the person(s) administrating the exam. Correspondence can be directed to our corresponding secretary: email the OAVT Corresponding Secretary for more information.
Please refer to the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board's website for information on this subject and details regarding state guidelines. Information about how to become an RVT in the state of Ohio is also included on their website.
Please refer to the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board's website for information on this matter. Information about how to become an RVT in Ohio is also included on their website.
Technicians that were granted registration under the grandfather clause that have allowed their registrations to lapse can not renew their registration. Please refer to the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board's website for more information on this subject.
Please refer to the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board's website for information on this. Information about how to become an RVT in Ohio is also included on their website.
No, all 10 hours need not come from seminars alone. Four of the ten hours may come from journals, tapes, computer reading lectures, or office management seminars. These are considered non-scientific hours. For a full disclosure of how you can earn your 10 hours please refer to the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board's website guidelines.
If you allow your registration to lapse you need to contact the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board, either through the mail or their website, as soon as possible. They can best advise you on what you will need to do.
The OVMLB currently does not have any state specific guidelines for specialties for more information regarding state guidelines visit the OVMLB website, for more about specialty's visit the NAVTA website.
Registration Cycles last two years from March 1st to March 1st two years later. If it is your first renewal you do not need to report continuing education for this renewal period. For more information go to the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board website.
For the OAVT you should contact our membership chair person via an email. You will also need to correct your information with the licensing board as well - this has to be in writing (per the practice act). You can find the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board address at their website.