Continuing Education is mandatory to maintain Active Membership
Continuing Education adds to our credibility and helps us develop as a profession. In attending continuing education events, technologists show initiative in learning about new techniques, products and trends in the industry that will benefit their clients. Completing appropriate CE can be a win-win-win for the RVT, client, and clinic.
Bylaw: 6.1.g.i. – to maintain active membership, a member must accumulate a minimum of twenty (20) continuing education credits, approved by the board of directors, every two (2) years beginning January 1, of the year following date of registration.
*MEMBER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSURING COMPLIANCE*
*ALL CE CREDITS WILL REMAIN SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE SAVT*
There will be no carry-over from term-to-term however you have the entire two years to get the twenty (20) continuing education credits.
All CE information and documentation must be uploaded before the final day of your term to your account on the SVMA website.
Documentation is a requirement. If you have issues getting documentation from an event you can use the CE tracking document that the SAVT created. The document needs to be filled out in full and can be uploaded to your SVMA CE account as suitable and acceptable documentation. Click here to access the document.
Category One
At least eighteen (18) credits of the required twenty (20) must be received from Category 1 however all credits could be received from this category. One (1) credit in Category 1 requires one (1) hour of education. A half hour would mean you get half a Continuing Education credit. If a Continuing Education activity is RACE approved for a number of credits the SAVT will accept it for the same amount. For specific events and activities and the CE eligible for each please see the table below.
Category 1 will be made up of the following four subcategories:
Continuing Education in Clinical Veterinary Medicine and Science
Science or clinical based Continuing Education, supported by applied or basic research, that has been presented in peer-reviewed scientific literature, or has been typically presented at accredited schools of veterinary medicine or nationally recognized organizations or institutions. For example, dentistry, hematology, radiology, anesthesiology, etcetera.
Continuing Education in Disciplines That Have An Impact on Animal Health and Welfare
Disciplines such as animal nutrition, management, husbandry, behavior, alternative and complimentary therapies are appropriate. As these areas are essential to animal health and welfare, they are desirable Continuing Education opportunities, provided that the other conditions outlined in this policy are met.
Continuing Education That Have An Impact on the Profession of Veterinary Medicine
Continuing Education in areas that have an impact on the profession of veterinary medicine is encouraged. These may include areas of policy development, legislation, regulations and governance.
Continuing Education That Impact on the Delivery of Veterinary Medical Services
Disciplines such as practice management, communication, conflict resolution and employment standards are increasingly necessary for veterinary technologists and office managers.
Other areas may be considered, provided they are relevant to animal health and welfare and if they enhance the member’s skill in the delivery of veterinary services.
Category Two
Credits from this category will include personal wellness, self-improvement, and overall enrichment of the individual member. This category is meant to combat personal and professional burn-out and promote the longevity of Registered Veterinary Technologists in the profession of Veterinary Medicine. A credit in Category 2 requires two (2) hours for every credit. A maximum of two (2) CE credits can be received from this category however there is not a requirement to get any CE in this category is they are all received from Category 1. When uploading documentation for this category you must include how your activity contributes to your personal wellness, self-improvement, and overall enrichment.
Representative and Exhibitor Continuing Education Credits
Representatives and exhibitors who attend conferences focused on veterinary medicine will receive credits for their attendance and participation in enhancing their skills and the skills of members of the veterinary community. The credits will be based on the table below:
| Days of the Conference | Amount of Credits Awarded |
| 1-2 days | 2 credits |
| 3-4 days | 4 credits |
| 5+ days | 5 credits |
MAXIMUM VALUES
Below are examples of Category 1 activities that are not easily gauged per hour and have therefore been allocated a maximum value. This does not include all activities however, if members require clarification on an activity they can contact the SAVT office.
|
Certification in a Veterinary Technologist Specialty (VTS) or other professional designation |
20 credits |
|
Post-secondary level course in animal health/science, welfare, business, professional development, administration, communication, etcetera |
10 credits per course |
|
Direct practicum supervisor |
5 credit maximum per year |
|
Submit an article to a Veterinary Medicine magazine or other publication surrounding Veterinary Medicine that is published |
4 credits per article |
|
Submit an unpublished article to the SAVT office for review |
1 credit per article |
|
Seminars, courses, wet labs, workshops, or hands-on clinic |
1 credit per hour |
|
VMC/WCVM Seminars or Rounds |
1 credit per hour |
|
Participate in a spay/neuter clinic |
5 credits per day |
|
SAVT Annual General Meeting Attendance |
1 credit |
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Complete the SAVT Wage Survey |
5 credits |
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Serve on the SAVT Board of Directors for the full year |
6 credits |
|
Serve on an SAVT Committee for the full year |
3 credits |
|
Public meeting, public education, or volunteering directly related to veterinary medicine and/or animal health and welfare (VetaVision, SAVT Booth, Be-a-Tree presentation) |
1 credit per 1 hour |
|
Representatives and exhibitors who attend approved conferences |
Maximum 10 per term |