Specialist Registration

Entry to the Veterinary Nurse/Technician Specialist Register 

From the 1st of March 2024, applications are open for entry onto the specialist register.

The only specialist qualification eligible for automatic entry to the specialist register in New Zealand is a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) from an academy that has met the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (NAVTA CVTS) requirements.  

All other applications will be assessed for eligibility before entry into the specialist register.

A list of the NAVTA CVTS specialties can be found here.  

What is a veterinary nurse or technician specialist? 

A veterinary nurse/technician specialist is a registered veterinary nurse/technician with an exceptionally high level of skill that is well above that of a registered veterinary nurse/technician.  

A specialist has undergone extensive advanced supervised training, culminating in passing rigorous examinations. Specialist qualifications are usually restricted to a particular species or discipline.  

Veterinary Nurse or Technician Specialist Assessment 

Minimum Eligibility Criteria 

• Registered with the AVPRC as a registered veterinary nurse or technician 

• Practice as a qualified veterinary nurse or technician for a minimum of five years 

• Pass a board-certified examination from a certifying body (not an educational body) in a specific area of veterinary medicine 

• Maintain active membership according to your specialty requirements 

• If your specialty membership expires or is revoked, you will be removed from the AVPRC specialist register 

Assessment Process 

Follow these steps to apply for assessment of your specialist training and qualifications: 

• Register as a veterinary nurse or technician with the AVPRC 

• Make sure you meet the minimum eligibility criteria to apply for assessment 

• Complete the specialist assessment application

• Send in your application form and supporting documents to info@avprc.org.nz

• We will contact you via email to inform you if we will proceed with your assessment and provide you with payment details. Please note payment fee is $45.

• The AVPRC registration committee will assess your application and notify you of the results.

 Please note that submitting an application and paying the prescribed fee does not guarantee admission to the specialist register.