USDA Makes Four Training Modules Available for Veterinary Accreditation

The U.S. Department of AgricultureÕs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced the availability of four APHIS-approved supplemental training (AAST) Web modules as part of the National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP). More than 57,000 U.S. veterinarians who have elected to participate in the enhanced NVAP have been assigned initial accreditation renewal dates ranging from 2013 to 2015.Ê As part of NVAP updates which went into effect Feb. 1, 2010, Category I accredited veterinarians must complete three (3) units of AAST to renew their accreditation, and Category II accredited veterinarians must complete six (6) units of AAST to renew their accreditation.Ê Each AAST module represents one unit of training, and takes approximately one hour to complete.Ê APHIS is planning to make six additional modules available in September 2011, four in March 2012 and another four in September 2012. The first four AAST modules are now available on the NVAP homepage free of charge online or at participating veterinary meetings and conventions.Ê Six-digit national accreditation numbers are needed to document completion of the Web based training.Ê In addition to Web based AAST modules, printed AAST modules may be purchased by using the supplemental training materials order form available on the NVAP website at a cost of $20 per module.ÊÊ Veterinarians without Web access can get printed module order forms at their veterinary services area office. At the completion of each module, accredited veterinarians should print and complete a module completion certificate.Ê It is essential that accredited veterinarians retain their certificates, as they will be needed for accreditation renewal, and may be requested during periodic training audits. The NVAP is a voluntary program.Ê Veterinarians who participate in the NVAP must work according to the federal standards for accredited veterinarians.Ê Participation in the NVAP allows private sector veterinarians to offer services to their clients such as certifying animal and herd health.Ê Companion animal practitioners can use their accreditation to certify companion animals for domestic and international movement.Ê Information about the accreditation program can be found on the NVAP website atÊwww.aphis.usda.gov/nvap/. ÑU.S. Department of AgricultureÕs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service