WAVMA Certified Aquatic Veterinary Nurse/Technician (CertAqVNT) Program

Program Description

The WAVMA Aquatic Veterinary Nurse/Technician Certification Program is open to all veterinary nurses/technicians and identifies the core competency or subject matter areas needed to practice aquatic veterinary nursing, and recognizes those nurses/technicians who have acquired the necessary knowledge, skills and experience (KSE) from a variety of sources, in the following core subject matter areas:

1. Aquatic Environment and Life Support Systems
2. Taxonomy, Anatomy and Physiology
3. Husbandry and Industries
4. Pathobiology and Epidemiology of Aquatic Animal Diseases
5. Diagnostics and Treatment of Aquatic Animal Diseases
6. Clinical Nursing Experience and Client Communications
7. Legislation, Regulations, Public Health and Zoonotics
8. Aquatic Animal Welfare

Click here to download the full CertAqVNT Program Handbook.This provides guidance on how to complete the CertAqVNT Program and should be read prior to application. Please note: Check you are using the latest version (Version number and date match with that on the website).

The Process

It is recommended that you initially speak with a mentor prior to applying, this is to ensure that you can complete the CertAqVNT process within the 12 months allowed. You can identify a mentor by going to the WAVMA Member Directory and click on the green CertAqV box at the bottom of the page, or searching for contact details of those listed as CertAqVNT on the CertAqVNT webpage. Alternatively, you can email administrators@wavma.org who will talk you through the process prior to you applying. 

Individuals who desire to participate in the WAVMA CertAqVNT Program will first need to apply and pay the US$250 application fee. Once payment is received the process is fully online and can be accessed through your membership profile. You have up to one year (12 months) to submit the required paperwork (KSE record, current CV and evidence of licensure/registration) after the application payment date. It is the applicant's responsibility to identify a mentor.  

When your mentor is satisfied you have sufficient KSE credits, they will request the WAVMA Credentialing Committee to evaluate your application. Once the Committee and the WAVMA Executive Board have evaluated these and are satisfied you meet all requirements, you will be notified via automated email.

Click here to download a document on “How to use the automated CertAqV, CertAqVNT system”.

Students (and others) are encouraged to gain KSE towards the CertAqVNT prior to applying for the CertAqVNT. However, the requirements of CertAqVNT mean students need to have reached the requisite KSE (150 KSE) within one year of application and have graduated as a licensed/registered Nurse/Vet Tech in your country within the one-year time period.

The KSE Credit Record will be available to complete in your member profile once you have paid the application fee. 

Click here for an example of a completed KSE Credit Record.

Click here for a list of CertAqVNT resources.This list is not exhaustive. Please consult with your mentor.

Click here for an example of a completed KSE Credit Record.

Click here for a blank KSE Credit Record to use (outside the automated system) if required.

Click here to view an outline of how the application process works.

Click here for  an example Case Report. Case reports may be published in The Aquatic Veterinarian at the discretion of the editor and with the applicants permission.

Click here for an example Letter of Clinical Experience.

Please note: To maintain certification, individuals will need to continue to be a Veterinary Technician/Nurse Member of WAVMA and acquire at least 50 hours of aquatic veterinary CEPD over the following 5 years. Recertification will require a US$50 application fee and evidence of this CEPD. To renew your CertAqVNT please Click here. You will need to be logged in to your WAVMA profile to access the page.