AVTE Fellows Designation (start your application)

Congratulations to the inaugural class of AVTE Fellows, inducted at the 2024 Annual Conference in Houston.
(download a list of our fellows)

Updated January 2026

In April 2024, we were excited to launch the AVTE Fellows Program, a transformative initiative aimed at recognizing and honoring the dedication and expertise of veterinary technician / nursing educators in the United States, Canada, and internationally credentialed veterinary educators. This new designation bolsters educators' credibility and influence within all corners of veterinary education, elevating their voice and stature to their rightful place.

Candidates for the AVTE Fellows designation will demonstrate their commitment to leadership, mentorship, and innovation in educating the next generation of veterinary technicians / nurses through a rigorous self-study process. This process will allow candidates to showcase their contributions and achievements, demonstrating that they are "in it for the long haul." 

The program launches at an initial "Fellows" level, with plans to expand in the coming years to include a "Senior Fellow" designation and a third, invitation-only level that will recognize a lifetime body of work. All Fellows can use a special designation within their professional criteria, highlighting their dedication and commitment to excellence for potential employers and colleagues. Fellows will also have the opportunity to participate in unique programming opportunities. 

We hope you will consider applying for this recognition. 

Tara Groves, FVTE, BS, LVT and Chair - Fellows Task Force (Owensboro Community and Technical College)
Tricia Gorham, FVTE, MA, CVT, RVT, BVSc, AAS, VTES, and AVTE President (St Petersburg College)

AVTE Fellows Program - Quick Facts

About the Program

AVTE Fellows designation allows members to obtain a title that reflects their outstanding commitment to promoting leadership, mentorship, and innovation within the veterinary technology / nursing education community.

Note: If you live or practice outside of North America, we still encourage you to apply. Please reach out to us at [email protected].

Fellows Roster

Download the roster of the inaugural class of AVTE Fellows (11/18/24).

Eligibility Requirements

• Graduate of an AVMA (or international equivalent) accredited Veterinary Technology / Nursing or DVM Program
• Credentialed Veterinary Technician / Nurse or DVM for at Least 5 Years
  
  
• Meet a time in educational service criteria through one of the following pathways:
• If employed in a teaching role at an academic institution, the time spent on teaching or program-level educational leadership in veterinary technician / nurse education is at least 40% of total professional activity for three years.
• If employed as adjunct faculty, the time spent teaching veterinary technician / nurse education has been at least three classes per year in the last five years.
• Conduct at least two monthly educational training sessions for the last three years if employed in a corporate capacity. Candidates in this pathway may combine full-time employment in an academic institution and service in a corporate training capacity to meet this requirement.
• If you recently retired from a full-time position within an academic institution within the last five years, demonstrate the point requirements would have been met during the three years before retirement.

• AVTE member in good standing for at least two years.
• Attend one AVTE Conference in the last five years and another (veterinary medicine or general education) in the last three years.
• Endorsement by two active AVTE members who have been in good standing for at least two years.
• No history of professional disciplinary action within the past five years.

How to Apply

Candidates will apply through an online application portal. As the online application must be completed in one sitting, candidates are encouraged to review a PDF version of the application to prepare. There is a one-time fee of $50 to apply for the designation.

Important Dates

Applications will be considered on a monthly basis through September 30, 2024, and then on a quarterly basis beginning in October 2024. Applications are anticipated to be reviewed only twice a year beginning in 2026.

For More Information

Please contact the AVTE offices (888-859-8832 or via email)

ACCESS THE ONLINE
FELLOWS APPLICATION