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Veterinary Accreditation |
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Frequently Asked Questions about the National Veterinary Accreditation Program
1. Question: How do I know if I am accredited?
Answer: If you are not sure of your accreditation status, contact your local Veterinary Services (VS) Area Office. Although you may have attended an Orientation Program, unless you filled out the application (VS Form 1-36A) and received written approval from the Area-Veterinarian-In-Charge (AVIC), you are not accredited.
2. Question: If I graduated several years ago and think I attended an Orientation Program but never became accredited, how do I apply for accreditation, and do I need to take the Orientation Program again?
Answer: Initial Accreditation Training (IAT) is now required for initial accreditation. Therefore, the following applies: (1) If it has been longer than three (3) years since you attended an Orientation Program, you will need to complete the prerequisite IAT and then reattend an Orientation Program. (2) If it is less than three (3) years since you attended an Orientation Program, you will need to complete IAT but not re-attend an Orientation Program. Contact your local Area Office for guidance.
3. Question: How much will it cost to become accredited?
Answer: There is no cost for the application or any of the training needed to become accredited.
4. Question: What is the difference between accreditation and authorization?
Answer: Accreditation is a one-time process which gives veterinarians the authority to administer APHIS regulations related to animal health in the State of application. Authorization is the process which provides accredited veterinarians the opportunity to conduct accredited duties in additional States.
5. Question: May I do accredited work in any State in which I am licensed or legally able to practice?
Answer: Once you have completed the accreditation process in one State, you MUST apply for authorization for each additional State in which you wish to conduct accredited duties. You must be licensed or legally able to practice in the State(s) in which you apply, complete a VS Form 1-36A, and request authorization from the Area Veterinarian in Charge (AVIC). You may be required to complete a State-specific orientation. You may not perform any accreditation duties until you receive written authorization from the AVIC of the State in which you wish to conduct accredited duties.
6. Question: When performing accredited duties, with what species of animals may I work.
Answer: Category I animals: All animals except: food and fiber species, horses, birds, farm-raised aquatic animals, all other livestock species, and zoo animals that can transmit exotic animal diseases to livestock
Category II animals: All animals
7. Question: How may I change accreditation categories?
Answer: If you are accredited under Category I, you may become accredited under Category II if you apply for accreditation under Category II by completing an application VS Form 1-36A, including certification that you are able to perform the tasks listed in 9 CFR 161.1(g)(2), and submitting it to the Veterinary Services Area Office where you wish to perform accredited duties. You must also have fulfilled the training requirements in 9 CFR 161.3(b) that are associated with renewal of accreditation under Category II.
If you are accredited under Category II, you may become accredited under Category I if you apply for accreditation under Category I by completing an application VS Form 1-36A, including certification that you are able to perform the tasks listed in 9 CFR 161.1(g)(2), and submitting it to the Veterinary Services Area Office where you wish to perform accredited duties. You must also have fulfilled the training requirements in 9 CFR 161.3(b) that are associated with renewal of accreditation under Category I.
8. Question: How might my accreditation expire?
Answer: If you did not elect to participate (ETP) in the NVAP by October 2011 or do not complete required amounts of APHIS-approved supplemental training (AAST) prior to your assigned renewal date, your accreditation will expire.
9. Question: How would I become reinstated if my accreditation expires?
Answer: If your accreditation has expired, you will need to complete a prescribed amount of APHIS-approved supplemental training and submit a VS Form 1-36A to the Veterinary Services (VS) Area Office. For specific details, contact your local VS Area Office.
10. Question: How would I fulfill my requirements for APHIS-approved supplemental training (AAST)?
Answer: AAST for renewal of accreditation is available in three formats as follows:
- AAST is available on the NVAP Website as web-based modules. At the completion of each module, you should print and complete a Certificate of Completion. It is essential that you retain your certificates as the information contained on the certificate will be needed for accreditation renewal when you submit your application, and your certificate(s) may be requested during periodic training audits.
- You also have the option of ordering CD or paper versions of the modules for the cost of production and mailing. Order forms are available through your local VS Area Office.
- AAST is available as lectures at veterinary meetings and conventions.
11. Question:May I use APHIS-approved supplemental training (AAST) for continuing education for my State license?
Answer: Local, State, and national conferences may work with State licensing boards to obtain approval for acceptance of AAST as training for State licensure renewal. This means that AAST could provide credit for both AAST units for accreditation renewal for the accredited veterinarian (AV) and Continuing Veterinary Education (CE) units for State license renewal for the AV and non-accredited veterinarian.
12. Question: How much would accreditation renewal cost?
Answer: APHIS-approved supplemental training (AAST) is required for accreditation renewal. Web-based AAST is available free of charge. However, if you desire a CD or paper version of the AAST, it will be provided for the cost of production and mailing.
13. Question: How much APHIS-approved supplemental training (AAST) would be required for each Accreditation Category?
Answer: Category I veterinarians would be required to complete three (3) units of AAST. Category II veterinarians would be required to complete six (6) units of AAST.
14. Question: How much time is a “unit” of APHIS-approved supplemental training (AAST)?
Answer: One “unit” is equal to approximately one hour of AAST.
15. Question: Will I get a reminder of my approaching accreditation renewal date (ARD)?
Answer: Yes, you will receive a reminder of your approaching ARD along with instructions on how to renew your accreditation. You will be sent e-mail reminders at six (6), three (3), and one (1) month intervals before your ARD. If you did not provide an e-mail address, we will send you a reminder notice via USPS three (3) months before your ARD.
16. Question: Where do I mail my VS Form 1-36A?
Answer: Please read the instructions on the form. VS Form 1-36A is multi-functional. The box you select for your specific need will determine where you mail your form.
Box 1. Initial Accreditation: Send the completed form to the appropriate Veterinary Services Area Office in which you are applying for accreditation for the first time.
Box 2. Authorization in a new State: Send the completed form to the appropriate Veterinary Services Area Office in which you are applying to do accredited work.
Box 3. Choose Accreditation Category: Send the completed form to any Veterinary Services Area Office where you are authorized to perform accredited duties.
Box 4. Contact Information Change: Send the completed form to any Veterinary Services Area Office where you are authorized to perform accredited duties.
Box 5. Accreditation Renewal: Send the completed form to the Veterinary Services Area Office which oversees the State in which your business address is located.
Box 6. Post Revocation Re-accreditation: Send the completed form to the Veterinary Services Area Office where the action to revoke your accreditation took place.
17. Question: When will I use my National Accreditation Number (NAN)?
Answer: Use your NAN to print Certificates of Completion for each Web-based module of APHIS approved supplemental training (AAST). Also, when attending AAST lectures at veterinary conferences, use your NAN on the AAST Sign-In Sheet to create a record of your attendance. Additionally, use your NAN as instructed by the AVIC in each State in which you are authorized to perform accredited duties.
18. Question: Does my National Accreditation Number (NAN) replace my State accreditation number?
Answer: Your NAN is intended to replace any State-specific accreditation number you may have been issued in the past.
Still have questions? See Additional Information or contact your local Area Office.
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