Certified Veterinary Acupuncture Therapist (CVAT) Certification

AAVA Recognition and AVA Accreditation

Our Certified Veterinary Acupuncture Therapist Program, as recognized by the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, provides certification training using a neuro-physiological ("Western") approach to acupuncture. The AAVA is the U.S. affiliate of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and strives to be the "face" of veterinary acupuncture in the U.S. AAVA holds a seat on the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD), giving them a governance voice in the greater picture of veterinary medicine.

Graduates of the CRI program become Certified Veterinary Acupuncture Therapists (CVAT). Those enrolled in our program can sign up at AAVA.org as active members. Upon successful completion of the CVAT program, they can notify AAVA, and their status will be changed to credentialed members of AAVA. Only credentialed members can hold a position on the AAVA board.

AAVA member benefits include:

• Discounted registration to annual meeting and semiannual regional meetings
• Free webinars
• Free subscription to American Journal of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (AJTCVM)
• Access to online referral listing
• Opportunity to pursue the FAAVA status

Our Certified Veterinary Acupuncture Therapist Program also has been accredited by the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists.

The CVAT certification is for:

Licensed Veterinarians

Veterinary Students: Students can start their training by taking Introduction to Veterinary Medical Acupuncture any time after their first year. They can then take the second module, Veterinary Medical Acupuncture for Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation Patients, any time after their second year, and the last module, Canine, and Feline Medical Acupuncture, any time after their third year. Certification will be awarded when the students obtain their veterinary licenses.

The 2024 pricing for the CVAT modules are:

• Introduction to Veterinary Medical Acupuncture: $2970
• Veterinary Medical Acupuncture for Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Patients: $2970
• Canine and Feline Medical Acupuncture: $ 2970
• Total cost for certification: $8910

We understand that leaving home to improve education and skills is a commitment. To earn your CVAT certification, you will need to come to the CRI Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri for a total of three (3) trips. Learn more about traveling to Springfield below.

Note: The last day of class ends early to allow students the opportunity to return home that evening. Students who do not attend a full day of class will not receive any CE credit hours for that day and may have to return to make up the missing hours. Do not make airline reservations that require you to depart class before 3:00 P.M.