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Cedar Valley College in
partnership with the
American Animal Hospital Association
What is the American Animal Hospital
Association
The
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is an international association of
more than 12,000 veterinarians involved in treating companion animals. AAHA was
established in 1933 and is well known for its standards for hospitals and pet
health care. Over 2,600 veterinary hospitals voluntarily participate in the AAHA
hospital evaluation program. This program ensures high standards of medical care
and promotes responsible pet ownership. AAHA evaluates such things as medical
records, diagnostic facilities, pharmacy facilities, surgical facilities,
anesthetic procedures, nursing care, the clinic environment (both inside and
out), and emergency service. For a clinic to become accredited, they must meet
high standards in these areas. AAHA standards are recognized around the world as
the benchmark for quality care in veterinary medicine.
AAHA is also involved in education. Their publishing department produces many educational textbooks and videos used as training and reference material for veterinarians and the veterinary hospital staff. AAHA has also established the Veterinary Management Institute in association with Purdue University to train individuals in such areas as Human Resource Management, Financial Management, Marketing Management, and Strategic Thinking.
How did this partnership develop?
In March of 1998, Cedar Valley College entered into a partnership with the American Animal Hospital Association to develop a comprehensive training program for veterinary assistants. Both institutions recognized the overwhelming need for a highly educated hospital team as well as the need for individuals to complete this education while they were working in a veterinary practice. For these reasons, a distance learning program has been jointly pursued by CVC and AAHA.
In 2001, AAHA and CVC jointly decided to discontinue the Distance Education Institute for Veterinary Assistants and focus their efforts solely on the Distance Education Veterinary Technology Program. Through the efforts of both entities, the DEVTP became accredited by the AVMA in 2001.
How do I contact the American Animal Hospital Association?
The American Animal Hospital Association
12575 W. Bayaud Avenue
Lakewood, CO 80228
(800) 252-2242
FAX: (303) 986-1700