To better define the veterinary health care team and the role of the credentialed technician, NAVTA created a veterinary assistant approval program in 2010. Schools with a Veterinary Assistant Program are encouraged to review the NAVTA Veterinary Assistant Programs Policy, Program Document Submission Guidelines, AND the NAVTA Veterinary Assistant Skills List when creating their curriculum and submitting their program for NAVTA approval. Once approved, graduates of these programs will be given the opportunity to take the national test. With successful completion of the exam, individuals will become an Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) and be recognized for their accomplishment with the AVA designation.