About CVPM Certification

Progam Overview

The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) was formed in 1981 in order to provide individuals who are actively involved in Veterinary Practice Management with a means of effective communication and interaction. Our membership is comprised of Veterinarians, Hospital Administrators, Practice Managers, Office Managers and Consultants.

In 1989 the VHMA realized the increasing need among Veterinarians and Practice Managers for a program that would qualify the knowledge and experience necessary to successfully manage the ever-changing business management of today's veterinary practices. The Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) certification is the result of that realization.

What is Certification?

A process that requires completing an application and passing a written examination that will evaluate both experience and knowledge.

A commitment to the pursuit of excellence in veterinary practice management through continual education and association within the profession of veterinary practice management.

A set of standards that must be upheld by pledging to adhere to the VHMA professional Code of Ethics.

Certification Program

Certification is a voluntary process by which individuals are assessed against predetermined standards for knowledge/skills/competencies and granted a time-limited credential, which requires ongoing recertification (renewal requirements) to ensure certificant maintenance or improvement of competencies (and, therefore, can be revoked). The primary purpose of certification is assessment, and the assessment process is independent of a specific course of study or any education/course/curriculum provider.

An example is the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM), offered by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) - CVPM designation is awarded for successful completion.

Certificate Program

An assessment-based certificate program is a relatively short, non-degree granting program that provides instruction and training to aid participants in acquiring knowledge/skills/competencies and designates that participants have passed an end-of-program assessment derived from learning/course objectives. Although assessment is an integral part of the certificate program, the program's primary purpose is to provide instruction and training with intended learning outcomes.

Examples of veterinary management certificate programs include: the Veterinary Practice Management Program (VPMP) offered by Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine and Krannert School of Management and Veterinary Management Institute (VMI), provided by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) - a certificate of completion is awarded, no title or certification designation is awarded.

For more information on Certificate vs. Certification: What's the Difference? visit the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) website here. 

A NCCA Accredited Program

The CVPM program is an accredited certification program by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence.

Get Started

1. Review program qualifications.
2. Download the application.
3. Check out an informational webinar.

The Advantages of Certification

International Professional Recognition

Among veterinary practice leaders, the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) designation is known and appreciated as the highest level of credential for professional veterinary managers. Use it with your name on letterhead, business cards and all forms of address.

Extensive Peer-Level Communication

As a CVPM, you will have networking opportunities and will benefit from ongoing dialogue with fellow CVPM candidates.

Expanded Knowledge

Gain in-depth insights into every aspect of veterinary practice management.