Test Preparation Program

Program Overview

VHMA is excited to offer a unique Test Preparation Study Program that is tailored to managers pursuing CVPM certification, as well as those interested in career advancement and refining and expanding their skills.

The Test Preparation Study Program supports learning through an organized and facilitated study group. The program is indispensable to veterinary practice managers preparing for the CVPM examination, new managers looking for a comprehensive introduction to management concepts, as well as experienced managers interested in a thorough review and update of management principles.

Group 1 2024 - January 20 to March 30 COMPLETED

REGISTER for Group 2 2024 - June 1 to August 10

The program covers the five essential management domains identified by the CVPM program: Human Resources, Law and Ethics, Marketing, Organization of the Practice and Finance.

The program outline, content and assignments are developed directly from the CVPM Task Analysis Outline and Recommended Reading List. Participants receive a print copy of the CVPM Preparation Workbook to guide them through the course (included in the registration price). The Workbook is a valuable reference document even after the course concludes. Participants are individually responsible to purchase the resources on the Recommended Reading List separate from the course registration. We encourage you to purchase those resources as soon as you register so that you are ready when the program starts, THIS PROGRAM HAS SIGNIFICANT READING ASSIGNMENTS.

The course emphasizes general veterinary management concepts and content common to both U.S. and Canadian practices, which is essential to build a strong foundation and in-depth understanding of management principles. Please note that while only U.S. federal law is addressed in the course, the CVPM Preparation Workbook does provide a list of Canadian federal laws that Canadian managers should be aware of. The CVPM program offers U.S. and Canadian applicable examination forms.

Program Details

Program Fees

VHMA members $595
Non-members $835*

Included in the registration cost:

A print copy of the CVPM Preparation Workbook is provided to each participate (a $229 value).
A license to access CVPM Test Prep Digital Flashcards ($45 value)
Access to two (2) VHMA Empower U Self-Assessment examination forms (a $138 value).

*For non-members the registration rate includes a VHMA membership for the remainder of the current year (a $240 value).

Please note, the resources on the Recommended Reading List are not included in the registration fee. Participants are individually responsible to obtain those resources separately. These resources should be obtained before the sessions start.

Brainscape Flashcards - Why spaced repetition works

Participation is limited per study group.

Waiting List

A waiting list is offered if a group has sold out. Should a seat in the group become available, you will receive an email and have 24-hours to accept the seat. Individuals on the waiting list will be contacted in order of registration. If a new group is opened, wait list registrants will be contacted first.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made in writing 45 days prior to the program start will be fully refunded. Cancellations made in writing 45-14 days prior to the program start will be eligible for a partial refund, $296. Cancellations made less than 14 days in advance of the program start are not eligible for a refund.

When & Where

Each administration of the program runs for eleven (11) weeks and will meet live online for 90 minutes each week. All meetings will be held on Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. PST. The program will be offered two times in 2024:

Group 2 2024 - June 1 to August 10

Saturday, June 1, 2024 11:00 am-12:30 pm ET
Saturday, June 8, 2024 11:00 am-12:30 pm ET
Saturday, June 15, 2024 11:00 am-12:30 pm ET
Saturday, June 22, 2024 11:00 am-12:30 pm ET
Saturday, June 29, 2024 11:00 am-12:30 pm ET
Saturday, July 6, 2024 11:00 am-12:30 pm ET
Saturday, July 13, 2024 11:00 am-12:30 pm ET
Saturday, July 20, 2024 11:00 am-12:30 pm ET
Saturday, July 27, 2024 11:00 am-12:30 pm ET
Saturday, August 3, 2024 11:00 am-12:30 pm ET
Saturday, August 10, 2024 11:00 am-12:30 pm ET

REGISTER for Group 2 2024 - June 1 to August 10

Meeting Information

Each meeting will include:

An assignment in the CVPM Preparation Workbook
Reading assignments from publications on the CVPM Recommended Reading List
A quiz after each section to help you test your knowledge and reinforce understanding

Program participants have the added benefit of sharing questions, answers and other resources through a private online community. All discussion will be held in the online community. Given the extensive amount of material that will be covered during the 90 minute monthly presentations, the sessions will focus on course material only.

Weekly sessions will be recorded for those unable to attend a session. All program materials are available to candidates one year beyond the program dates so that CVPM candidates can continue their studies.

Facilitator

Amy Williams, MBA, CVPM.

Amy has been serving the veterinary community since 1999. She has worked in both small and large emergency and general practice hospitals in a variety of positions, including Kennel Technician, Veterinary Technician, Customer Service Representative, Inventory Manager, Practice Manager, Practice Administrator, and currently regional operations for Thrive Pet Healthcare, formally known as Pathway Vet Alliance. She was instrumental in forming the Houston Veterinary Practice Managers Association and served as the Association’s President until 2021. Among her most exciting accomplishments, she received her CVPM in 2012 and her MBA in Human Resources in 2017. Amy is passionate about helping others to become effective, motivated individuals, which in turn helps the growth and movement of veterinary medicine.

Facilitator

Susan Driever

Susan Driever, BS, CVPM.

Susan’s career in veterinary medicine began as an accounting clerk at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. Looking for more challenging opportunities she spent several years as a software trainer for Texas A&M and CompUSA before taking on the important role of a stay-at-home mom. In 2015, her DVM husband purchased his hospital from his partner. Susan was brought on initially as a bookkeeper, but over time transitioned into the hospital’s first ever practice manager. In January of 2021, Susan earned her CVPM and is always looking for ways to learn and grow as a leader. Susan serves on the board of the Houston Veterinary Practice Managers Association and volunteers for the American Animal Hospital Association whenever she gets a chance.

Disclaimer

Participation in the VHMA Test Preparation Study Program is not required to earn the CVPM credential, and participation does not guarantee that you will pass the CVPM examination.

There is no one recommended method to best prepare for the CVPM examination. Each candidate must determine what works best for them based on their own educational background, practice experience, and best learning style. Networking or study groups have become a great resource for many applicants. The ability to review material with others who are pursuing similar goals can be very rewarding and motivating. It will be up to you to determine how you will get the most out of a study group. We feel this program will provide you with much needed resources to compliment your other study methods.

Material presented has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice.

Test Preparation Program