CVPM EXAMINATION GOES ELECTRONIC

 VHMA Will Reach More Applicants by Offering More Locations

 ALACHUA, FL---The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA), which offers the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) designation, is pleased to announce that in March of 2012 the examination will be offered electronically and will be readily accessible to CVPM candidates across North America.

   VHMA will retire its paper and pencil exam format to better serve the needs of its members, which include Veterinarians, Hospital Administrators, Practice Managers, Office Managers and Consultants. The CVPM certification program was started by the VHMA twenty years ago as a means to qualify the knowledge and experience necessary to manage a veterinary practice.

Electronic Testing Expands CVPM Reach

   The CVPM designation, which provides professional recognition to the individual and assurance to an employer that the certified individual has the basic knowledge and experience necessary to manage a veterinary practice, is becoming a highly sought after designation, especially in a competitive economy. According Christine Shupe, CAE, VHMA Executive Director, “The CVPM program is growing and as it expands, electronic testing will allow the test to be offered at a greater number of locations without compromising test security. The testing sites will be extremely convenient and accessible to residents of the United States and Canada.” Shupe also noted that the paper and pencil test format was labor intensive, requiring several proctors and, in some cases, extensive travel for candidates to sit for the test in designated locations.

   Brenda Tassava, CVPM, CVJ, Board Chair, expressed optimism about the impact of electronic testing, “There are thousands of veterinary practices across North America, yet the number of CVPMs is less than 500. There is a real need and demand for quality veterinary practice managers. Electronic testing will make the test more accessible to veterinary practice managers everywhere. This is a giant step forward for the CVPM program and our profession!”

   Although the cost of the exam will increase to cover the cost of instituting computer based testing, this will be offset by cost savings for candidates who no longer have to travel to distant locations to sit for the test.

About the CVPM Exam

   CVPM applicants must demonstrate management experience in veterinary practice and educational background to qualify. Certification starts with the application, includes an exam and requires ongoing continuing education. The examination is composed of questions about relevant management knowledge in Human Resources, Law and Ethics, Marketing, Organization of the Practice and Finance. The questions include both traditional knowledge-based and scenario-based questions.

About VHMA

   The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, Inc. (VHMA) was formed in 1981 to provide individuals actively involved in Veterinary Practice Management a means of effective communication and interaction. The mission of VHMA is to enhance and serve professionals in veterinary management through superior education, certification, and networking.

For more information about VHMA or CVPM, visit www.vhma.org

Leadership Development Opportunity Available for Recent Grads, Emerging Leaders

Do you know a colleague with leadership potential – or are you interested in developing your leadership skills so you can take an active role in the future of the AVMA and organized veterinary medicine?

The AVMA is offering a second year of the Future Leaders Program continuing the commitment to identify and develop volunteer leaders for the AVMA and other organized veterinary groups. Open to any AVMA members who have graduated from veterinary school within the last 15 years, this program will bolster leadership and problem-solving skills related to organized veterinary medicine for individuals representing all areas of the profession.

Up to 10 participants will be chosen to take part in various leadership and project management training exercises, working with professional facilitator Dr. Ken Andrews of High Impact Facilitation (who has generously donated his services to this important program). They will also work together on one focused project impacting veterinary medicine. Details about the program, including participation requirements and nomination forms, are available on the AVMA website.

 Nominations due by February 20

Nominations, including self-nominations, must be received by February 20, 2012. Preference will be given to those individuals who have previous leadership experience and who are nominated by a principal or constituent allied veterinary medical organization of the AVMA. Only AVMA members are eligible to be selected for the program.

Please submit nominations via email to FutureLeaders@avma.org, via fax to 847-925-9329, or via mail to AVMA Division of Scientific Activities, 1931 N. Meacham Rd, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173. All nominations should include the nomination form and a 1-2 page resume.

Know someone else who might be interested? Spread the word.

If you know someone who would be a good candidate for this program, please forward this e-mail to them and invite them to submit a nomination form.

Questions?

 Please email FutureLeaders@avma.org or call 800-248-2862, ext. 6636, with any questions. Thanks for your continued support, and we look forward to receiving your nominations!

Opportunity to serve on Food Advisory Committee:

The FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) is seeking nominations of individuals with expertise in epidemiology, pediatric development, and analytical chemistry or food science to serve on the Food Advisory Committee. Nominations received by February 27, 2012 will be given first consideration.

Applications Due By: "...Nominations received on or before February 27, 2012 will be given first consideration for membership on the Food Advisory Committee.
Nominations received after February 27, 2012 will be considered for nomination to the committee if nominees are still needed ..."

Web site: The December 27, 2011 FDA Federal Register Notice is posted at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-12-27/html/2011-33108.htm

Contact: Questions may be directed to Carolyn Jeletic who is with the FDA CFSAN Office of Regulations, Policy, and Social Sciences in College Park, Maryland at 240 402 1913; fax: 301 436 2657; e-mail: Carolyn.Jeletic@FDA.HHS.gov