Lapsed Membership & Reinstatement

Who Needs to Renew?

Membership renewal applies differently depending on your category:

  • Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs) – Renewal is mandatory to maintain certification and must be completed each year by December 31st.

  • Associate Members, Student Members, Hospital Managers, and Sponsors – Membership is voluntary. No late fees apply if you renew after the deadline.

Renewal Requirements for CVTs

To remain an active CVT in Rhode Island, members must:

  • Renew their membership by December 31st each year.

  • Submit 12 hours of Continuing Education (CE), with certificates uploaded to their profile:

    • 6 hours must be in-person or RACE-approved.

    • 6 hours may be online CE.

Failure to meet these requirements results in a lapsed certification.

New CVT Members

If you became certified during the year, your CE requirements depend on your approval date. New members must still renew by December 31st, but may only need to submit a portion of the 12 CE hours.

Timing of Application Amount of CE due for 1st renewal
January 1st- March 31st 12 hours of CE due
April 1st- June 30th 6 hours of CE due
July 1st - September 30th 3 hours of CE due
October 1st- December 31st

0 hours due for 1st year,
12 hours due for following year

 

Special Situations

Transfers from Another State

  • If you were certified and practicing veterinary medicine in another state during the time your RIVTA membership was inactive:

    • You will not be required to pay a late fee.

    • You will be required to submit CE hours at the time of reapplication.

  • Members may hold certification in multiple states, provided RIVTA membership fees and CE requirements remain current.

  • While not required, we appreciate an email to [email protected] if you transfer your certification to another state, so we can note it in your profile.

Alternative Pathway CVTs

Members who became certified through the Alternative Pathway (did not attend an AVMA-accredited program but passed the VTNE before December 31, 2023):

  • Must renew membership on time each year.

  • If renewal lapses, there is a risk of losing RI certification entirely.

  • If this applies to you, please contact [email protected] immediately to discuss reinstatement.

Reinstatement of Lapsed Memberships

If your CVT membership lapses in Rhode Island:

  • A $25 late fee applies per missed year.

  • If you were not practicing veterinary medicine in another state during that time, you must:

    1. Pay all membership dues + late fees for the missed years, up to 5 years maximum (up to $325).

    2. Submit 12 CE hours per missed year, up to a maximum of 60 CE hours.

If you were certified and practicing in another state during the lapse:

  • No late fees are charged.

  • CE submission is still required at the time of reapplication.

 

Maintaining your certification ensures your professional standing, supports patient safety, strengthens the veterinary team, and upholds the integrity of the CVT credential in Rhode Island.