SPECIALIST VETERINARIANS

Registration process

A veterinary specialist is a registered veterinarian with an exceptionally high level of skill that is well above that of a practitioner in the same discipline.

Veterinarian's who wish to be registered as specialists must meet stringent requirements relating to qualifications, experience and training. Under legislation in Australia and New Zealand, only registered specialists may claim specialist status.

An assessment process for persons seeking specialist registration has been established by the registering authorities in Australia and New Zealand under the provisions of their respective legislation, to ensure that the public has access to advanced veterinary expertise.

This process is conducted by a committee of the AVBC called Advisory Committee on Registration of Veterinary Specialists (ACRVS). Applications for specialist registration must be lodged directly with the ACRVS with the necessary documentation for assessment. Once the application has been assessed by the ACRVS and a recommendation for endorsement as a specialist provided to the Veterinary Practice Board, an application for registration as a specialist can be lodged with the Board.

Applicants must obtain the AVBC Application Form and Information Booklet directly from the AVBC website.