Surgical Team Training
COVID-19 Update
As of January 21, 2021, we have suspended all on-site training programs at ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance (ASNA) through June 6, 2021. However, given the rapid change in circumstances related to COVID-19, and recommendations from public health officials, we will continue to reevaluate our re-opening date.
If you are scheduled to train with us prior to June 6, 2021, your training has been canceled:
- We are happy to add you to a priority waitlist for dates June 7, 2021 and later. Should we reschedule you for a later date, any fees you have paid to ASNA will be applied to that new training date.
- If you wish to cancel, we will refund fees already paid to ASNA upon request.
If you are scheduled to train with us June 7, 2021 and after, we are leaving your training as is:
- You may choose to change or cancel that training date, but we are currently assuming that ASNA can resume normal operations in June.
- We will keep in communication with you if: a/ the June 7, 2021 date to resume operations is pushed back; or b/ we need to work with you regarding the status of your NC temporary license. We have been in contact with the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board and they are flexible in terms of changing dates and re-issuing temporary licenses.
The ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance offers training for surgical teams currently working in a mid- to high-volume spay/neuter setting. The program is mainly focused on teams working in a nonprofit setting or municipal shelter; however, we will be happy to host a team from a private practice providing that practice offers spay-neuter services to the community at no cost or subsidized rates. Please email us to discuss this option.
A "surgical team" consists of a veterinarian and up to three medical support staff. This program is offered year-round, is a four-day program (Monday - Thursday) and offers up to 25 AAVSB RACE and NYSED approved continuing education credits for veterinarians or certified/licensed veterinary technicians. This program is open to participants from the U.S., Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories. Syllabus | FAQs
If your spay/neuter clinic is part of the National Spay/Neuter Response Team (NSNRT), please respond accordingly on your application as your program fees will be waived. If you are unsure of your NSNRT status, view our mentored clinics.
Apply for the Program
1. Submit Your Application:
Please complete the application form. You will be contacted within five business days to discuss available dates. The application includes an agreement to the terms in our Memorandum of Understanding, which should be read ahead of time.
Email mentorship@aspca.org with any questions.
2. Confirm Training Dates: Your dates will be confirmed via email.
3. Make a Payment: Once your invoice has been received, please make payment within five business days. Please note that if you have to cancel your training, we will not be able to refund your payment, though we may be able to reschedule you if enough notice is given.
4. Apply for Temporary NC State License: Two months prior to your scheduled training, you will be sent the name and details of your instructor. With this information, if not licensed in North Carolina, veterinarians then apply for the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board (NCVMB) 60-day temporary permit.
The application requires:
- Creating a registration login on the NCVMB website;
- A credit card, check, or e-check payment of $150;
- A transcript from college/school of veterinary medicine OR a copy of diploma;
- License verification from state where currently licensed;
- A copy of your social security card.
Once our instructor receives the request through this system, and approves your application, the NCVMB will send us your permit. You will also receive an email confirmation that your permit has been approved.
5. Prepare for Training: