Veterinary Technician Nursing Academy
“Our Mission is to train Veterinary Technicians to become highly skilled RVTs. We dedicate ourselves to providing an opportunity for students to receive a high quality, cost effective, and universally accessible education program that facilitates entry into a career in veterinary medicine with special attention to supporting our students’ success.”
Program Objectives
Offer a comprehensive, stimulating, and interactive learning environment for unlicensed veterinary nurses or assistants who wish to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination and are eligible for the California Veterinary Technician Alternate Route Program.
Create an environment for students to succeed academically as well as professional skills in the veterinary practice profession.
VTNA provides veterinarians who have dedicated unlicensed staff a place for such staff to complete the state of California educational requirements for licensing registration in a convenient and economic venue.
Program Highlights
Test preparation and clinical skills review prior to attempting or sitting for the VTNE exam.
Virtual at-your-own-pace learning so that you can complete the program based on your learning needs and availability within a 9-month period once student has been accepted into the program. See curriculum outline for deadlines.
Virtual or in person office hours from faculty, as well as hands-on training and skill development on premises of VTNA.
Our instructors are dedicated to work with each student to make sure they are given additional help if needed to gain the skills and knowledge to be prepared for the VTNE.
Sample VTNE exams and worksheets for additional practice.
Our experienced faculty share passion for animals and teaching, and they bring their industry experience to the classroom.
VTNA students will be exceptionally prepared for the Veterinary Technician National Exam. At VTNA we strive for our students to learn important qualities such as compassion, quality care, respect, and integrity for our patients and the families who love them.
Meet the Team
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Richard Johnson, DVM
FOUNDER
Dr. Johnson has had a rich and full life deeply involved in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Johnson has a passion for education especially in the field of Veterinary Technology. The Vet Tech Nursing Academy is the culmination of his efforts to improve and develop the Veterinary profession. He lives in El Cajon with his wife, Nancy, and their three Boston Terriers.
His educational and working background include:
*Doctor of Veterinary Medicine University of California, Davis
*West Los Angeles Veterinary Medical Group: Internship
*Animal Medical Center, New York, New York: Surgical Residency
*University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: Assistant Professor in Surgery
*Broadway Animal Hospital: Owner and Medical Director
*Animal Medical Center of East County: Founder and Creator
He has been active in many professional organizations always with the desire to improve our profession with an emphasis on teaching and advancement of the veterinary technician community. These organizations and awards include:
* American Association of Veterinary State Boards: committee member
*Veterinary Medical Board State of California: member
*Veterinary Medical Board, California Registered Veterinary Technician Committee
*California Veterinary Medical Association: California Registered Veterinary Technicians Outstanding
*Doctor of Veterinary Medicine of the Year 2011 Recipient
* Norden Teacher of the Year Award Recipient
*San Diego Mesa College Animal Health Technology Program: Adjunct professor-Advisory Committee
*National PetCare Centers: Founder and Director of Medical and Surgical Quality
He is involved in our profession locally and nationwide
*Veterinary Study Groups, VSG, the largest privately owned groups of veterinary hospitals in the United States: Original member/founder
*San Diego Veterinary Medical Association (SDVMA): Past President
His current exciting projects include
*All God’s Creatures Teaching Hospital & Surgery Center, Owner and Hospital Director
*Vet Tech Nursing Academy, an education center for the development of the veterinary technician community: Founder and Senior Instructor
*IVHI: Institute for Veterinary Healthcare improvement, a non-profit organization for the development of service dogs for our PTS service members, law enforcement, and first responders: Creator/founder
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Nancy Hampel, DVM
DEAN/SENIOR INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Hampel knew from a young age that Veterinary Medicine was to be her calling in life. She has a passion for all disciplines within Veterinary medicine and practices lifelong learning. She deeply loves and values animals especially dogs and cats. She and Dr. Johnson live in El Cajon with their three Boston Terriers, Jubilee, Joey and Jimmy.
Her educational pathway includes:
* Michigan State University: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
*Colorado State University: Internship in small animal medicine and surgery
*University of Illinois; Surgical Residency and Master of Science
*Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons: a specialist in surgery
*University of Tennessee: Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, a physical therapy specialist
She has operated at multiple facilities and with multiple surgeons including:
*Wild Animal Park, San Diego: consulting surgeon
*Dr. Joel West Ray, MD, Neurosurgeon: Assistant Surgeon
*Dr. Leland Housman, MD, cardio-thoracic surgeon: Observer
*Broadway Animal Hospital: Medical Director and staff surgeon
*Animal Medical Center of East County: Medical Director and staff surgeon
*Newport Harbor Animal Hospital: consulting surgeon
*Palm Springs Animal Hospital: consulting surgeon
*Mission Animal and Bird Hospital: consulting surgeon
She has received local and national awards including:
*California Legislature Assembly: Woman of the year Nominee 2010
*Healthcare Leader Award Winner 2005 San Diego
*The Merck Award recipient
*VCA Mentorship Award for the Southwest Region
Dr. Hampel’s current projects are:
*Vet Tech Nursing Academy: Founder, Senior Faculty/Instructor
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Crystal Kieley, RVT
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Crystal has worked in general practice, emergency, and specialty medicine, specifically in surgery and internal medicine. She has a strong interest in anesthesiology and critical care. In 2021, she became a Program Director/Instructor at Vet Tech Nursing Academy. Passionate about expanding her veterinary knowledge, Crystal is delighted to be part of a wonderful veterinary technician program, committed to helping those working in a veterinary hospital to further their knowledge and skills. In her free time, she enjoys exploring/adventuring outdoors, scuba diving, biking, traveling, going to see live music, and spending time with her family. Crystal lives in San Diego with her family and her two dogs Oscar and Ellie. She is married to her husband Marc and together they have three precious daughters.
She is a member of the California Registered Veterinary Technician Association (CaRVTA), the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE), and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
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Kim Jones, RVT
INSTRUCTOR
I have always had a love for animals and the desire to care for them. I have worked in general practice, emergency, and surgical specialty medicine. I have a passion for dentistry, surgery and sharing my knowledge with others. In 2022 I joined All God’s Creatures teaching Hospital and Surgical Center associated with the Veterinary Technician Nursing Academy. I am honored to be a part of growing and training the next generation of RVTs to support the veterinary profession in our community.
Education: Graduated from Mesa college Veterinary Technician program with an Associate Science degree. I have been a registered RVT in California since 1985 and in 2022 received my National Veterinary Technician accreditation.
Member of California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
I enjoy my country life in Ramona where my husband and I raised our two boys. In my free time I enjoy time on the trails in Ramona with my horse Peanut, gardening, baking, and spoiling our cat Trico.
Our Team
Nancy Hampel, DVM, DACVS
Dean/Senior Instructor
Dr. Hampel knew from a young age that Veterinary Medicine was to be her calling in life. She has a passion for all disciplines within Veterinary medicine and practices lifelong learning. She deeply loves and values animals especially dogs and cats. She and Dr. Johnson live in El Cajon with their three Boston Terriers, Jubilee, Joey and Jimmy.
Her educational pathway includes:
* Michigan State University: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
*Colorado State University: Internship in small animal medicine and surgery
*University of Illinois; Surgical Residency and Master of Science
*Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons: a specialist in surgery
*University of Tennessee: Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, a physical therapy specialist
She has operated at multiple facilities and with multiple surgeons including:
*Wild Animal Park, San Diego: consulting surgeon
*Dr. Joel West Ray, MD, Neurosurgeon: Assistant Surgeon
*Dr. Leland Housman, MD, cardio-thoracic surgeon: Observer
*Broadway Animal Hospital: Medical Director and staff surgeon
*Animal Medical Center of East County: Medical Director and staff surgeon
*Newport Harbor Animal Hospital: consulting surgeon
*Palm Springs Animal Hospital: consulting surgeon
*Mission Animal and Bird Hospital: consulting surgeon
She has received local and national awards including:
*California Legislature Assembly: Woman of the year Nominee 2010
*Healthcare Leader Award Winner 2005 San Diego
*The Merck Award recipient
*VCA Mentorship Award for the Southwest Region
Dr. Hampel’s current projects are:
*Vet Tech Nursing Academy: Founder, Senior Faculty/Instructor
Richard Johnson, DVM
CEO/ Senior Instructor
Dr. Johnson has had a rich and full life deeply involved in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Johnson has a passion for education especially in the field of Veterinary Technology. The Vet Tech Nursing Academy is the culmination of his efforts to improve and develop the Veterinary profession. He lives in El Cajon with his wife, Nancy, and their three Boston Terriers.
His educational and working background include:
*Doctor of Veterinary Medicine University of California, Davis
*West Los Angeles Veterinary Medical Group: Internship
*Animal Medical Center, New York, New York: Surgical Residency
*University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: Assistant Professor in Surgery
*Broadway Animal Hospital: Owner and Medical Director
*Animal Medical Center of East County: Founder and Creator
He has been active in many professional organizations always with the desire to improve our profession with an emphasis on teaching and advancement of the veterinary technician community. These organizations and awards include:
* American Association of Veterinary State Boards: committee member
*Veterinary Medical Board State of California: member
*Veterinary Medical Board, California Registered Veterinary Technician Committee
*California Veterinary Medical Association: California Registered Veterinary Technicians Outstanding
*Doctor of Veterinary Medicine of the Year 2011 Recipient
* Norden Teacher of the Year Award Recipient
*San Diego Mesa College Animal Health Technology Program: Adjunct professor-Advisory Committee
*National PetCare Centers: Founder and Director of Medical and Surgical Quality
He is involved in our profession locally and nationwide
*Veterinary Study Groups, VSG, the largest privately owned groups of veterinary hospitals in the United States: Original member/founder
*San Diego Veterinary Medical Association (SDVMA): Past President
His current exciting projects include
*All God’s Creatures Teaching Hospital & Surgery Center, Owner and Hospital Director
*Vet Tech Nursing Academy, an education center for the development of the veterinary technician community: Founder and Senior Instructor
*IVHI: Institute for Veterinary Healthcare improvement, a non-profit organization for the development of service dogs for our PTS service members, law enforcement, and first responders: Creator/founder
Crystal Kieley, RVT
Program Director/Instructor
Crystal has worked in general practice, emergency, and specialty medicine, specifically in surgery and internal medicine. She has a strong interest in anesthesiology and critical care. In 2021, she became a Program Director/Instructor at Vet Tech Nursing Academy. Passionate about expanding her veterinary knowledge, Crystal is delighted to be part of a wonderful veterinary technician program, committed to helping those working in a veterinary hospital to further their knowledge and skills. In her free time, she enjoys exploring/adventuring outdoors, scuba diving, biking, traveling, going to see live music, and spending time with her family. Crystal lives in San Diego with her family and her two dogs Oscar and Ellie. She is married to her husband Marc and together they have three precious daughters.
She is a member of the California Registered Veterinary Technician Association (CaRVTA), the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE), and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
Our Team
Nancy Hampel, DVM, DACVS
Dean/Senior Instructor
Dr. Hampel knew from a young age that Veterinary Medicine was to be her calling in life. She has a passion for all disciplines within Veterinary medicine and practices lifelong learning. She deeply loves and values animals especially dogs and cats. She and Dr. Johnson live in El Cajon with their three Boston Terriers, Jubilee, Joey and Jimmy.
Her educational pathway includes:
* Michigan State University: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
*Colorado State University: Internship in small animal medicine and surgery
*University of Illinois; Surgical Residency and Master of Science
*Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons: a specialist in surgery
*University of Tennessee: Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, a physical therapy specialist
She has operated at multiple facilities and with multiple surgeons including:
*Wild Animal Park, San Diego: consulting surgeon
*Dr. Joel West Ray, MD, Neurosurgeon: Assistant Surgeon
*Dr. Leland Housman, MD, cardio-thoracic surgeon: Observer
*Broadway Animal Hospital: Medical Director and staff surgeon
*Animal Medical Center of East County: Medical Director and staff surgeon
*Newport Harbor Animal Hospital: consulting surgeon
*Palm Springs Animal Hospital: consulting surgeon
*Mission Animal and Bird Hospital: consulting surgeon
She has received local and national awards including:
*California Legislature Assembly: Woman of the year Nominee 2010
*Healthcare Leader Award Winner 2005 San Diego
*The Merck Award recipient
*VCA Mentorship Award for the Southwest Region
Dr. Hampel’s current projects are:
*Vet Tech Nursing Academy: Founder, Senior Faculty/Instructor