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

  1. 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.

  2. Create an environment for students to succeed academically as well as professional skills in the veterinary practice profession.

  3. 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

  1. Test preparation and clinical skills review prior to attempting or sitting for the VTNE exam.

  2. 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.

  3. Virtual or in person office hours from faculty, as well as hands-on training and skill development on premises of VTNA.

  4. 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.

  5. Sample VTNE exams and worksheets for additional practice.

  6. 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Crystal Kieley, RVT

    PROGRAM DIRECTOR

    Crystal Kieley serves as the Program Director for Vet Tech Nursing Academy- Alternate Route Veterinary Technician Program. With a strong background in veterinary medicine and education, she is dedicated to fostering the next generation of veterinary technicians through innovative curriculum development and hands-on training.
    Crystal has extensive experience in both clinical practice and educational settings, where she has developed a comprehensive understanding of veterinary procedures, client communication, and effective teaching methodologies. Under her leadership, the program emphasizes a comprehensive approach to veterinary care, integrating essential skills with a commitment to animal welfare and client communication.
    She is passionate about creating an inclusive learning environment that supports diverse learning styles and prepares students for successful careers in veterinary technology by successfully passing their VTNE. Crystal is committed to continuous improvement and regularly seeks feedback from students and faculty to enhance the program’s offerings.
    In addition to her role as Program Director, Crystal actively participates in professional development opportunities to stay current with advancements in veterinary medicine and education.

    Crystal holds an AS Veterinary Technology, and successfully passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) in 2006. She is credentialed in Michigan, Florida, and California, having completed the state examinations required for each of these dates. With a solid foundation of veterinary technology, Crystal is committed to advancing her knowledge and skills within the field.
    Crystal holds and is a member of the California Registered Veterinary Technician Association (CaRVTA), California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE), San Diego Veterinary Medical Association (SDVMA) and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) further demonstrating her commitment to the field of veterinary technology.

    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.

  • 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.

  • Rosa Witt-Consuegra , RVT

    INSTRUCTOR

    My name is Rosa. I was born and raised in Colombia and have been living in San Diego for over a decade. I have always been involved with all types of animals since childhood. My father is a large animal veterinarian and he’s my main inspiration to cultivate my natural inclination to care and understand animals at a deeper level.

    In Colombia, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in microbiology. After moving here, I graduated in 2012 with an Associate’s Degree in Animal Health Technology from Mesa College. I then went to teach at the same program I graduated from to assist in the formation of new veterinary technicians! I have been teaching there on and off as an adjunct teacher for several years. My favorite areas to teach are surgery, dentistry, and radiology. These are all areas that technicians need to strive to bring the most value to the practice they work at. I also have a special interest in animal behavior and dog training, which is something I enjoy doing when I am not working at the clinic or teaching. I love doing sport agility with my dogs and have started competing with them at the local level.

    I share my life with my husband Adam, my daughters Maia and Camila and my 4 dogs, 2 cats and an ever-growing number of chickens. I am so excited to be a part of the wonderful family here at All God’s Creatures.

  • Bethany Keeble, RVT

    Bethany Keeble, RVT

    INSTRUCTOR

    As an instructor at VTNA, Bethany instructs the Dentistry and Parasitology courses. In this role, she provides students with a comprehensive understanding of dental procedures, dental nerve block, dental extractions, oral health care, and the identification and management of parasitic infections in animals. Her responsibilities include developing course materials, delivering lectures, and facilitating hands-on laboratory sessions to ensure students gain practical experience. She emphasizes the importance of preventive care and the role of dental and parasitic health in overall animal well-being. With a focus on evidence-based practices, She aims to equip future veterinary professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their careers. Bethany’s commitment to education is reflected in my dedication to fostering a collaborative learning environment that encourages critical thinking and engagement.

    When she’s not working she dedicates a lot of her time working with a rescue group called The Frosted Faces Foundation. Bethany is married and has two beautiful little girls along with her two dogs, a cat and two chickens.