BECOMING AN RVT

Learn About Becoming A Registered Veterinary Technologist/Technician in Canada

Find out everything there is to know about becoming an RVT including education, compensation, continuing education requirements, lifestyle, and tools/resources to support you in your career on the RVT Career Navigator. Whether you are exploring whether this will be a fit for you, or already a student or practicing RVT, there are resources and information for you.

RVT Career Navigator
What is rvt

HOW TO BECOME AN RVT

A Registered Veterinary Technologist/Technician (RVT) is a person who has:

  • Successfully graduated from an accredited Animal Health Technology/Technician, Veterinary Technician/Technologist college program
  • Completed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)
  • Met all the requirements identified by their provincial association.

The term Technician vs. Technologist is used interchangeably with no acknowledged difference other than geographical preference ( i.e. western provinces = technologists, eastern provinces = technician).

POST SECONDARY VET TECH PROGRAMS

Successfully graduating from an accredited Animal Health Technology/Technician or Veterinary Technician/Technologist college program is a requirement to become a RVT.

A list of accredited programs in Canada can be found on the

There are in-person, blended, and distance learning program options. Program eligibility requirements and length vary.

VETERINARY TECHNICIAN/TECHNOLOGIST PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

The accredited post-secondary programs to become a Registered Veterinary Technician/Technologist in Canada can by found here:

For more information on the specific requirements for provincial registration, check out the following links:

BCVTA (British Columbia)
ABTVA (Alberta)
SAVT (Saskatchewan)
MTVA (Manitoba)
OAVT (Ontario)
ATSAQ (Quebec)
EVTA (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland/Labrador )

RVTTC MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

If you are a RVT/TSAc and you are a member of one of the provincial veterinary technician/technologist associations, you can access to a wide range of benefits including program discounts, continuing education opportunities and discounts by sponsors.

THE VETERINARY TECHNICIAN NATIONAL EXAMINATION (VTNE)

The Veterinary Technician National Examination is required by all provincial VT associations to obtain Registered Veterinary Technician/Technologists (RVT) status. The VTNE is used to evaluate an entry-level veterinary technicians’ competency to practice and be credentialed.

GET YOUR FREE GUIDE

Advice from RVTs to RVTs

As you explore becoming an RVT, you will find this book is filled with kind, solid, forthright quotes from real RVTs who want to help you navigate the path to your chosen career.

RVTTC does not govern or register/license technicians.

In Canada, legislative authority to regulate the practice of professions and trades is a provincial responsibility.

Provincial veterinary technician associations are responsible for the registration of RVT’s in their province. Some provinces are partnered with their Veterinary Medical Association in this process. It’s important to contact the regulatory body in the province where you’re planning to reside to find out about the province’s specific requirement and the steps necessary to become an RVT in that province.