HOW TO BECOME AN RVT IN CANADA

WHAT IS 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, has completed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and has met all the requirements identified by their provincial or state 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).

In Canada, Animal Health Technology/Technician, Veterinary Technician/Technologist post secondary programs are accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), and in Ontario by the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT).

Alternate/Blended Delivery Veterinary Technician/Technology/Animal Health Programs:

Distance Learning VETERINARY TECHNICIAN/TECHNOLOGY/ANIMAL HEALTH Programs:

  • Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia – This is the only VT/AHT distance (online) program accredited by the CVMA & OAVT in Canada.

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

RVTTC does not govern or register/license technicians. In Canada, legislative authority to regulate the practice of professions and trades is a provincial responsibility.

Each provincial association regulates its own membership and is compulsory in some provinces. Every provincial association uses a standardized national exam — the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) — and requires graduation from an approved program that trains technicians as part of the registration criteria. Please contact the individual Provincial RVT/VT Associations to inquire if they recognize foreign DVM diplomas. The Canadian Information Center for International Credentials contains additional information.

RVTs contribute to the essential service of veterinary medicine through their knowledge of animal health, understanding of zoonotic diseases, use of personal protective equipment, disinfection, and disease control. RVTs are an integral part of the animal health care team, helping to ensure the safety of the food chain for Canadians, as well as protecting the human-animal bond by keeping companion animals healthy. . RVTs care and advocate for animals across Canada. RVTs work in animal hospitals, livestock health facilities animal shelters, research facilities, educational institutions, government, animal health care industry sales or in zoo animal and wildlife care facilities, they all have one thing in common: the animals. Caring for animals makes up the heart of an RVT.

For information on how to pursue a career as a DVM, please contact the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) (www.canadianveterinarians.net) regarding the National Examining Board (NEB) Examination.