RVTs are an essential part of the health care team.

Registered Veterinary Technologists/Technicians (RVTs) are formally educated and trained professionals working as integral members of the veterinary health care team. 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 help ensure the safety of the food chain for Canadians, and protect the human-animal bond by keeping animals healthy.

RVTs care and advocate for animals across Canada. RVTs work in veterinary hospitals, livestock health facilities, shelters, research facilities, educational institutions, government, animal health care industry sales and zoo and wildlife care facilities. They all have one thing in common: the care of animals. This is what makes up the heart of an RVT.

An RVT is a person who has:

• Graduated from an accredited post-secondary Animal Health, Veterinary Technology, or Veterinary Technician program
• Passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)
• Been awarded and maintains valid current registration/license from their regulator or licensing body

Note: The term technician vs. technologist is used interchangeably with no difference other than geographical preference (i.e., western provinces use technologists, eastern provinces use technician).

A day in the life: Get a glimpse into the many ways an RVT practices their profession.

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What’s an RVT’s role?

RVTs work under the direction of a licensed veterinarian. Some of the duties they perform include:

• Obtaining and processing diagnostic radiographs and ultrasound
• Administration and dispensation of medications and treatments as prescribed by the attending veterinarian
• Providing optimum husbandry, restraint and handling
• Anaesthetic delivery and monitoring
• Prevention and control of zoonotic diseases
• Nutrition management
• Animal behaviour and welfare
• Breeding, reproduction, and neonatal care
• Professional practice administration, veterinary hospital management and client relations
• Diagnostic laboratory tests (hematology, clinical chemistry, cytology, and urinalysis)
• Emergency and first aid
• Professional and ethical care of animals
• Routine, intensive and emergency care of animals
• Public education
• Exotic animal medicine
• Extensive anatomy and physiology training
• Sanitation, sterilization and disinfection controls and procedures
• In depth knowledge of dental structures, conditions and lesions, causes and stages of diseases
• Surgical preparation and assistance
• Microbiology, immunology, bacteriology, parasitology, zoonosis, and virology
• Training in best practices surrounding biosecurity

The scope of duties performed require adaptation, continuing education, change with advancements in technology and are regulated by provincial veterinary legislation.

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What’s the difference between a Veterinary Technician (VT) and a Registered Veterinary Technologist/Technician (RVT)?

Registered Veterinary Technologists/Technicians are professionals who have:

• Graduated from an accredited post-secondary Animal Health, Veterinary Technology, or Veterinary Technician program
• Passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)
• Have been awarded and maintain a valid current registration/license from their regulator or licensing body, including maintaining continuing education standards

In Quebec, the Techniciens en Santé Animale (TSAc) are professionals who have:

• Graduated from an accredited post-secondary Animal Health, Veterinary Technology, or Veterinary Technician program
• Passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)
• Have been awarded and maintain a valid current registration/license from their regulator or licensing body, including maintaining continuing education standards

Veterinary Technicians are those who:

• May or may not have graduated from an accredited post-secondary Animal Health, Veterinary Technology, or Veterinary Technician program
• May or may not have written and passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE)
• Do not have a valid current registration/license from their regulator or licensing body