About Us

WE ARE LEADERS AND ADVOCATES FOR PROFESSIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH CARE.

The Veterinary Technologist (VT) is a college graduate who has trained to be a paraprofessional in the field of veterinary medicine. This individual works under the supervision of a veterinarian in many types of work settings, such as private practice, research, wildlife facilities, zoos, veterinary laboratories, government-regulated health of animals, feedlots as well as some areas related to human health.

Veterinary Technologists work with a wide variety of species, including small animals such as dogs and cats; large animals such as horses, cattle, and other farm animals; laboratory animals such as rats, mice, guinea pigs; and exotics such as birds, monkeys, snakes and other reptiles.

The Veterinary Technologist can be compared to a nurse, paramedic, medical laboratory technologist, anaesthesiologist, radiology technologist and medical receptionist in human medicine. VT’s are trained in all of these areas to enhance patient care and improve the human-animal bond. Broadly speaking, the Veterinary Technologist can perform many procedures, except in the areas of diagnosis, surgery and prescription of medications, which can only be performed by a licensed Veterinarian.

Where can a VT find work?

• Veterinary Practices (small animal, food animal, equine)
• Feedlots/Ranches/Dairy Farm (herd health)
• Wildlife Parks
• Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers
• Animal Shelters
• Zoos
• Research Facilities
• Government Veterinary Laboratories
• Veterinary Pharmaceutical Sales
• Pet Food Sales
• Teaching

HISTORY

• Founded in 1980.
• Aug. 05, 1983: Incorporated under the Society Act
• Feb. 22, 1988: Name change from AHTA of BC (Animal Health Technicians Association of British Columbia) to AHTA of BC (Animal Health Technologists Association of British Columbia)
• Oct. 19, 1994: Occupational Title Protection for the name Registered Animal Health Technologist and the following initials RAHT
• Jan 16, 2014: Occupational Title Protection name change from Registered Animal Health Technologist to Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT)
• April 30, 2014: Name change from AHTA of BC (Animal Health Technologists Association of British Columbia) to BCVTA (British Columbia Veterinary Technologists’ Association).