WELCOME TO THE BC VETERINARY TECHNOLOGISTS ASSOCIATION
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).


Published with permission from NAVTA