Become an RVT

I AM INTERESTED IN THE RVT PROFESSION, WHERE DO I FIND INFORMATION ON THE PROFESSION?

Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) is a protected title in British Columbia. To be able to use the title, an individual must meet the following criteria:

• Graduate from an accredited Veterinary Technology program
• Achieve a passing grade on the Veterinary Technician National Examination
• Register as a member of the BC Veterinary Technologists Association (BCVTA)

Once an individual has been accepted as a member of the BCVTA, they must attend a minimum of 10 hours of continuing education each year to maintain their RVT status. 

Where can I find information on the Veterinary Technology programs?

There are several accredited programs available for future RVTs!

BC recognized programs:

• Thompson Rivers University Veterinary Technology Diploma Program
• Thompson Rivers University Veterinary Technology Open Learning Diploma Program 
• Douglas College Vet Tech Program

Veterinary technology programs located outside of BC, can be found here

 

I AM A STUDENT IN NORTH AMERICA AND WISH TO UPGRADE MY STATUS FROM STUDENT TO RVT, HOW DO I GO ABOUT THIS?

Student members of the BCVTA can upgrade their membership easily by registering for RVT membership. The application will require students to provide their information, including a copy of your VTNE result and will provide instructions to pay the $75.00 upgrade fee. The ED will also answer any questions you may have to help with the transition.

I AM AN RVT IN NORTH AMERICA AND LOOKING TO MOVE TO BC, CAN I KEEP MY RVT STATUS?

If you are an active member of the licensing body in your jurisdiction, and you meet the requirements for eligibility for membership with the BCVTA, you will be able to maintain your RVT status. You can register for membership with the BCVTA by selecting the appropriate category of membership from the options below. The Executive Director will request that a Letter of Good Standing be sent from your current licensing body to the association at moc.liamgnull@draobatvcb. Any other questions may be directed to this address.

I RESIDE OUTSIDE OF NORTH AMERICA AND AM A RVT OR VETERINARIAN SEEKING TO MOVE/WORK IN BC AS A RVT, HOW DO I GET RVT STATUS IN BC?

The BCVTA believes that the education and training required to become an RVT is very different from that of a veterinarian and does not currently accept applications for membership from veterinarians. 

The BCVTA uses a third party, International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS ) to evaluate the education of veterinary technologists trained outside of North America. Application forms for ICAS can be found here: BCVTA BC Application Form (1)  Your assessment will be reviewed by the BCVTA Board of Directors, who may request additional training or proof of skills prior to approving you to write the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Please contact ICAS directly if you have any further questions regarding this application process.

Once you have successfully completed the ICAS process, you are eligible to complete the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE), and apply for membership with the BCVTA. 

THE PROVINCE/STATE THAT I RESIDE IN DOES NOT HAVE THEIR OWN ASSOCIATION SO I WISH TO BE A NON-RESIDENT MEMBER OF THE BCVTA, HOW DO I APPLY?

If the area that you reside in does not have their own membership, but you wish to maintain your RVT status, you can register for membership under the Non-Resident Member status. Non-Resident Members are required to attend 10 hours of continuing education per year. You have access to the the member portal and member benefits, but you do not have voting rights. To apply for Non-Resident Membership Status please click the option below. 

I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A BREAK OR AM GOING ON LEAVE, CAN I MAINTAIN MY RVT STATUS?

BCVTA members can apply for Non-Practicing membership for up to five years. Non-Practicing members continue to have access  to the member portal, benefits, and communications, are able to attend all BCVTA conferences and events, and are eligible to vote during general meetings of the association. The absence of less than one year will be rounded up to a full year.

The fee for Non-Practicing membership is $65/year to cover administration costs. No CE credits are required to be submitted during the leave, however, members are required to submit the required amount of credits per year on leave prior to return, to a maximum of 5 years or 75 credits. For example, if a member held the Non-Practicing status for one year and wanted to return to active status, they would submit 15 credits prior to return to RVT status. If the same member held this status for two years, they would submit 15 credits. 

To be eligible for Non-Practicing membership, members must be up to date on all CE requirements for the current collection period.