FAQs

There are several resources for individuals searching for information on becoming an RVT. The Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) Career Navigator website is an excellent tool for planning your career in veterinary technology.

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 15 hours of continuing education each year to maintain their RVT status.

There are several accredited programs available for future RVTs!

BC recognized programs:

• Thompson Rivers University Veterinary Technology Diploma
• Thompson Rivers University Veterinary Technology Open Learning Diploma 
• Douglas College Veterinary Technology Diploma

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

Student members of the BCVTA can upgrade their membership easily by registering for RVT membership. The application will require students to provide their contact information, a copy of their VTNE result and either the application fee, or an upgrade fee for BCVTA student  members.

The executive director is happy answer any questions you may have to help with the transition.

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 available options.

A Letter of Good Standing must be sent from your current licensing body to the association at executivedirector@bcvta.com. Any other questions may be directed to this address.

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).  Please contact ICAS directly if you have any further questions regarding this application process. 

Once the BCVTA has received your assessment, it will be reviewed by the Board of Directors.  The Board may request additional courses or training.  Once you have met the required criteria, your eligibility to write the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) will be approved.

Successful completion of the VTNE will allow you to complete your registration with the BCVTA. 

The BCVTA believes that  veterinary technology is significantly different from practicing as a veterinarian and the education and training required to become an RVT is tailored specifically to develop these skills. For these reasons, the BCVTA does not currently accept applications for membership from veterinarians.

Veterinarians wishing to pursue a career as a veterinary technologist can contact the veterinary technology programs listed above to have their education assessed for transfer credits. 

If the area that you reside in does not have their own membership, but you wish to obtain your RVT status, you can register for membership under the Non-Resident Member status. Non-Resident Members are required to attend 15 hours of continuing education per year. You have access to the the member portal and member benefits, but you do not have voting rights and cannot hold positions on the Board of Directors.