We’re celebrating the amazing contributions of RVTs this month!
It’s that time of year again when we celebrate the contributions of our incredible Registered Veterinary Technicians. It’s RVT Month!
This year, we’ll be sharing weekly content about RVTs and their diligent work caring for animals in need. We will have a few Instagram takeovers (follow @ontariospca on Instagram for more details), and a surprise video near the end of the month as well.
In the meantime, here are some fast facts about RVTs that you may not have known!
Fast facts about RVTs
- The title ‘RVT’ is a legal credential. RVTs work hard to earn their “R”. Every RVT in Ontario attended an OAVT accredited Veterinary Technology college program, passed the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam), completed a Professionalism and Ethics workshop and submitted a clear criminal record check to earn their credential
- There are over 9,000 RVTs (Registered Veterinary Technicians/Technologists) across Canada!
- Registered Veterinary Technicians in Canada must pass the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam) to earn their credential.
- RVTs aren’t just found in your local veterinary clinic. RVTs help to care for a variety of different animals – from your family pets, to exotic species and wildlife, to horses, cows, pigs and goats and everything in between.
- These skilled RVTs can specialize in different areas called Veterinary Technician Specialties. There are currently 16 different options!
- The RVT profession has been around for 50 years! Previously known as Animal Health Technicians (AHT), the first AHT college program began in 1967.
- In Ontario, RVTs are required to complete 20 credits of Continuing Education every two years to maintain their credential. This ensures RVTs are continually learning and growing within their field.
You can find out more about what RVTs do in our animal centres in this blog. Read to learn about why RVTs are valuable at our animal centres and what their roles are.
Interested in upgrading your career to become an RVT? Watch this video for more information on why you would want to upgrade, and steps to make it happen!