What is a Veterinary Technologist?

A Veterinary Technologist, or VT, is trained to work under the supervision of a Veterinarian in veterinary practices or can work in many other animal health related fields.

By assuming many of the technical duties and care of the patients, Veterinary Technologists enable Veterinarians to concentrate on their patient caseloads and expand the range and quality of services provided.

Career Opportunities

Under the supervision of the Veterinarian, the technologist performs many of the tasks in the clinic. With their specialized training, VT's offer a great deal to the hospital setting. Technologists are trained to work in these numerous animal related settings:

• Private practice
• Research laboratories
• Food animal inspection
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Education
• Livestock health management
• Zoos
• SPCA and Humane Shelters

Responsibilities

Veterinary Technologists primarily function as professional assistants to Veterinarians. Some examples of the duties a qualified VT is trained to perform under the direct supervision of a Veterinarian are:

Patient Care

• Medical administration
• Sample collection
• Physical therapy
• Special intensive nursing care
• Bandage application
• Nutritional management

Clinical Pathology

• Specimen collection
• Sample analysis
• Microbiological techniques
• Parasitology

Radiology

• Patient preparation
• Patient positioning
• Radiation safety
• Radiographic film development

Anesthesia

• Preanesthetic evaluation
• Administration of anesthetic agent
• Monitoring anesthetized patient
• Patient recovery

Surgical Assisting

• Patient preparation
• Instrument sterilization
• Surgical site preparation
• Maintenance of surgical equipment

Necropsy

• Post-mortem preparation
• Tissue collection and handling

Office/Hospital Management

• Reception duties
• Billing and bookkeeping
• Medical supplies inventory
• Client education

As specialized assistants, Veterinary Technologists have much to offer to the veterinary field in the care and management of animals. Veterinary Technology offers a rewarding and challenging career for dedicated, caring individuals.

More Career Research

Visit the Student Research page on www.CAAHTT-ACTTSA.ca .

Education

The education of a technologist involves a two to three year college course. The Canadian Association of Animal Health Technicians and Technologists (CAAHTT) maintains a list of recognized colleges within Canada that includes those accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). AHT/ VT courses offered are a 2 or 3 year diploma program. Further information about a program may be obtained directly from the college. The addresses are listed on the CAAHTT web site along with important links to assist your career investigation. Saskatchewan has a program at SIAST Kelsey Campus in Saskatoon: this course is accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. The two years spent at Kelsey Campus would involve classroom lectures, scientific labs, participation in a 10-week on-the-job training program and finishing with an extensive internship at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

For more details on this and other courses, visit AHT/VT Programs on www.CAAHTT-ACTTSA.ca .

Admission Requirements

College admission requirements vary between colleges, however a "B" grade average or higher is generally required in the Biological Sciences, Math, and English. Computer experience is also a prerequisite.

Experience in a veterinary setting is strongly recommended and is in some cases required for admission.

Last edited: 2006-06-23