Education · 1 of 5
The path
Outside Quebec: two years, one national exam, and you are in a clinic. Quebec has its own route: tap Quebec route to add it.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Grade 12 biology, chemistry, math and English. Many colleges require documented hours in a vet clinic or with animals.
- 2
Accredited veterinary technician diploma
2 years
Two years in a program accredited by the CVMA (Canadian Veterinary Medical Association) or, in Ontario, by the OAVT (Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians). Anatomy, pharmacology, anesthesia, surgical assisting, lab work, radiography and animal handling, with live animals from the first term.
- 3
Write the VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Exam)
After graduation
The same exam used across North America, offered in several testing windows a year.
- 4
Register with your provincial association
A few weeks
For example the OAVT (Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians), which also asks for a criminal record check and an ethics workshop. That gives you the RVT (registered veterinary technician) title.