Education · 1 of 5

The path

Two years, one national exam, and you are in a clinic.

1. 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. 2

   Accredited veterinary technician diploma

   2 years

   Two years at a college accredited by the CVMA (Canadian Veterinary Medical Association). Anatomy, pharmacology, anesthesia, surgical assisting, lab work, radiography and animal handling, with live animals from the first term.

3. 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. 4

   Register with your provincial association

   A few weeks

   For example the OAVT (Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians). That gives you the RVT (registered veterinary technician) title.