Overview
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Provide nursing care and rehabilitation therapy for animals
Handle, restrain and care for animals undergoing treatment and surgery
Produce radiographs, collect and analyse samples and perform other laboratory tests to assist in diagnosis of animal health problems
Assist veterinarian with animals before, during and following surgery by preparing surgical equipment, administering and monitoring anaesthetics and cleaning up after surgery
Prepare and administer medications and vaccines under direction of a veterinarian
Administer treatments as prescribed by a veterinarian
Provide wound and bandage care
Conduct specialized procedures such as animal identification and hoof trimming
Educate and advise clients on animal health care including nutrition and home care
Assist in laboratory research
Perform routine animal dental procedures and assist veterinarians with animal dentistry
May perform a variety of office management and clerical duties.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$36,289
$43,798
$64,654
Job openings
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British Columbia
569expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of a two- or three-year animal health/veterinary technology college program is required.
Successful completion of a national registration examination may be required in some employment settings.
Registration with provincial animal health technologists' or veterinary technicians' associations is available, and is mandatory in some provinces.
Additional information
With experience, animal health technologists and veterinary technicians may progress to supervisory positions.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians in B.C.
- Registration with the British Columbia Veterinary Technologists Association
Registration with the British Columbia Veterinary Technologists Association
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a veterinary technician in B.C., you may choose to register with the British Columbia Veterinary Technologists Association. Eligibility is achieved by completing an accredited veterinary technology program and successfully writing the Veterinary Technician National Examination.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.