Ottawa, ON – The Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) are excited to announce the publication of the first National Standards of Practice for the RVT profession across Canada.

The standards were written by an RVTTC National Standards Task Force composed of RVT members from across Canada. The standards are for Registered Veterinary Technicians and Technologists, students of veterinary technology, provincial veterinary technology associations, Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and students, employers and stakeholders in the general public. The document represents the collaborative commitment of provincial and national associations that influence the profession. “Being able to participate in research with RVTs from across the country and from various professional associations, to work on a guiding document that collectively represents our profession was a great experience,” stated Lisa Langton BSc, Bed, Med, RVT, one of the National Standards Task Force members.

The intent of the National Standards of Practice is to:

  • foster a better understanding of professional obligations across Canada since regulation is currently provincially mandated
  • define an RVT and their professional standards
  • reaffirm the importance of professional development
  • reaffirm RVTs’ ethical values and commitment to patients, the public, and their profession
  • describe the foundational knowledge expected of an RVT, various career paths, and the advanced level of expertise that come with earning a Veterinary Technician Specialty Designation

You can view and download the National Standards of Practice here.

RVTs contribute to the essential service of veterinary medicine through their knowledge of animal health and understanding of zoonotic diseases. They are an integral part of the animal health care team, helping to ensure the safety of the food chain for Canadians, as well as protecting the human-animal bond by keeping companion animals healthy.

The RVTTC is a not-for-profit organization representing roughly 10,000 RVTs across Canada on national and international issues. Supporting affiliated provincial veterinary technician and technologist associations in its mission to unite, advance and strengthen the Registered Veterinary Technician/Technologist profession.