Information you need to know to work as an Animal Health Technologist

Who is the licensing body responsible for Animal Health/Veterinary Technologists in Alberta?

In Alberta, to practice as an Animal Health Technologist, you must be registered with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) and be a member of the Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association.

What are the registration requirements for internationally educated Animal Health/Veterinary Technologists?

If an applicant is not a graduate of a Canadian Veterinary Medical Association accredited program, there is a 5 step process to apply for licensing. Find the link to the current policy below the heading “As a Veterinary Technologist” on the ABVMA webpage.

1. Apply to the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association for an assessment of your education. Submit
   • The name of the school, city and country of the school of graduation,
   • The year of graduation, and
   • Course curriculum including detailed individual course description.
   The submitted information will be evaluated by 2 AVBMA members as curriculum evaluators, one veterinarian and one technologist. If the ABVMA evaluators agree that the course of study is substantively equivalent to a CVMA accredited course in animal health technology, the applicant can move to step 2.
2. Apply to the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association for credential review.
   • A FULLY completed application form
   • A notarized copy of one of the following: Valid Canadian Passport, Canadian SIN #, Canadian Work Visa, or Canadian Permanent Resident Visa
   • A notarized recent colour photograph
   • Notarized transcripts from the program attended
   • Notarized proof of graduation from the program attended
   • Letters of Good Standing from EACH Professional Associations, licensing authorities, or statutory bodies of which the applicant is or has been a member as an Veterinary Technologist or equivalent
   • Three character reference names and contact information
   • Declaration signed by Notary Public, Commissioner of Oaths, or Justice of the Peace
   • Registration application fee (non-refundable)
   • Applicable membership dues (see fee schedule)
   • Any other information required by the Registration Committee.
3. Submit proof of the ability to communicate in English, if the applicant’s first language is not English. The score report must not be more than 2 years old.
   • Internet-based TOEFL (iB-TOEFL), with a minimum of 23 in Reading, 25 in Listening, 22 in speaking, 22 in writing and no minimum overall score is required. Candidates MUST achieve at least the minimum passing scores for each of the four sections of the internet-based TOEFL, with section scores accepted from separate internet-based TOEFL exam administrations conducted over a two-year period;
   • International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Academic version with an overall score of no less than 6.5, with at least 6.5 in the Listening band, 6.0 in the Writing band and 7.0 in the Speaking band. Candidates MUST achieve the minimum passing scores for each of the three sections with section scores accepted from separate IELTS examination administrations conducted over a two-year period;
   • Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment with an overall score of no less than 60, with a least 60 in the Listening band, 50 in the Writing band and 60 in the Speaking band.
4. Obtain a Passing Score on VTNE (Veterinary Technologists National Exam). Upon successful submission of credentials and proof of ability to communicate in English, the applicant will be granted ABVMA registration as a provisional veterinary technologist member and membership in the AAAHT and will be given permission to write the VTNE. The VTNE must be attempted within 6 months of the Provisional Veterinary Technologist membership being granted.
5. Complete a Clinical Assessment (Large Animal or Small Animal or Both)

What are the educational requirements for Animal Health Technologists in Alberta?

To become registered as an Animal Health/Veterinary Technologist in Alberta, a person has to meet the following requirements:

1. Graduated from a Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), or the American Veterinary Medical Association (AmVMA) accredited technology program.
2. Successfully pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).

In Alberta, the following institutions offer two year diploma programs in Animal Health Technology:

• Grande Prairie Regional College in Fairview.
• Lakeland College in Vermilion.
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton.
• Olds College in Olds.

What supports are available to support internationally educated health care professionals to integrate into the Canadian labour force?

Directions for Immigrants offers workplace communication groups to help you integrate into the Canadian work environment. The Clear Communication for Health Professionals (CCHP) workplace communication group is designed to help internationally educated health care professionals fine-tune their communication skills with patients, supervisors, and colleagues. In one week, you will learn through role-play and scenarios the nuances and expectations of Canadian patients, inter-disciplinary teams, and other health care industry participants. Topics include overcoming communication barriers, professional workplace interaction/behaviour, Canadian workplace culture, conflict resolution, and teamwork. Visit Clear Communication for Health Professionals for more information.

Additional Occupational Information

For more information on occupations, duties and wages, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service at www.alis.alberta.ca / Animal Health Technologist and Opportunity Alberta website.

What information resources are available for Animal Health Technologists in Alberta?

• Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association (ABVTA) website: https://www.abvta.com/
• Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) website: https://rvttcanada.ca/