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Laboratory Technician/Technologist, Veterinary Technician
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $18.70 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $21.47 |
| Top | $24.97 |
Interest in assisting veterinarians before, during and after surgery, and by preparing surgical equipment, administering and monitoring anesthetics and cleaning up after surgery; in conducting specialized procedures such as animal identification and hoof trimming, and in preparing medications and vaccines under the direction of veterinarians
Interest in operating laboratory equipment to produce X-rays radiographs, collect samples and perform other tests to assist in the diagnosis of animal health problems
Interest in compiling information from tests to assist in the diagnosis of animal health problems; and in conducting and assisting in laboratory research
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Animal health technologists provide a wide range of animal health services. They are supervised by veterinarians. In general, they:
They may:
Most animal health technologists work in veterinary clinics and hospitals. Many work in labs, research facilities or animal shelters. Some work on farms or in stockyards or feedlots. The work can be physically and emotionally demanding.
Work hours may include evenings, weekends, and nights. Animal health technologists may be on call or work overtime during emergencies.
Animal health technologists sometimes work around strong, unpleasant odours. Workplace hazards may include contact with dangerous animals. They may also include exposure to radiation, biohazards, anesthetics (gases) and diseases that may be passed on to humans.
Animal health technologists need to possess:
They should enjoy:
As a minimum, animal health technologists must have a 2-year animal health technology or veterinary technology diploma accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available. The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field. For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Required Education
Grande Prairie Regional College
Lakeland College
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Olds College
Thompson Rivers University
Related Education
Lakeland College
Olds College
University of Calgary
Before enrolling in any program, prospective students should check with the Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) to make sure it is recognized across Canada.
To stay licensed, registered animal health technologists must complete 10 hours of continuing education every year.
Animal health technologists provide primary support to veterinarians by caring for animals, and assisting in the care and treatment of companion and livestock animal health disorders.
Under Alberta's Veterinary Profession Act and General Regulation, you must be registered with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) to work as an animal health technologist under the direction of a registered veterinarian.
Registration with the ABVMA requires: (1) membership in the Alberta Association of Animal Health Technologists (AAAHT), (2) an Animal Health Technology diploma accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), or equivalent, and (3) successful completion of a national exam administered by the ABVMA. For official, detailed information about registration requirements, contact the ABVMA or visit their website.
Animal health technologists who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta if registered animal health technologists in the two jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see "What if I am already certified in another province or territory?" and the Alberta regulatory authority (below).
To learn about certification for internationally educated animal health technologists, see Animal Health Technologist Registration Process.
Alberta Veterinary Medical Association
950 Weber Centre, 5555 Calgary Trail N.W.
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T6H 5P9
Phone number: 780-489-5007
Toll-free phone number: 1-800-404-2862
Fax number: 780-484-8311
Website: www.abvma.ca
Animal health technologists may work for:
Advancement generally takes the form of more complex duties or management tasks.
Animal health technologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 3213: Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians. In Alberta, 84% of people employed in this classification work in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors, including:
In Alberta, the 3213: Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 58 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the 58 new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $23.19 | $18.70 | $18.47 |
| Overall | $15.19 | $25.00 | $21.47 | $22.78 |
| Top | $18.00 | $30.00 | $24.97 | $25.25 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $40,971 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $40,613 |
Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) website: abvma.ca
Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) website: rvttcanada.ca
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) website: canadianveterinarians.net
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.