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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:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
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
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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 for this NOC group 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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
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:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 27 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 06, 2021 and Sep 26, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Prepare and administer medications and vaccines under direction of veterinarian | 15 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Administer treatments as prescribed by veterinarian | 15 |
| Tasks: Handle, restrain and care for animals undergoing treatment and surgery | 15 |
| Tasks: Assist veterinarian before, during and after surgery | 14 |
| Tasks: Perform routine animal dental procedures and assist veterinarians with animal dentistry | 13 |
| Health benefits: Health care plan | 12 |
| Tasks: Provide wound and bandage care | 12 |
| Tasks: Produce diagnostic radiographs, collect samples and perform other laboratory tests | 12 |
| Tasks: Counsel clients on animal health care | 12 |
| Tasks: Provide nursing care and rehabilitation therapy for animals | 11 |
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. To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs. Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Required Education
Lakeland College
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Northwestern Polytechnic
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.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
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.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Animal Health Technologist.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Animal health technologists may work for:
Advancement generally takes the form of more complex duties or management tasks.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 3213: Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians occupational group, 84.8% of people work in:
Employment outlook is 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 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.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
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.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
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.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $24.00 | $19.35 | $20.00 |
| Overall | $15.24 | $29.60 | $22.37 | $23.00 |
| Top | $17.00 | $35.00 | $26.49 | $26.00 |
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.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $43,859 |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $43,837 |
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.
