Veterinary Technology programs can be exciting, intense, and incredibly rewarding. Students learn a wide range of academic, clinical, and professional skills in just two short years, often balancing full class schedules with labs, practicums, part- or full-time jobs, and their personal lives. The pace can feel overwhelming at times, but each step of the program is preparing you for a successful career as a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT).
The ABVTA is here to support students through their journey to becoming an RVT. This survival guide brings together practical strategies for managing the demands of VT school, including tips for study habits and balancing work, education, and your personal life. To add a real-world perspective, we are also sharing tips and reflections from Kassidy Schenk, a second-year Veterinary Technology student at NAIT.
Whether you are starting your first semester or preparing for graduation, these strategies can help you not just survive but thrive.
Academic Survival
Veterinary Technology programs combine challenging theory with hands-on learning. Between anatomy, pharmacology, clinical procedures, and communication courses, students balance busy academic schedules with labs and practicums. The workload can feel endless at times but staying organized and balanced helps prevent academic work from snowballing.
Staying on top of coursework is one of the biggest challenges in Veterinary Technology (VT) school. Here are five strategies that can make a big difference:
Master time management
Time management in VT school is not just about writing deadlines down, it’s about creating a routine you can stick to. Here are three strategies that help:
- Utilize the right planners. A paper planner is great for seeing your week at a glance, while digital calendars and apps are helpful for setting reminders and alarms. Using both together can help you see the bigger picture while keeping you on track with timely alerts.
- Time block your way to success. Schedule study time, labs, and assignments as if they were appointments you can’t miss. For big projects, break them into smaller tasks with mini-deadlines to stay on track and avoid last-minute stress.
- Review and adjust weekly. Take a few minutes once a week to review your schedule, plan ahead, and make room for upcoming labs or exams.
We created a weekly productivity planner you can download and use to map out classes, study blocks, work shifts, and a rest day.
📥 Download the ABVTA Weekly Productivity Calendar here. 📥
Use study techniques that work
- Flashcards: Perfect for anatomy and terminology. They make memorization easier and can be reviewed quickly between classes.
- Study groups: Explaining material out loud helps reinforce your learning. Your classmates may also share memory tricks or study tips you had not thought of.
- Practice for practicals: Go through skills step by step, either in open labs or even at home using simple props. Talking through procedures reduces nerves and builds confidence.
- Utilize CleverOrcaVT through the Member Portal: ABVTA has partnered with CleverOrcaVT, a leader in VTNE review courses. Their VIP Package includes study guides, practice questions with rationales, timed mock exams, and a hardcopy review book. As an ABVTA student, you receive 30% off through the Member Portal.
Find a stress outlet outside of vet med
Having something in your life beyond school is key to staying balanced. A hobby, physical activity, or creative project can give your mind a break and help you recharge. Routines, like a weekly workout, a nightly skin care ritual, or trying new recipes for dinner, remind you that you are more than just a student. These outlets keep your motivation up and give you energy to return to your studies with focus.
Find a mentor
Mentors provide perspective, encouragement, and guidance when school feels overwhelming. This could be an instructor, a practicing RVT, or even someone outside of veterinary medicine who understands balance and career growth. To find one, start by reaching out to people you already know, such as instructors, lab supervisors, or upper-year students. Networking through practicums, professional events, or utilizing the ABVTA Member Portal can also provide you with guidance in finding the right mentor. Building these relationships early gives you a support system in school and a professional connection for the future.
Ask for help early
It’s easy to fall behind when the pace is fast, which is why reaching out for help early is one of the most important habits you can build in VT school. Instructors want you to succeed, and most are more than willing to explain concepts again or walk you through a skill if you ask. Your classmates can also be a valuable resource. Comparing notes or forming a small study group often helps you see the material in a new way. If you are still struggling, take advantage of tutoring services or academic support your program may offer. Seeking help sooner rather than later not only makes it easier to stay on track but also builds the communication and teamwork skills that will serve you throughout your career as an RVT.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Asking for help early is so important. With the amount of workload in this program, it can be very easy to fall behind.” – Kassidy Schenk
Clinical and Lab Tips
Hands-on learning is one of the most exciting parts of VT school, but the first time you step into a lab or clinic can also feel intimidating. These strategies will help you build confidence as you learn.
Handling nerves in your first labs and clinicals
Feeling anxious at the start is completely normal. Instead of trying to push the nerves away, focus on slowing your breathing and breaking tasks into small steps. Remind yourself that this is a safe space, you’re here to practice, not to be perfect. Ask questions, watch demonstrations closely, and then give yourself multiple tries. Each repetition will make the skill feel more natural, and your confidence will grow with every attempt.
“It’s important to advocate for yourself. You are just learning, and nerves are completely okay! Allow yourself time to learn and improve. Ask questions lots.” – Kassidy Schenk
Mastering the little things
The foundation of good clinical skills comes from repetition of the basics. Practice safe restraint, take clear and detailed notes, and learn how to set up equipment properly. These small tasks may not seem exciting at first, but they are the building blocks of confidence. When you are comfortable with the basics, you are better prepared to handle advanced skills later on.
“In first year, you may not get much time in the clinic, so make the most of every opportunity. Familiarize yourself with the equipment and procedures, because even the little things are important to master. The more you practice now, the more confident you will feel later” – Kassidy Schenk
Asking questions
Never hold back from asking about something you do not understand. Instructors expect curiosity, and your classmates benefit from hearing the answers too. By asking questions often, you learn faster, avoid developing bad habits, and show that you care about doing things right. These same habits are carried into practice, where strong RVTs are valued for their willingness to clarify, communicate, and advocate for patient care.
Create a lab buddy system
Pairing up with a classmate can make labs less intimidating and more productive. A lab buddy gives you someone to practice restraint techniques with, quiz on procedures, and share feedback. Having a partner also means you are accountable to show up prepared and can encourage each other through practical exams.
Mental Health and Self Care
Veterinary Technology programs are fast paced, and it is easy to burn out if you don’t prioritize your wellbeing. Recognizing the signs of burnout early is critical. If you notice yourself losing motivation, feeling drained, or struggling to concentrate, that is your body telling you it needs a break.
Build rest into your routine
Downtime is not a weakness, it is a survival skill. Schedule regular breaks into your week, such as taking a night off after classes, going for a short walk between study sessions, or keeping a weekend day free for yourself. These resets give your brain the chance to recharge, which actually helps you focus better and retain more information.
“One sign of burnout for me was losing all motivation to study. When I pushed too hard, it became impossible to focus. What helped was setting limits: I studied about an hour each night and gave myself Fridays, and sometimes Saturdays, completely off. At first I felt guilty, but that downtime was essential. It reset my brain, helped me manage the fast pace of the program, and reminded me that taking care of yourself is part of succeeding.” – Kassidy Schenk
Use wellness resources
You are not alone in this journey. Through the ABVTA, students have access to Togetherall, an online mental health community available 24/7. It is anonymous, moderated by trained professionals, and designed for peer-to-peer support. You can read and share experiences, join guided self-help courses, and use practical tools for stress, anxiety, and low mood. Leaning on a resource like Togetherall not only helps you manage the fast pace of VT school, it also strengthens the help-seeking and communication habits that make RVTs effective and resilient in practice.
Access campus supports and peer groups
Most schools have wellness centers that offer counselling, workshops, and health services, and you can usually find details on the student portal or by asking your program coordinator. Peer support groups, whether through student associations or informal study circles, are another valuable resource. Both options give you a safe space to share challenges, normalize the stress of VT school, and build the resilience you will rely on in practice.
Balancing School and Life
VT programs can get busy, but finding balance makes your academic journey smoother and more enjoyable. When you take time for yourself alongside academics, you set yourself up for long-term success.
Set realistic limits on work
Many students work part time or full time while juggling their courseload and assignments. To help balance your workload, try these tips:
- Ask for a consistent work schedule or cluster workdays to support a steady sleep, study, and personal routine.
- Flag project due dates and exam weeks early, and share them with your manager.
- Set a cap on work hours so you do not take on more than you can sustain.
- If you must work full time, ask your program about part time study options or a lighter course load.
- Protect two to three time blocks each week for high priority school tasks as well as rest or downtime.
- Keep a consistent sleep window so you can show up focused for both work and school.
Stay connected with your support network
Friends and family play an important role in your success. Even quick check ins, short study sessions with friends, or having someone to talk to about worries and stress can help you feel supported and steady.
Commit to healthy basics
Small habits like getting enough sleep, preparing simple meals, and moving your body in ways that feel comfortable will keep your energy up and your focus sharp. When you take care of yourself outside of school, it becomes easier to show up ready to learn in the classroom.
“Sleep is so important! I noticed that when I would not get enough sleep, my brain would not be in it that day. I would not retain as much stuff we went over in class when I did not get a proper sleep. As a student, it can be hard to get a proper sleep but try your best to make that a priority!” – Kassidy Schenk
Money and Resources
The costs of school can add up quickly, but small changes can help keep expenses manageable:
- Bursaries: Visit our Veterinary Bursary page located in the Member Resources section of the ABVTA Member Portal to learn more about Alberta’s bursary opportunities available to you as a VT student. Start early, review requirements, and add the deadlines to your calendar!
- Scrubs: Take advantage of your ABVTA student membership by checking out your member benefits with Mark’s, Vessi, and Pocketfull of Threads.
- Textbooks: Look for used copies on Facebook Marketplace, campus buy and sell groups, or from upper year students. Also search your campus and local public library for free digital articles, e‑books, and textbooks.
- Supplies (make every dollar count): Prioritize items that impact learning and comfort first: a reliable stethoscope, supportive non‑slip shoes, or even a penlight. For everyday items, split bulk orders with classmates to save money. Pens, notebooks, gloves, sticky notes, and highlighters are all cheaper when bought in packs. You can also share lab essentials like clippers or nail trimmers.
- Phone and tech: Use your ABVTA member benefit discount with Bell to lower your monthly phone bill or data plan, especially if you use mobile study apps and need reliable data for on‑the‑go review.
“The ABVTA is an amazing association with a group of amazing people. They are there to help with anything regarding your membership, and they are advocating for students and RVTs. Take time to look at your ABVTA membership when you get access to it.” – Kassidy Schenk
A Note to Future and Current VT Students from Kassidy Schenk
What surprised me most about VT school is how much teamwork is involved. I expected to just focus on animals, but I quickly learned that working well with classmates, veterinarians, and other staff is just as important as medical skills. Being an RVT isn’t just about caring for animals, it’s also about building trust, teamwork, and strong communication skills.
Finding a balance between the demanding workload and my personal life was my biggest challenge at the start. With lectures, labs, studying, and various other commitments, it was easy to feel overwhelmed. I had to master time management quickly! This is a skill I plan to continue honing after graduating from Tech School, as it will remain essential in my future career as a Vet Tech.
My favourite part so far has been our animal labs. We get to work hands on with dogs and cats, visit the dairy farm to work with cattle, and spend time at WELCA with horses. Being with the animals is absolutely my favourite part of the program. It’s where everything I’ve been learning really comes to life.
One piece of advice I wish I’d had on day one is this: don’t ever be afraid to ask questions. At the beginning of school, I was concerned that asking questions would make me appear inexperienced. However, I soon realized that everyone, including the most seasoned RVTs, had to start somewhere. Asking questions not only helps you learn faster but shows you care about doing things right.
Kassidy Schenk, second-year Veterinary Technologist student at NAIT
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Veterinary Technology school can be challenging, but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences you will have. Every late night, every practical exam, and every lecture is preparing you for a career that is exciting, impactful, and full of opportunity.
The ABVTA is proud to support you every step of the way with resources, mentorship, and community. Through the ABVTA Member Portal, you can access student benefits, discounts, events, and tools designed to help you not only survive but thrive during your studies.
We also invite you to join the ABVTA Facebook Group, where you can ask questions, share tips, and stay connected with fellow students.
And remember, you’ve got this.