Education

To become a Registered Veterinary Technologist in Alberta, an individual must graduate from a CVMA (Canadian Veterinary Medical Association) or AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) accredited college technology program, successfully complete the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and apply to the ABVMA for registration.

Graduates from non-accredited animal health technology/veterinary technology programs may qualify for registration upon successful completion of an assessment that has been established by the ABVMA and the ABVTA. To view the current policy, click here.

There are 4 colleges in Alberta that offer a diploma in Animal Health Technology:

• Olds College
• NAIT
• Lakeland College
• Northwestern Polytechnic

Students attending an animal health or veterinary technology programs will learn about animals of all shapes and sizes. Students will learn important skills such as animal handling, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic imaging, diagnostic laboratory procedures, surgical preparation, anesthesia, dentistry and animal diseases.

A love of animals and an interest in science and technology are a must for AHT students!

All students in an AHT or VT program in Alberta must apply for a student membership with the ABVMA and ABVTA.
*Application for membership is usually done in partnership with your program of study and is done simultaneously for both Associations through the online application.

To view a list of CVMA accredited programs, click here.
To view a list of AVMA accredited programs, click here.