Becoming an RVT
Pathway
Path to Becoming An RVT
There is a four step process for individuals to becoming a Registered Veterinary Technologist:
- Graduate from a CVMA or AVMA accredited college.
- Apply to write the VTNE
- Hold annual membership with the MVMA and MVTA.
- Successfully pass the VTNE within the 2 year window.
Only individuals who have completed all four steps will be allowed to use the protected title "Veterinary Technologist (RVT)" and be able to practice veterinary medicine as an RVT.
Accredited Programs
To be able to become a registered veterinary technologist, you must be a graduate of a Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) or the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program. Below are links to CVMA accredited colleges in Canada and for a list of AVMA accredited colleges.
Accredited
Distance Programs
Distance education models are designed to combine the flexibility of online learning with the essential hands-on clinical experience required for the profession. The programs are typically cohort-based, providing students with ongoing support from instructors, peers, and program staff throughout their studies. Below is a list of the current distance education opportunities for individuals:
Unregistered
Clinic Staff
Only veterinarians and veterinary technologists who are registered with the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) and the MVTA are authorized to practice veterinary medicine in Manitoba. If you have further questions about the various roles within a veterinary clinic, we encourage you to contact the MVMA at [email protected] for more information.
We suggest reaching out to your local veterinary clinic and speaking with the clinic manager to learn more about the qualifications and courses that may be beneficial for working as an unregistered administrative or support staff member.
Writing the VTNE
Manitoba (and other Provinces) use the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE®) to evaluate the competency of entry-level veterinary technologists and require a passing score for a veterinary technologist to be registered as an RVT.
The VTNE is administered during four exam windows each year. The exam is computer-based and is given at PSI testing centers throughout the U.S. and Canada or can be Live Remote Proctored.
Membership with MVMA & MVTA
To practice as a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) in Manitoba, individuals must be registered with both the Manitoba Veterinary Technologists Association (MVTA) and the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA). The registration and renewal process has been simplified so that members receive a single invoice covering both MVMA and MVTA fees, complete one online renewal through the MVMA, and make one payment to the MVMA, which then forwards the fees and information to the MVTA.
The registration year runs from July 1 to June 30, with renewals opening annually in mid-April. New applicants can find registration details and application forms on the MVMA website. Only those registered with both associations are authorized to practice veterinary medicine and use the RVT title in Manitoba.