Animal Health Technicians and Technologists

Animal Health Technologists

AHT stands for Animal Health Technologist or Technician. They are also called Veterinary Technologists or Technicians (VT) depending upon the province. An AHT/VT is a college graduate who is trained to work with animals in veterinary practice or other related fields such as pharmaceutical companies, zoo medicine, humane societies, federal or provincial governments, meat inspection, and research facilities.

AHT/VTs complete a two or three year accredited program of study in which they receive a general education in biology and chemistry. As well, they receive more specific training in veterinary medicine in anatomy, physiology, haematology, animal diseases, anaesthesiology, radiology, surgical nursing, pharmacology, veterinary terminology, and veterinary office management.

Upon completion of their diploma, AHT/VTs can voluntarily take a national standardized exam which, once passed, enables them to use the title Registered Veterinary Technologist/Technician (RVT). Those who chose to become RVTs must then attend a minimum amount of continuing education each year in order to maintain their registered status. Both registration and continuing education credits are recorded and enforced by the provincial associations.

In veterinary practice and hospitals, AHT/VTs do similar work with animals that nurses and other technical workers do in hospitals and clinics for people.

The following is a list of AHT/VTs' major responsibilities in veterinary practice:

Anesthesia
Animal Nursing
Radiology
Client Education
Surgical Assistance
Laboratory Procedures
Hospital Management
Nutritional Consultants
Pharmacy Management

More information can be obtained from the Canadian Association of Animal Health Technicians and Technologists at the following website: http://www.caahtt-acttsa.ca