RVT CAREER ADVANCEMENT
The field of veterinary medicine is constantly evolving, progressing, and moving forward. Staying current on new trends, research and advancements are essential to your long-term success as an RVT.
Additional learning opportunities will be added as discovered. If you have taken or are aware of a great course or opportunity not included here, please email us at info@canadianrvt.com!
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
-Dr. Seuss.
LABORATORY TECHNICIANS
For RVTs looking to work in a laboratory setting, the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS/ACSAL) has certifications for the Registered Laboratory Animal Technician (RLAT) and Registered Master Laboratory Animal Technician (RMLAT).
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN SPECIALITIES
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) has developed the Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS), which established criteria for societies that wanted to obtain Academy status and offer Veterinary Technician Specialties (VTS) to practicing RVTs.
VTS can be achieved in many different areas, including, but not limited to, emergency and critical care, anesthesia and analgesia, zoological medicine, equine medicine, ophthalmology, physical rehabilitation, nutrition, dermatology, and diagnostic imaging.
To see a complete list of available VTS opportunities, visit the NAVTA website.
MICROCREDENTIALS
Microcredentials are short courses designed to help registrants upskill, reskill or boost their current knowledge base in a particular area.
Microcredentials are a rapidly evolving learning opportunity, with new programming being frequently developed. New opportunities will be added as discovered.
Seneca College - Acute Self-Care for Veterinary Professionals
Georgian College - Canine Behaviour Series
For more information on microcredentials, visit the Colleges and Institutes Canada link below.
BOVINE HEALTH
The Canadian Association of Bovine Veterinarians (CABV/ACVB) is comprised of four regional associations, the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners (WCABP), the Ontario Association of Bovine Practitioners (OABP), l'Association des Médecins Vétérinaires Praticiens du Québec (AMVPQ), and the Atlantic Bovine Practitioners Association (ABPA). Continuing education opportunities available to DVMs and RVTs alike are posted on their respective websites.
Hoof Health/Trimming
Hoof health assessments, including trimming and lameness evaluation, are an integral component of bovine medicine and present an excellent opportunity for RVTs to become more involved on-farm and during herd health visits.
There are three course options available - Basic, Advanced and Instructors
Located in Arva, Ontario
Technical Hoof Trimming Course
Located in Baraboo, Wisconsin
SMALL RUMINANT MEDICINE
Ontario Sheep Farmers hosts a Master Shepherd's Course, as well as a number of others including Parasite Management and Introduction to Small Ruminant Production.
EQUINE HEALTH & MEDICINE FOCUSED COURSES
American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians (AAEVT) - Runs an Online Certificate Academy with equine specific training (Basic to Advanced)
Equi-Health Canada Courses - First aid and advanced first aid options specific to horses
Equine Reproduction Technician - Olds College in Alberta
*Must be a graduate of an Animal Health Technology/Technician program
Farrier Science Certificate - Olds College in Alberta
The Equine Institute - A number of RACE approved CE courses for veterinary technicians are listed on their website
University of Guelph - Equine Guelph - A number of 12-week online courses available, including Equine Nutrition, Equine Behaviour, and Equine Functional Anatomy.
WILDLIFE REHABILITATION, CONSERVATION AND ZOOLOGICAL COURSES & EXPERIENCES
Advanced Certificate in Wild Animal Studies - ACS Distance Education - Australia
Conservation & Wildlife in Veterinary Medicine - Online Certificate - Purdue University
Wildlife Rehabilitation Advanced Diploma - Northern College in Haileybury, Ontario
*This is specifically for veterinary technicians and is an extension of their Veterinary Technician program
Wildlife Veterinary Course - 12-day Wildlife Vet Internship in South Africa