About RVT and VMR

Registered Veterinary Technicians

An RVT is a key part of the support staff of a veterinary clinic. They assist in medical and surgical procedures, are trained to monitor anesthetics, do laboratory tests, in parasitology and help with the continuing education of clients. Many also help with pet training and behavioral problems. They are recognized members of a Veterinary Technician Association and have to write a board examination post graduation to attain that membership. Each province and state usually has their own certification standards and an RVT must be registered in the province or state that he or she practices in.

Historical Background on the RVT Profession:

The first Animal Health Technology Program was created at Ridge Town College. It was a two year course and had its first graduating class in 1969. That first class got together and formed in 1970 the first Animal Health Technology professional organization in Canada. Since then there are now 9 accredited colleges in Ontario that offer animal health technology programs; Ridgetown College in Ridgetown, St.Clair College in Windsor, Seneca College in King City, St.Lawrence College in Kingston, Northern College in Haileybury, College Boreal (New Liskeard Campus) in New Liskeard, College Boreal (Alfred Campus) in Alfred, Georgian College in Orillia and Algonquin College in Ottawa.

Veterinary Medical Receptionist

This is a wonderful full year certificate program to train people for the front line in a Veterinary Clinic. It is offered in Ontario through the University of Guelph at their Ridgetown College. It teaches effective interpersonal communication skills, business management skills and technical skills and knowledge of animal care and the practices and protocols of a veterinary clinic.

Veterinary Medical Receptionists can help with client continuing education. They are also trained to aid the Registered Veterinary Technicians and the Veterinarian with many procedures; pet handling, triage, management and marketing strategies.

University of Guelph offers the Veterinary Medical Receptionist Certificate Program, a one-year program consisting of two semesters and a total of 28 weeks. Each class is small, approximately 15 students. The program has been in existence for over 3 years. The web site is www.ridgetownc.on.ca.

For further information please contact the University of Guelph.

Professional Groomer

The pet industry has experienced tremendous growth over the past decades. Quality professional Groomers are in great demand. The expectations of pet owners for their dogs' and cats' grooms are higher than ever. The Ontario Dog Groomers Association helps with continuing education and promoting good grooming and pet care to the public. There is currently no organized self-governing body such as with Veterinary Technicians and Veterinarians to promote a standard of quality workmanship for grooming. Schools such as Pets Beautiful Inc. in London Ontario have set their own high quality of standards to train their students for pet care, grooming and show grooming in Ontario. They help develop the skills and care that good Groomers need to do quality caring work on your pet(s).

For more information on a career in grooming please check their web site at www.petsbeautiful.ca.