Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians provide technical support to veterinarians by caring for animals and assisting in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health disorders. Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians who are supervisors are included in this unit group.
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People in this occupation:
Source: Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Note:Estimated median employment income based on 2021 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))
Source: 2021 Job Bank Wage Report
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook
10 year expected job openings: 590
N/A - Data not available
Veterinary and animal health technologists and technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
Full-time veterinary and animal health technologists and technicians work 40–50 hours per week. They work indoors in veterinary clinics, which are often noisy. Emergency call-out work may sometimes be required.
Stress is often associated with treating abused animals or putting down animals. The work can also be physically demanding since veterinary and animal health technologists and technicians have to lift, hold or restrain animals, risking bites or scratches. Safety precautions reduce risk of injury.
Workers may also feel a sense of accomplishment in caring for the animals.
Source: 2016 Census
Completion of a two- or three-year veterinary or animal health technology diploma or a related program is required.
In B.C., registration with the British Columbia Veterinary Technologists Association (BCVTA) is available to veterinary and animal health technologists who have completed an accredited training program and passed the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). For more information, please see the BCVTA website at https://www.bcvta.com/
For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.
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Many new openings will result from the need to replace those who retire.
Spending on veterinary services has doubled over the last 10 years due to the increasing number of pets in North America, as well as the fact that more pet owners consider their pets to be a member of the family. Pet owners are more willing to spend money for involved veterinary procedures to extend the life of their animals. This trend is creating an increased demand for veterinary services, and is increasing job opportunities for veterinary and animal health technologists and technicians.
Recent outbreaks of diseases in farm animals, such as avian influenza and bovine spongiform encephalopathy, are also increasing the demand for veterinary diagnostic services and the services of veterinary and animal health technologists and technicians.
Career paths
With experience, veterinary and animal health technologists and technicians may progress to supervisory positions.
Additional resources