Animal Health Technologists and Veterinary Technicians
(NOC 3213)
in All HealthAnimal 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. They are employed in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, animal shelters, humane societies, zoos, animal research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies and government. Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians who are supervisors are included in this group.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Health
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline slightly over the next few years. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Animal Health Technologists and Veterinary Technicians most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.
The median employment income for 62% of Animal Health Technologists and Veterinary Technicians who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $33,448. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$15.00
Median$21.75
MaximumAnnual Pay
$8,586
Minimum$27,196
Median$42,829
MaximumCompared to: All Health
Hourly Pay
$16.38
Minimum$25.50
Median$41.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,740
Minimum$43,853
Median$88,944
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
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. They are employed in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, animal shelters, humane societies, zoos, animal research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies and government. Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians who are supervisors are included in this group.
Job duties
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
- Provide nursing care and rehabilitation therapy for animals.
- Handle, restrain and care for animals undergoing treatment and surgery.
- Produce radiographs, collect and analyze samples and perform other laboratory tests to assist in diagnosis of animal health problems.
- Assist veterinarian with animals before, during and following surgery by preparing surgical equipment, administering and monitoring anesthetics and cleaning up after surgery.
- Prepare and administer medications and vaccines under direction of a veterinarian.
- Administer treatments as prescribed by a veterinarian.
- Provide wound and bandage care.
- Conduct specialized procedures such as animal identification and hoof trimming.
- Educate and advise clients on animal health care including nutrition and home care.
- Assist in laboratory research.
- Perform routine animal dental procedures and assist veterinarians with animal dentistry.
- May perform a variety of office management and clerical duties.
Sample job titles
- animal care technician
- animal health technician - agriculture
- animal health technologist
- animal operating room attendant
- laboratory animal technician
- registered animal health technologist (RAHT)
- registered veterinary technician (RVT)
- veterinarian assistant
- veterinary laboratory technician
- veterinary technologist
Skills
You should have an interest in medicine and health as well as in animals. Manual dexterity and good coordination are necessary. You should be able to handle and restrain animals that may be distressed or in pain. If you work in a veterinary practice, you will require good interpersonal and communication skills to deal with pet owners.
Job requirements
- Completion of a two- or three-year animal health/veterinary technology college program is required.
- Successful completion of a national registration examination may be required in some employment settings.
- Registration with provincial animal health technologists' or veterinary technicians' associations is available, and is mandatory in some provinces.
Other considerations
Although the majority of people in these jobs are employed full-time, part-time and casual work arrangements are common. With experience, animal health technologists and veterinary technicians may progress to supervisory positions.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Health
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Other Professional Services
Educational Services
Other Industries
Other Services
Health Care and Social Assistance
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
15-24
35-44
55-64
45-54
Compared to: All Health
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$45,082 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$35,325 median annual incomeUniversity certificate or diploma
$39,737 median annual incomeHigh school
$28,108 median annual incomeMaster's degree
N/ACompared to: All Health
College certificate or diploma
$36,693 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$57,186 median annual incomeMedicine, dentistry, veterinary, optometry
$83,000 median annual incomeHigh school
$24,119 median annual incomeMaster's degree
$87,808 median annual incomeEducation & training
Animal behaviour and ethology
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that focuses on the scientific study of the psychological and neurological bases of animal sensation, perception, cognition, behaviour, and behavioural interactions within and outside the species. These programs include courses in ethology, behavioural neuroscience, neurobiology, behavioural evolution, cognition and sensory perception, motivators, learning and instinct, hormonal controls, reproductive and developmental biology, community ecology, functional behaviour, and applications to specific behaviours and patterns as well as to specific phyla and species.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 550
Truro, NS B2N 5E3
(902) 893-6600
Animal sciences - General
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any general program that focuses on the scientific principles that underlie the breeding and husbandry of agricultural animals, and the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural animal products. These programs include courses in the animal sciences, animal husbandry and production, and agricultural and food products processing.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 550
Truro, NS B2N 5E3
(902) 893-6600
Preveterinary studies
This program is typically offered at the college or university level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals for admission to a first-professional program in veterinary medicine.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 550
Truro, NS B2N 5E3
(902) 893-6600
Veterinary sciences/veterinary clinical sciences (Cert., MSc, PhD) - General
This program is typically offered at the university graduate level (Masters, PhD)This instructional program class includes any integrated program of study in one or more of the veterinary medical or clinical sciences or a program undifferentiated as to title.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 550
Truro, NS B2N 5E3
(902) 893-6600
Veterinary/animal health technology/technician and veterinary assistant
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of veterinarians, laboratory animal specialists, and zoological professionals, to provide patient management, care, and clinical procedures assistance as well as owner communication. These programs include courses in animal nursing care, animal health and nutrition, animal handling, clinical pathology, radiology, anesthesiology, dental prophylaxis, surgical assisting, clinical laboratory procedures, office administration skills, patient and owner management, and applicable standards and regulations.
Institutions providing this program
800 Sackville Drive
Lower Sackville, NS B4E 1R8
(902) 463-6700
PO Box 550
Truro, NS B2N 5E3
(902) 893-6600
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title: This job is regulated in Nova Scotia. The job title is protected (you may not use this job title without a professional designation). Professional designation shows that the holder has met provincial requirements for the job. Employers may require professional designation; however, you do not need professional designation to legally work in this job.
Contacts
Additional resources
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Job postings
There are currently no job postings for this occupation.