• 604-929-7090
  • reception@cvbc.ca
Portal Login
CVBC site logo white
Portal Login

Registered Veterinary Technicians Month

As it is Registered Veterinary Technologist Month, it seemed timely to develop a joint blog that acknowledges the work that is underway at the CVBC from an inspection and regulatory perspective with some insights from the BCVTA. 

You may have noticed some new faces on the CVBC Practice Facility Inspector Team.  We were very pleased to welcome both new veterinary and registered veterinary technologist inspectors to our team in the last year to support the delivery of Practice Facility Inspections.  An RVT can greatly increase the efficient running of a veterinary practice facility. They are often the team members most in the “know” about your clinic when it comes to supporting the development of standard operating procedures, aiding registrants in ensuring a well-managed and secure controlled drug inventory, preparing for a practice facility inspection, and supporting veterinarians in patient care and management.  As a result, their skill sets are not only well positioned in the practice facility, but also at the CVBC;  we find they bring a perspective that complements our veterinary inspectors. 

The College has been working towards the incorporation of Registered Veterinary Technologists into the CVBC Bylaws; this will align us with many of the provinces and states who have already undertaken this process.  We are starting by seeking feedback from the BCVTA.  Our next steps will involve a CVBC working group of registrants who will engage in supporting the development of key elements of this legislation and work in collaboration with the BCVTA as we work towards getting this work to the finish line.  This will allow the CVBC to take on the responsibility of overseeing RVT registration, continuing education requirements, and complaints and discipline relating to RVTs.  This will allow the BCVTA to focus on the non-regulatory activities of the organization.  There is much to work through in this process, but we are excited to get the ball rolling and better recognize RVT’s as the skilled professionals they are.   

In a time when veterinarians are facing heavy workloads, workforce shortages, and other outside stressors, the team that supports us is more important than ever. Please take time to appreciate all of your veterinary team for their hard work and dedication throughout the year, as well as recognizing National Registered Veterinary Technologists Month.  If you haven’t had a chance to do so, please check out our blog “The Role of the RVT” if you have been wondering how best to maximize the use of your RVT’s skills and expertise on your team.

Next up, a post from one of our Facility Inspectors, Ms. Leanne Hillis-Schmidt, RVT, to better explain the training and skills that RVT’s bring to the veterinary field.

About the Author

Dr. Megan Bergman

Dr. Megan Bergman

I joined the College of Veterinarians of BC in July 2021 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2002. Beginning my career as an equine veterinarian, with a primary focus on thoroughbred racetrack practice and sport horse medicine, after 5 years of practice work, I accepted a position with the CFIA as a veterinarian in a District Office where I developed skills and experience in regulatory veterinary medicine. In 2010 I became the Inspection Manager for Manitoba East and later Inspection Manager for Animal Health in Manitoba. I was given the opportunity to act as the Regional Director for the CFIA in Manitoba in 2013. In 2014, I accepted the position of Chief Veterinary Officer for Manitoba and in 2018 became the Executive Director of the National Farmed Animal Health and Welfare Council. I have now been supporting the profession in British Columbia for a year and looking forward to continuing assisting the CVBC going forward.
Dr. Megan Bergman

Dr. Megan Bergman

I joined the College of Veterinarians of BC in July 2021 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 2002. Beginning my career as an equine veterinarian, with a primary focus on thoroughbred racetrack practice and sport horse medicine, after 5 years of practice work, I accepted a position with the CFIA as a veterinarian in a District Office where I developed skills and experience in regulatory veterinary medicine. In 2010 I became the Inspection Manager for Manitoba East and later Inspection Manager for Animal Health in Manitoba. I was given the opportunity to act as the Regional Director for the CFIA in Manitoba in 2013. In 2014, I accepted the position of Chief Veterinary Officer for Manitoba and in 2018 became the Executive Director of the National Farmed Animal Health and Welfare Council. I have now been supporting the profession in British Columbia for a year and looking forward to continuing assisting the CVBC going forward.
Back to Blog