1. Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) have graduated from an accredited college, successfully passed the VTNE (state boards), participated in a Professionalism & Ethics Workshop and have submitted a clear criminal record check.
2. RVTs are regulated by the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT) and are held accountable by the organization. RVTs must remain in good standing with the OAVT, and this includes keeping up with Continuing Education. Twenty CE credits must be fulfilled by RVTs every two years.
3. The RVT credential is a legally recognized credential in the province of Ontario. (Bill PR3: OAVT Act) Terms such as: veterinary technician, vet tech, VT, Animal Health Technician or AHT are not legally recognized titles. In fact anyone on the street can call themselves a "vet tech" as it is not a protected title. But by law, only RVTs can call themselves RVTs.
Stop calling yourself a "vet tech" and call yourself what you really are: a Registered Veterinary Technician. The more you discourage the use of terms like "vet tech" and encourage the use of RVT, the more value you are giving to the profession.
Idea: treat "vet tech" like a curse word, and start a swear jar. Put money in it every time you catch yourself saying "vet tech" instead of RVT. At the end of the month, donate that money to a pet charity of your choice!
