Registered Veterinary Technicians (also called RVTS, veterinary technologists or nurses) are the backbone of all veterinary practices and hospitals. At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, our RVTs are a critical part of both our emergency department and ICU teams, and support the many different Board-certified veterinary specialists that are part of our hospital. (Find out more about what an RVT does here.)
We are always looking for new RVTs to join our team. But, coming straight out of school and into the challenging environment of a specialty and emergency hospital and trauma centre can be daunting. That’s why we offer our Veterinary Technician Internship (VTI) program year-round for new and recent veterinary technician graduates.
How does our VTI program work?
Our internship program is designed to help newly or recently graduated veterinary technicians transition from their education program to the real world by placing them into cases that are at their level of learning and where they can grow their skill sets in a supportive environment.
In our program, veterinary technician interns (VTIs) receive direct one-to-one mentorship and real-word clinical experience that will allow them to apply and expand their knowledge and advance their skills, giving them a competitive edge in their growing career. VTIs gain real-world clinical experience under the direct supervision and one-to-one mentorship of our experienced RVTs and Veterinary Technologist Specialists at our VECCS & VetCOT certified 26,000 sq. ft. hospital in Surrey.
Our training program breaks down cases and patient care into manageable learning components so that our VTIs can gain experience, build confidence, and be successful in a fast-paced, challenging hospital like ours. Interns advance to the next level of complexity only when they are ready and confident in their ability to take on more responsibility with less supervision.
What do VTIs get from this experience?
Through this program, VTIs learn the skills and knowledge needed to work with patients with an advanced disease process, critically think through nursing care, and work with the veterinarian to problem-solve patient injuries and illnesses.
Here are just some of the opportunities VTIs have through this program:
- Direct supervision and one-to-one mentorship and support from our experienced RVTs and VTSs throughout the program.
- Knowledge and hands-on experience at a pace that fosters success, including skills in:
- Basic / advanced nursing.
- Anesthesia / analgesia.
- Diagnostic imaging training.
- Time management.
- Behavioural skills (e.g., pain management).
- Experiential learning working as part of a team with our board-certified specialists and ER doctors.
- Rotation through departments such as:
- Anesthesia (includes surgery, IM, neurology, dentistry)
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Emergency triage
Intensive Care Unit - Intermediate Care Unit
- Diagnostic imaging
Structured learning through:
- Direct supervision and one-to-one mentorship
- Monthly goals/check-ins
- In-house Continuing Education (CE)
- Journal Club
What is the duration of the VTI program and the deadline for application?
This is a full-year program. Applications can be submitted at any time during the year.
Start dates and timelines are considered on an individual basis, with flexibility regarding vacation conflicts.
How to Apply
To find out more about us and this opportunity, please visit our careers page.
You can also apply via this online application form.
If you have any questions, please reach out to humanresources@bbvsh.com.
If you’re a new or recently graduated veterinary technician and you’re looking for the next step after school that will help you build a rewarding career, gain experience, improve your skills and work alongside like-minded individuals, then come join us!