Wage and benefits a contributing factor to veterinary workforce shortage – RVT Compensation Report

The veterinary industry has been seeing a drop in veterinary technologists over the recent years and a recent compensation review could be an insight into why.

The Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba veterinary technologist associations came together to commission a compensation review in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of compensation and benefits provided to prairie Registered Veterinary Technologists (RVTs). The goal of the review was to identify gaps and opportunities, and make recommendations to achieve consistency for RVT compensation and benefits.

Nearly 30% of survey participants indicated that they intend to leave their employer in the next two years, citing issues with compensation and working conditions that include stress, burn out, high turn-over, limited ability for advancement, poor management and work becoming too physically difficult for their age (aging out). The report also highlighted inconsistent compensation overall: across years of practice, for specializations, for new graduates, in rural vs. urban settings, overtime and on-call rates, pay increases, and more. The report provides provides 17 recommendations for employers, RVTs and the associations to address these issues.

“This exhaustive review in the prairie provinces is going to make great changes in the world of veterinary medicine,“ says Marta Van Camp, president of the Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technologists. “The data will speaks directly to what veterinary technologists are looking for, and puts it in terms that management can understand.”

“This information will be instrumental for both employers and employees as they work to attract and retain top talent, and ensure that veterinary technologists are fairly compensated for their hard work,” says Jenesis Caughy, Manitoba Veterinary Technologists Association president.

“This report will help to establish best practices for the profession, as well as provide a platform for technologists to advocate for fair compensation and support. We hope that this will help to retain technologists and ensure a strong, vibrant profession in the prairie provinces,” says Darryl Haugen, president of the Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association.