Creature comfort.
Veterinary technicians play a vital role in the health and well-being of animal patients. They work alongside veterinarians in the care of animals, providing emergency and routine care. These activities may include preventive medicine, nutrition support, dentistry and various laboratory procedures.
There has been a huge increase in demand for veterinary care since the COVID-19 pandemic and a predicted critical future shortage of veterinary capacity in Canada.
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With this two-year diploma, you will have the opportunity to combine a love of animals with the technical skills to build a career that brings your patients – and you – great comfort. You will study pharmacology, radiography, laboratory testing, animal nursing, surgery and anesthesia. While the focus will be on cats, dogs and other common pets, you will also learn about veterinary care for horses, cattle, birds and other exotic species.
Building trust and rapport with another living creature is a privilege and a joy, particularly when you take part in their healing and help them thrive. Helping beloved family pets have longer, healthier lives takes care and dedication, and the rewards are endless. It may not be all puppies and kittens every day – as lizards and snakes deserve love too! You never know what adventure awaits you from the animal world.
With 16 areas of specialization after graduation, this dynamic and fast-paced career provides substantial growth opportunities. Consider this exciting and fulfilling profession for your life's work.
Program Highlights
- The program is seeking accreditation through the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
- Graduates are eligible to write the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) for greater portability across Canada and the United States
- Students develop skills in anesthesia, pharmacology, x-ray, laboratory testing, surgical assistance and nursing
Did You Know?
- Earnings for this type of job are higher in Newfoundland and Labrador than the national median salary - $49,130, compared to $43,265 nationally.
- According to an occupational search (EMSI), for both Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada, there has been a growing demand for these highly qualified professionals over the past 10 years, with an expected additional 12.2% increase by 2028.
- The month of October is dedicated to recognizing Registered Veterinary Technicians and the role they plan in veterinary medicine.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this program graduates will be able to:
- Perform basic patient examinations and collect data on vital signs.
- Restrain and manage animals in clinical situations.
- Prepare and administer medications and pharmaceuticals as prescribed by a veterinarian.
- Prepare anesthetic delivery systems, induce anesthesia, and monitor patients under anesthesia.
- Prepare and maintain the surgical area and assist during surgical procedures.
- Perform dental prophylactic procedures.
- Produce standard diagnostic images.
- Collect and process samples for diagnostic laboratory work.
- Perform common veterinary diagnostic tests, such as blood chemistries, differentials, cultures and sensitivities.
- Perform basic veterinary practice management including computer applications.
- Counsel clients on a variety of topics surrounding animal care.
CURRICULUM
The curriculum for the Veterinary Technician program is spread over two years. In the first semester, students will explore the field of Veterinary Technician and gain the background knowledge required for success. Semesters 2 & 3 introduce clinically relevant skills, including large animals, preparing students for the second year, which focuses on advanced skills. The second year develops dental and surgical skills, with the addition of exotics and lab animals . The final semester is an 8-week clinical placement at veterinary facilities.
Classes and laboratory sessions for this program may take place Monday - Friday in the afternoon/early evening.
Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) certification examination set by the American Association of Veterinary State Board and then register with the Eastern Veterinary Technician Association (EVTA).
ACCREDITATION
This program will seek accreditation through the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).
CERTIFICATIONS
Students must possess valid Standard First Aid with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification to be eligible for graduation from the College.
CLINICAL PLACEMENTS
Clinical placements are a required element of this program, and students will be assigned placements at approved training sites. Additional sites may be considered in consultation with program faculty. There is no guarantee that students will receive their preferred placement. All expenses associated with the completion of clinical placement will be the responsibility of the student.
Students require a clear Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record Check and Vulnerability Sector Check) to be permitted into a clinical placement. Students with an unclear Certificate of Conduct are advised to speak with program faculty at the beginning of the program.
For programs with competitive admissions, clinical placements are not affected by ranking in the competitive admissions process and will be determined under institutional guidelines.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for admission to the Veterinary Technician program requires that the applicant meet one of the following three academic criteria:
1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English 3201 or 3202 (minimum 60%)
ii. Mathematics (4 credits) chosen from:
Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
iii. Science (all courses below are required):
Biology: 2201 and 3201 (60% minimum in each course)
Chemistry: 3202 (60% minimum)
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science (Transition) Certificate with the following courses:
i. English (minimum 60%):
CM1060,
CM1061
ii. Math (minimum 60%):
MA1040,
MA1041
iii. Four Science courses:
a. Biology (minimum 60%):
BL1020,
BL1021
b. Chemistry (minimum 60%):
CH1030,
CH1031
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile (overall 60% average) including the following courses (or equivalent):
i. English (minimum of 60%) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
ii. Mathematics (minimum of 60%) 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
iii. Science from the following sections:
a. Biology (minimum 60%) 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
b. Chemistry (minimum 60%) 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
Note: Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile (and appropriate grades) may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.
Additional Entrance Requirements
- Volunteer/work experience
- Applicants who have volunteer and/or work experience with animals may complete a “Confirmation of Volunteer/Work Experience” form.
- Applicants are not required to have volunteer or work experience in order to apply but experience will be considered in competitive ranking (see completive entry application process for more details)
- ESL students only – one of the following:
- IELTS: minimum overall band score of 7
- TOEFL Score: minimum score of 94
Additional Requirements Upon Acceptance
- Valid *Certificate of Conduct, including Criminal Record. Students will require a clear and current Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record) prior to clinical practicum.
- Applicants with a criminal offense listed on their Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record) may be denied access to clinical placement and may be unable to complete their program.
- Rabies vaccination, required upon acceptance to the program. Students must be willing to complete rabies vaccination series. This must be completed before the end of the first month of classes. Students without rabies vaccinations will not be able to complete the program. Students are responsible for all associated costs.
*Acceptance of the Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record) is at the discretion of the organization in which the clinical practicum is being sought.
COMPETITIVE ENTRY APPLICATION PROCESS – FALL 2023
Program Start Date is September 2023
The competitive admissions process is points-based and includes:
View the Competitive Entry Application Process for this program
| Deadline for receipt of application |
June 15th, 2023 |
| Deadline for receipt of ALL supporting documentation* |
June 15th, 2023 |
| Initial round of acceptances |
June 30th, 2023 |
*Documentation received after the deadline
WILL NOT be considered
**
Candidates not accepted for the intake to which they applied must re-apply for admission to future offerings. Applications WILL NOT be kept on file.