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Program Information

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Veterinary Technician

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DIPLOMA

  • School of Health Sciences
  • Duration: Two Years

Deadlines: (1) for receipt of application – February 26th 2025; (2) for receipt of ALL supporting documentation - March 7th 2025.

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & DATES
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On Campus
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On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
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B
Blended
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Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
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OA
Online - Asynchronous
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Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
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Online - Synchronous
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Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus delivery - September 2025

  • Overview
  • Admission Requirements
  • Courses
  • Tuition & Fees

Overview

Show me more about...PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS | DID YOU KNOW? | PROGRAM MISSION | OBJECTIVES | CURRICULUM | CERTIFICATIONS | CLINICAL PLACEMENTS | ACCREDITATION | REFERENCES

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & START DATES
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Hide
Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
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On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
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Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
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Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus delivery - September 2025

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.1 
 
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); upon successful accreditation 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.
PROGRAM MISSION
The Veterinary Technician program at College of the North Atlantic in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, is dedicated to preparing competent and compassionate veterinary technicians through comprehensive education, and experiential learning.  Guided by integrity and empathy, we foster excellence in veterinary care, promote lifelong learning, and advocate for the well-being of animals and veterinary professionals. 
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this program graduates will be able to:
  1. Perform basic patient examinations and collect data on vital signs.
  2. Restrain and manage animals in clinical situations.
  3. Prepare and administer medications and pharmaceuticals as prescribed by a veterinarian.
  4. Prepare anesthetic delivery systems, induce anesthesia, and monitor patients under anesthesia.
  5. Prepare and maintain the surgical area and assist during surgical procedures.
  6. Perform dental prophylactic procedures.
  7. Produce standard diagnostic images.
  8. Collect and process samples for diagnostic laboratory work.
  9. Perform common veterinary diagnostic tests, such as blood chemistries, differentials, cultures and sensitivities.
  10. Perform basic veterinary practice management including computer applications.
  11. 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).
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. There is no guarantee that students will receive a placement at their preferred clinical site.  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) to be permitted into a clinical placement. Students with an unclear Certificate of Conduct are advised to contact student.placements@cna.nl.ca prior to beginning 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.
ACCREDITATION
This program will seek accreditation through the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).
REFERENCES
[1] EXPANDING VETERINARY MEDICINE CAPACITY IN CANADA 2022-2032 (canadianveterinarians.net)

Admission Requirements


At the time of application to the Veterinary Technician program, applicants MUST be completing or have completed one of the following:
 
1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i.   English 3201 or 3202 (minimum 60%)
Note: Effective 2026-2027 Academic Year intake applicants will need to have completed English 3201
ii.  Mathematics 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)
Note: If BL3201 was taken before September 2020, only BL3201 is required.  If BL3201 was taken after September 2020 both BL2201 and BL3201 are required.
Note: CNA will not apply newly revised requirements to the disadvantage of an applicant whose high school courses were established by earlier requirements. 
2. College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate with the following courses:
i. English (minimum 60%): CM1060
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, CM1061
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ii. Math (minimum 60%): MA1040
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, MA1041
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iii. Four Science courses:
a. Biology (minimum 60%): BL1025
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, BL1026
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b. Chemistry (minimum 60%): CH1035
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, CH1036
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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 Admission Requirements
  •  Volunteer/work experience
    • Applicants who have volunteer and/or work experience with animals may complete a “Confirmation of Volunteer/Work Experience” form.  The following table contains Information on types of volunteer/work information
      Volunteer Experience (can be paid or unpaid) Work Experience (can be paid or unpaid) Other (will be considered on a case-by-case basis, can be paid or unpaid)
      - Cleaning and housekeeping duties in animal facilities
      - Therapy dog programs
      - Training service dogs
      - Caring for and working with animals that are not your pet.
      - Moving animals in and out of housing (cages/kennels)
      - Farm hand duties directly related to animals (not medical)
      -Restraining and handling for clinical procedures
      - Professional grooming
      - Regular involvement in the medical care of animals that are not your pets
      - Part-time or full-time work in a veterinary clinic that involves direct animal contact
      - Primary responsibility for animals in an animal day care setting
      - Fundraising and public awareness events supporting animals.
      - Fostering animals that are not your own.

       
    • 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 – must meet School of Health Sciences English proficiency as outlined in Policy No. AC-102-PR.

 
Additional Requirements Upon Acceptance

1. Complete a HS Student Information and Program Awareness Package, which includes:
  • Criminal Record Screening (RNC) or Criminal Record Check (RCMP)
  • Proof of 3 step Rabies Vaccine 
  • Proof of Tetanus (Td)
 
See the Additional Information for Health Sciences Applicants (Definitions and Regulations) section of the calendar or under the Admissions Regulations section of our website for details.
 
Notes: 
  • Applicants with a criminal offense listed on their Criminal Record Check may be denied access to clinical placements and may be unable to complete their program. Acceptance of the Criminal Record is at the discretion of the clinical placement site.
  • The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all medical requirements are met, and health screening records are complete before submission. Certain immunizations require a series of tests or vaccines, requiring weeks or months to complete. Start the process as early as possible.
  • The applicant is responsible for all associated costs (vaccinations, laboratory testing, healthcare fees, certificate of conduct fees, etc.).
 
COMPETITIVE ENTRY APPLICATION PROCESS – FALL 2025
Program Start Date is September 2025
The competitive admissions process is points-based and includes:
View the Competitive Entry Application Process for this program
 
Deadline for receipt of application February 26, 2025
Deadline for receipt of ALL supporting documentation* March 7, 2025
Initial round of acceptances April 15, 2025
 
*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.

Courses


CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1   Cr Le La
BL1070
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Anatomy and Physiology 4 3 2
CH1080
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Chemistry and Microbiology 3 2 2
MA1055
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Pharmacological Math 3 3 0
TM1150
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Medical Terminology 3 3 0
VT1100
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Behaviour and Ethics 2 2 0
VT1105
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Introduction to Veterinary Technician Practice 4 3 4
VT1110
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Immunology and Genetics 3 3 0
         
Semester 2   Cr Le La
VT1200
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Pharmacology and Physio 4 4 0
VT1205
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Diagnostic Imaging I 4 3 3
VT1210
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Parasitology 3 2 2
VT1215
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Hematology 3 2 2
VT1220
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Hospital & Office Management 4 4 0
VT1225
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Clinical Nursing 3 2 3
         
Semester 3 Intersession Cr Le La
VT1300
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Large Animal Medicine 3 2 2
VT1305
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Nutrition 3 3 0
VT1310
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Anesthesia I 3 3 0
VT1315
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Virology and Bacteriology 3 2 2
         
Semester 4   Cr Le La
VT2105
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Advanced Nursing Skills I 3 2 3
VT2110
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Anesthesia II 3 2 2
VT2115
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Clinical Pathology I 4 3 2
VT2120
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Surgical Skills 3 2 4
VT2125
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Exotics and Lab Animals 3 2 3
VT2130
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Diagnostic Imaging II 3 2 3
         
Semester 5   Cr Le La
VT2205
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Clinical Pathology II 3 2 2
VT2210
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Surgery and Anesthesia 3 2 4
CM2215
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Client Relation Communication 3 3 0
VT2220
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Dental Procedures 4 3 4
VT2225
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Advanced Nursing Skills II 3 2 3
VT2230
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Urinalysis and Mycology 3 2 2
         
Semester 6 Intersession Cr Le La
VT2300
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Clinical Placement 8 0 8 wks

Tuition & Fees


Canadian Students

The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $30.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Application fees must be paid for each application to the College.
    Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.
  • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
    Student must pay a non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $83.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Health Sciences (per semester) - $1,301.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Health Sciences (per semester) - $625.00
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Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $320.00

Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).

 


College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.

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