Diploma in Veterinary Technician

This program provides an opportunity for students to acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to be an integral member of a veterinary health care team. Students explore the range of activities carried out in companion and large animal practices, animal shelters, research facilities, zoos or wildlife facilities. Through in-class theory and simulations, combined with clinical experience in our veterinary teaching hospital, students learn to care for and handle animals, understand the basic principles of normal and abnormal life processes, and carry out routine laboratory and clinical procedures. Typical activities include obtaining and recording patient histories, collecting and analyzing laboratory samples, preparing patients, instruments and equipment for surgery, induction and monitoring of anesthesia, assisting in medical and surgical procedures, providing specialized nursing care, producing diagnostic radiographs and performing dentistry. Graduates may find a range of occupations as a member of a veterinary health care team, including employment in veterinary hospitals, pharmaceutical sales, diagnostic labs, research facilities, zoos, animal shelters, livestock health management or food animal inspections.

Applicants must hold OSSD or equivalent with the following: Grade 12 English (C or U) Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U) Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U) Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (C or U) Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing.