Veterinary Assistant

Program overview

Turn your interest and passion for animal care and welfare into a career with the one-year, two-semester Veterinary Assistant Ontario College Certificate program. This program provides a strong foundation of theory and practical skills necessary for quality care and support in veterinary and animal care settings. Students will explore various areas of study, including animal handling, surgical preparation, common diseases, animal behavior, and client services. The program emphasizes the development of strong interpersonal and communication skills, utilizing diverse course delivery formats such as traditional in-class labs, online, and hybrid courses. The primary focus is on companion animal care, with additional insights into large animal, shelter animal, and laboratory animal care. Graduates will find varied employment opportunities in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, wildlife sanctuaries, and grooming businesses.

Program structure

The Veterinary Assistant program is structured over a one-year duration, divided into two semesters. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of animal care and veterinary practices through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Key features of the program structure include:

• Hands-on practice in simulation labs during the first semester.
• Live animal handling and care labs in the second semester with in-house patients.
• A 100-hour placement at the end of the final semester, allowing students to apply their skills in a real-world setting.
• Course delivery formats that include traditional in-class lectures, online courses, and hybrid options.
• Focus on companion animal care, with additional training in large animal, shelter animal, and laboratory animal care.

This program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the veterinary and animal care industries, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers.

Featured Experiences

The Veterinary Assistant program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance the learning process and prepare students for real-world applications. These experiences include:

• Extensive hands-on practice in simulation labs, allowing students to develop practical skills in a controlled environment.
• Live animal handling and care labs, providing students with direct experience in caring for animals.
• A 100-hour field placement in the industry, where students can practice and perfect their hands-on skills in their chosen field.
• Community-based service learning projects that connect students with local partners to address community needs.
• Opportunities for experiential learning through scheduled or volunteer activities, enhancing personal and professional development.

These featured experiences are designed to ensure that students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that are essential for success in the veterinary field.

Career Options

Graduates of the Veterinary Assistant program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in Canada. Some potential job roles include:

• Veterinary Technician: Assisting veterinarians in diagnosing and treating animals, performing laboratory tests, and providing care for patients.
• Animal Shelter Worker: Caring for animals in shelters, managing adoptions, and ensuring the well-being of animals in need.
• Grooming Specialist: Providing grooming services for pets, including bathing, trimming, and maintaining the overall health of animals' coats.
• Laboratory Animal Caretaker: Ensuring the health and welfare of laboratory animals, maintaining their living conditions, and assisting in research activities.
• Pet Care Business Owner: Managing a pet care business, such as a boarding facility or pet daycare, providing services to pet owners in the community.

These career options reflect the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make a meaningful impact in the field of animal care and welfare.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.