Veterinary Assistant

Program Overview

Turn your interest and passion for animal care and welfare into a career with the Veterinary Assistant Ontario College Certificate program. This one-year, two-semester program equips students with a solid foundation of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for providing quality care in veterinary and animal care settings. The curriculum covers various areas, including animal handling, surgical preparation, common diseases, animal behavior, and client services. Emphasis is placed on developing strong interpersonal and communication skills, which are vital in this field. The program utilizes diverse delivery formats, including traditional in-class labs, online courses, and hybrid options, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

Program Structure

The Veterinary Assistant program is structured over a one-year period, divided into two semesters. Key features of the program include:

• Hands-on practice in simulation labs during the first semester.
• Live animal handling and care labs in the second semester.
• A 100-hour placement at the end of the final semester, allowing students to apply their skills in a real-world setting.
• Focus on companion animal care, with additional insights into large animal, shelter animal, and laboratory animal care.
• Community-based service learning and field work placements to enhance practical experience.

This program is designed to prepare students for various roles in the veterinary and animal care industries, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the demands of the field.

Featured Experiences

The Veterinary Assistant program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and practical application:

• Extensive hands-on practice in simulation labs, providing a safe environment to develop skills.
• Live animal handling and care labs, allowing students to work directly with animals.
• A 100-hour field placement in a veterinary or animal care setting, where students can practice and refine their skills.
• Community-based service learning projects that connect students with local organizations and address community needs.
• Opportunities to learn about various animal care settings, including veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and research facilities.

Career Options

Graduates of the Veterinary Assistant program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

• Veterinary Assistant: Support veterinarians in clinics by assisting with animal care, surgical procedures, and client communication.
• Animal Shelter Worker: Provide care for animals in shelters, including feeding, grooming, and facilitating adoptions.
• Laboratory Animal Care Technician: Ensure the well-being of animals used in research, maintaining their health and environment.
• Grooming Technician: Perform grooming services for pets, including bathing, trimming, and nail care.
• Pet Care Specialist: Work in pet care facilities, providing daily care, exercise, and companionship for animals.

These roles require a combination of practical skills, compassion, and a strong understanding of animal care, making the Veterinary Assistant program an excellent foundation for a rewarding career in the field.

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