College Certificate - Veterinary Assistant (1548) at Conestoga College - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-06-03

Program overview

+11

Program Overview

The Veterinary Assistant Certificate program at Conestoga College is a one-year Ontario College Certificate designed to equip students with essential knowledge and skills for assisting veterinary professionals. This program is perfect for individuals who are passionate about animal care and wish to work in veterinary medicine or other animal care settings. Students will gain hands-on experience and learn to handle various animals safely, perform grooming techniques, and understand basic diagnostic procedures. The program emphasizes a humane approach to education, ensuring that students develop their skills in a supportive environment.

Program Structure

The Veterinary Assistant Certificate program is structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience over a 1-year duration, divided into two academic terms. Key features of the program include:

Hybrid delivery format, combining online and in-person learning.
Hands-on laboratory practice to reinforce theoretical knowledge.
A work placement in an animal care facility during the second semester, allowing students to apply their skills in a real-world setting.
Pathways for students interested in continuing their education in the Veterinary Technician program.

This program is designed to ensure that students are well-prepared for a career in veterinary assistance, with a strong focus on practical skills and real-life applications.

Featured Experiences

Hands-on laboratory practice to develop practical skills.
Work placement in an animal care facility, providing real-world experience.
Use of simulation and advanced models for skill development without risk to actual animals.
Focus on humane education and animal care techniques.
Opportunities for students to engage in true-to-life scenarios to enhance learning.

Career Options

Graduates of the Veterinary Assistant Certificate program can pursue various career opportunities in Canada, including:

Veterinary Assistant: Support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in providing care to animals, including assisting in examinations and treatments.
Animal Care Attendant: Work in animal shelters or boarding facilities, providing care and support to animals in need.
Pet Groomer: Offer grooming services to pets, ensuring their hygiene and appearance are maintained.
Animal Shelter Worker: Assist in the daily operations of animal shelters, including caring for animals and facilitating adoptions.
Veterinary Receptionist: Manage front desk operations in veterinary clinics, including scheduling appointments and handling client inquiries.

These roles provide a fulfilling opportunity to work closely with animals and contribute to their well-being in various settings.

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

Visit Conestoga College official website

Last updated on 2025-06-03

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the College Certificate - Veterinary Assistant program at Conestoga College, prospective students must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older with mature student status.
Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1251), or equivalent with a minimum of 65%.
Grade 11 or 12 Biology, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Biology (SCIE1010) with a minimum of 65%.

Note regarding Academic Requirements:

Academic Requirements for this program may be met by completing Conestoga's Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas.
If your transcripts are from outside of Canada, you will need to obtain a comprehensive course-by-course credential evaluation. You can use an approved provider of credential evaluation services such as ICAS or WES, or applicants can request a credential evaluation through the college. Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Additionally, applicants must provide:

Proof of pre-exposure rabies and tetanus vaccination prior to the start of the program, which is at the student's own expense.
An annual Police Criminal Records Check (PCRC) in Canada, obtained at the student's own expense. An unclear criminal record may result in the inability to participate in work-integrated learning experiences.
Students must be capable of participating in physical activity, have good manual dexterity, and be able to lift 25 kg.
Previous experience working with animals is recommended.
Students will be required to purchase a pet grooming kit, with details provided upon confirmation of enrollment.

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure their place in the program.

Language Requirements

To apply for the College Certificate - Veterinary Assistant program at Conestoga College, you must provide proof of English proficiency in one of the following ways:

6.0 IELTS Academic (with no band less than 5.5)
80 TOEFL (Effective January 2024, no individual skill less than 20)

Please note: The above requirements are specific to the Veterinary Assistant program. If you do not have the English language skills for direct entry into full-time post-secondary programs, you may choose to enter Conestoga's General Arts and Science: English Language Studies program.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2025-12-06

Program overview

Intake	Status	Open date to apply	Deadline to apply	Campus
January 2026	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
May 2026	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
September 2026	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
January 2027	Likely Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
May 2027	Likely Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available