College Diploma - Veterinary Technician (1547) 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 2026-02-02

Program overview

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Program overview

The Veterinary Technician Diploma program at Conestoga College is a two-year course designed for individuals passionate about animal care. This program equips students with the essential knowledge and skills to assist veterinary practitioners, public health officers, and biomedical research scientists. Through a blend of theoretical learning and hands-on training, students will prepare for a rewarding career in veterinary medicine, focusing on the health and well-being of animals. Graduates will be eligible to pursue certification as Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs), allowing them to work in various settings, including veterinary clinics and research labs.

Program structure

The Veterinary Technician Diploma program is structured to provide a comprehensive education over a period of two years. The program includes:

Hybrid delivery format, combining online and in-person classes.
Hands-on training through field placements with live animals.
Simulation-based training to develop essential veterinary skills.
Preparation for the Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) certification.

This program is highly competitive, and students are encouraged to apply by specific deadlines to secure their place. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and diagnostic imaging, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers in veterinary medicine.

Featured Experiences

The Veterinary Technician program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

Field placements that provide real-world experience working with animals.
Simulation models and realistic scenarios to practice veterinary skills.
Access to a rabies vaccination clinic for enrolled students during the first term.
Preparation for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) upon graduation.

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

Career Options

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

Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT): Assist veterinarians in diagnosing and treating animals, performing laboratory tests, and providing nursing care.
Animal Health Technologist: Work in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or research facilities, focusing on animal care and health management.
Veterinary Assistant: Support veterinary staff in daily operations, including animal handling, client communication, and administrative tasks.
Public Health Inspector: Monitor and enforce health regulations related to animal care and public safety.
Research Technician: Assist in biomedical research involving animals, contributing to studies that advance veterinary medicine and animal health.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make a significant impact in the field of veterinary medicine.

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 2026-02-02

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The admission requirements for the College Diploma - Veterinary Technician program at Conestoga College are as follows:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older with mature student status.

For those applying, the following courses are required:
- 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) or (SCIE1011) with a minimum of 65%.
- Grade 11 or 12 Math, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Mathematics (MATH1420) with a minimum of 65%.
- Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College preparatory Chemistry (SCIE1030) with a minimum of 65%.
- Completion of the Veterinary Assistant program from Conestoga College with a minimum average of 75% (3.0 GPA) is also acceptable.
Students who do not meet the Chemistry and Math admission requirements can start in level 2 in the bridging design and must take an additional Math and Chemistry course.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For international students, it is important to note that:
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents with transcripts from outside Canada require a course-by-course credential evaluation.
- Applicants with transcripts from institutions where the language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency.
For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

To apply for the College Diploma - Veterinary Technician 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 Veterinary Technician diploma program is excluded from the general diploma/certificate requirements, which typically require a lower score. Therefore, the requirements listed above are specific to this program.

If you do not meet the English language skills for direct entry into full-time post-secondary programs, you may consider entering 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 2026-02-02

Program overview

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