Northern College is a certified member of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. Our graduates are eligible to write the OAVT registration examination.

This two-year diploma program is suited to students who are interested in working with animals. The program will provide them with the knowledge and animal handling skills required to be an integral team player within veterinary practices, research facilities, or other animal related industry.

Students will learn to perform basic patient examination, collect data on vital signs, administer medications and prepare pharmaceuticals as prescribed by a veterinarian. They will explore anesthesia, animal nursing, surgical assistance, dental prophylactic procedures, diagnostic laboratory work and tests, such as blood chemistries, culture and sensitivity, and electrocardiograms.

This program covers veterinary practice management skills including computer applications, recognizing behavioral signs of small animals and educating and counseling clients in the area of pet nutrition.

Program Contact:
Dr. Sarah McLaughlin | 705 672-3376 – ext. 8812 | mclaughlins@northern.on.ca

Employment Opportunities

Graduates may find employment as veterinary technicians working in public or private zoos and animal shelters, or with federal and provincial governments. They may also work as sales representatives for veterinary companies, pet food stores, etc.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Grade 12 English (C, U)
Grade 12 Math (C, U)
Grade 12 Chemistry (C, U)
Grade 11 Biology (C, U)
Minimum 60% GPA required in all pre-requisite courses

Or equivalent.

Or mature student status (an applicant who does not have a high school diploma or equivalent, and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program). Mature students must undergo academic testing prior to admission into a program. Call the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 for more details.

Note: Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading. Refer to the Post-Secondary Preparation section in this calendar for more details.

Additional Admissions Requirements

• Proficiency in word processing recommended.
• Rabies vaccine series and titre prior to start of program (at student’s expense).
• Some experience in a veterinary clinic or hospital is considered an asset.

Program of Studies

Semester 1
GN1062 Ethics
GN1082 College Success
VT1002 Clinical Calculations I
VA1001 Animal Behaviour
VA1032 Client Relations
VT1005 Laboratory Procedures and Techniques I
VT1013 Clinical Studies I
VT1015 Animal Anatomy and Physiology I
VT2032 Clinical Exercises I
VT1123 Kennel Duty I

Semester 2
VT1003 Animal Nutrition and Digestion
VT2002 Clinical Calculations II
VT2016 Laboratory Procedures and Techniques II
VT2033 Clinical Studies II
VT2083 Radiology I
VT3033 Veterinary Hospital Management
VT3073 Clinical Exercises II
VT2123 Kennel Duty II
VT4093 Veterinary Dentistry I
VT2053 Animal Anatomy and Physiology II

Semester 3
VT1001 RVT Preparation I
VT2042 Management Technology
VT3004 Clinical Studies III
VT3011 Veterinary Technician Surgery and Dentistry
VT3013 Laboratory Procedures and Techniques III
VT3053 Surgical Exercises I
VT3063 Pharmaceutical Principles I
VT3083 Radiology II
VT3113 Laboratory Animal Studies
VT3123 Kennel Duty III
VT4003 Clinical Exercises III
VT4075 Large Animal Medicine

Semester 4
VT4000 Field Work Placement
VT4012 Wildlife and Exotics
VT4021 RVT Preparation II
VT4033 Surgical Exercises II
VT4063 Pharmaceutical Principles II
VT4083 Laboratory Procedures and Techniques IV
VT4103 Clinical Exercises IV
VT4113 Radiology III
VT4123 Veterinary Dentistry II
VT4133 Kennel Duty IV
VT4143 Clinical Studies IV

This program is oversubscribed. Please apply by February 1st.