Veterinary Technician Assistant

In the first term of the Veterinary Technician Assistant program, students will gain a foundational understanding of animal anatomy and physiology, which will continue to be built upon throughout the program. Students will explore various domestic canine and feline breeds including their history, traits, and coat colours and patterns. Through a number of dedicated units, students will also have the opportunity to learn about various large animals and livestock such as: equine, bovine, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. Quarter one also introduces units on exotic animals including avian, rabbits, reptiles, and other small mammals. Students will begin to learn the vital, front-end responsibilities in a clinic such as appointment booking, invoicing, client interactions, and medical record keeping as well as a familiarity with two commonly used veterinary software programs. Lastly, students will also receive a foundation in veterinary medical terminology throughout the first Quarter.

Quarter two will continue students’ understanding of anatomy and physiology, including the function of the nervous, digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems in animals. Students will learn about the various canine and feline infectious diseases, treatment, and prevention including vaccine schedules. Various internal and external parasites affecting canines and felines will be covered, along with commonly used products in the veterinary clinic. In the second Quarter, students will get a chance to learn about and perform various diagnostic tests such as urinalysis, fecal floatation, and blood smears. The procedure and importance of taking vital signs and how to properly handle and restrain animals in the clinic setting be introduced. Students will learn life stage dietary requirements of small animals, assisted feeding techniques, nutritional management of diseases as well as familiarize themselves with the veterinary-exclusive diets found in a clinic. Quarter two will also cover the basics of canine and feline animal behaviour as well as an introduction to various training techniques.

In the final Quarter of Veterinary Technician Assistant, students will gain an advanced experience in veterinary hospital practices, explore various avenues in the animal welfare sector and build upon anatomy and physiology knowledge from the previous two Quarters. Animal welfare topics will include animals in captive settings (zoos and shelters) standards of care for livestock production animals, and an exploration of current animal welfare concerns. Students will receive in-depth training in diagnostic imaging including radiography, CT, MRI, and ultrasound scans. Students will be introduced to toxicology including commonly ingested toxins and applicable treatment methods including commonly used pharmacological protocols. An understanding of the fundamentals of dental procedures along with an introduction to surgical procedures will also be covered. Students will learn the identification and treatment of periodontal disease along with other canine and feline oral conditions. Students will explore commonly performed surgeries, instruments used in a clinic setting, aseptic techniques, sterilization, and foundations of anesthesia monitoring. Rounding out the final Quarter is a focus on practical experience including job shadow opportunities where students can apply their education and skills in a clinical environment.