Veterinary Assistant

Turn your interest and passion for animal care and welfare into a career.

  • Program provides a strong foundation for working in the Animal Care and Veterinary Industries with a focus on companion animal, shelter and laboratory animal care and welfare
  • Students have extensive hands-on practice in simulation labs in the first semester, followed by live animal handling and care labs in the second semester with our in-house patients
  • Students benefit from a 100-hour placement at the end of their final semester working in industry, practicing and perfecting their hands-on skills in their field of choice

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Open

Closed

Waitlisted

Start Term

Availability

International
Availability

Competitive?

Spring 2025

No

Schedule

Spring 2025
Level 01
Fall 2025
Level 02

Program Summary

Credential

Ontario College Certificate (1 Year)

Program Delivery

Program Code

Area of Interest

Health Sciences

School

School of Wellness, Public Safety & Community Studies

Campus

Ottawa

The one-year, two-semester Veterinary Assistant Ontario College Certificate program provides you with a strong foundation of theory and practical skills necessary to provide quality care and support in veterinary and animal care settings. Areas of study include animal handling and restraint, surgical preparation, common diseases, animal behaviour, laboratory procedures, grooming techniques, business practices, and client services. The development of strong interpersonal and communication skills is emphasized. The program relies on a variety of course delivery formats including traditional in-class labs and lectures, as well as on-line and hybrid courses and off-site labs. The focus is primarily companion animal care, with additional information on large animal, shelter animal and laboratory animal care.

Employment opportunities for veterinary assistants are varied and may include veterinary clinics, animal shelter and rescue organizations, wildlife sanctuaries, research facilities, grooming and pet care businesses....(read more)

Overview

Turn your interest and passion for animal care and welfare into a career.

The one-year, two-semester Veterinary Assistant Ontario College Certificate program provides you with a strong foundation of theory and practical skills necessary to provide quality care and support in veterinary and animal care settings. Areas of study include animal handling and restraint, surgical preparation, common diseases, animal behaviour, laboratory procedures, grooming techniques, business practices, and client services. The development of strong interpersonal and communication skills is emphasized. The program relies on a variety of course delivery formats including traditional in-class labs and lectures, as well as on-line and hybrid courses and off-site labs. The focus is primarily companion animal care, with additional information on large animal, shelter animal and laboratory animal care.

Employment opportunities for veterinary assistants are varied and may include veterinary clinics, animal shelter and rescue organizations, wildlife sanctuaries, research facilities, grooming and pet care businesses.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

  • Are detail-oriented, organized, and able to work independently.
  • Enjoy working as a team member.
  • Are receptive to direction, able to multitask, and work efficiently.
  • Can apply theoretical knowledge into practical skills.
  • Have flexible schedules and can perform shift work including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Possess good communication and interpersonal skills, and can develop positive professional relationships with coworkers and clientele.
  • Are dedicated to providing quality and compassionate animal care.
  • Are comfortable working in a clinical setting and handling biological materials such as urine, feces, and blood.
  • Are able to lift and carry up to 25kg, stand for long periods of time and handle a physically demanding environment.

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates may find employment in areas such as veterinary clinics, laboratory animal research facilities, grooming salons, animal shelters, boarding facilities and retail pet supply outlets.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Identify and provide for the basic and specialized needs of a variety of domestic, exotic and laboratory animals.
  2. Restrain and manage companion animals safely in clinical situations.
  3. Administer medications by common drug routes under the supervision of a veterinarian.
  4. Assist with the administration and monitor the use of common chemical restraint agents.
  5. Prepare instruments, equipment and the physical environment for surgery.
  6. Prepare for and assist during surgical procedures.
  7. Assist in the production of standard diagnostic radiographs.
  8. Collect and process samples and perform basic diagnostic tests.
  9. Perform select laboratory tests.
  10. Provide client education related to animal care.
  11. Document and record patient care using established guidelines and veterinary practice software.
  12. Perform routine veterinary business and client service skills.
  13. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2024/2025 Academic Year

Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.

Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.

Fees are subject to change.

Addition program related expenses include:

  • The pre-exposure rabies vaccine series is required by all students upon admission to level 01 and is estimated to be $600-$800.
  • Books, scrub sets, lab coat, veterinary kit, grooming smock, name tag, locker rental and other related supplies are estimated to cost approximately $1,000 for the program.
  • Paramed Requisite immunization documentation service is estimated to cost $80. All students are required to register in Level 01.
  • Travel expenses to partnering off-campus facilities are the responsibility of the student. Students are required to finance field placement related expenses such as travel and accommodation, if applicable.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

College Eligibility

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
  • Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
  • General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
  • Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.

Program Eligibility

  • English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
  • Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent) with a grade of 65% or higher.
  • Biology, Grade 11 or 12 with a grade of 65% or higher.
  • Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
  • IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.

Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English, mathematics and biology.

Application Information

VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Program Code 1612X01FWO

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro

Additional Information

Program Resources

All applicants are expected to own a laptop with a functioning camera and microphone, be computer proficient and have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Proof of tetanus, diphtheria and pre-exposure rabies series immunizations are required for program entry by all Level 01 students. Students are responsible for all costs associated with the pre-exposure rabies series. Students are required to submit immunization records to a third-party registration agency. A service fee is applicable.

All Level 01 students are expected to complete online WHMIS and Ontario Health and Safety Awareness training courses provided at no cost by Algonquin College.

The minimum passing grade for all core theory courses is 50%. The minimum passing grade for all clinical-practical sessions and labs involving live animals is 70%.

Students must attend all scheduled on-campus laboratory sessions. Absences adversely affect the success of a student in the program.

Applicants are advised that early morning, evening, weekend and holiday hours are to be expected throughout the program for animal care and off-site labs. Travel expenses are the responsibility of the student.

Professionalism and safe working practices are evaluated in all areas of the program and are an important aspect of the student`s success.

Students must successfully complete all program courses to be eligible for VET0050 Field Placement.

Contact

Shannon Reid

Program Coordinator

reids@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 2971

Room V105

View Bio

Shannon Reid

Program Coordinator

reids@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 2971

Shannon Reid is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) who received her an advanced diploma in Veterinary Technology from St. Lawrence College. She then went on to obtain her Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) designation as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from Queens University. Prior to coming to Algonquin, Shannon launched her career at the University of Guelph (Ontario Veterinary College) Health Sciences Center providing exceptional care and training to Veterinary students in the Large Animal Clinic, Small Animal Emergency and Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency Referral/Triage Department. Shannon joined the AC Veterinary Programs team in May 2013 and has fulfilled several roles within the program during her time there. She enjoys teaching a variety of courses including Clinical Skills Labs, Anatomy and Physiology and Emergency and Critical Care medicine. In addition to her role as a Professor, she also fulfills the role of the Veterinary Programs Curriculum Coordinator. Shannon considers herself a lifelong learner and enjoys completing continuing education activities to remain up to date in the exciting and evolving world of Veterinary medicine. In her spare time she can be found spending time outside, enjoying the company of her family and many pets on her horse farm west of Ottawa.

Dr. Amy Brown-Witherspoon

Professor

browna3@algonquincollege.com

View Bio

Dr. Amy Brown-Witherspoon

Professor

browna3@algonquincollege.com

Dr. Amy Brown graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph in 2009. Since then, Dr. Amy has worked in a variety of small animal clinics across the country. She brings with her experience in feline-only practice, general practice and emergency medicine. Her passion for fear-free animal care, surgery and dentistry are evident in her teaching, as she shares it with her students. Dr. Amy joined the Algonquin College team in January 2020 and enjoys supporting her students and finding new ways to learn with them. She enjoys teaching as well as taking care of the critters that find their way into the Algonquin College Veterinary Learning Centre and Clinic. When she isn’t working, Dr. Amy enjoys spending time with family and her Alaskan Klee Kai, Monashee.

Jennifer King

Professor

kingj@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 5768

Room V108

View Bio

Jennifer King

Professor

kingj@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 5768

Jennifer has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Guelph and a Veterinary Technician diploma from Seneca College. She has also completed graduate degrees in both adult education and leadership. After earning the Registered Veterinary Technician designation, she began working in a small animal practice where she provided technical support to numerous departments including General Practice, Ophthalmology, Surgery, ICU, Internal Medicine and Emergency/Critical Care. Jennifer has been teaching in the Veterinary Technician program since its inception in 2003, and has taught a variety of topics including small and large animal parasitology, radiography, math, and clinical skills. Her cat Rupert is the newest addition to her family. He was adopted from the Algonquin College Veterinary Learning Centre & Clinic and shares his home with fellow feline Sebastian.

Lisa Langton

Professor

langtol@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 6085

Room V107

View Bio

Lisa Langton

Professor

langtol@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723, ext. 6085

Lisa is a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) with an advanced diploma in Veterinary Technology from St. Lawrence College; a Bachelor of Science Degree specializing in Veterinary Technology from the State University of New York; a Bachelor of Education Degree specializing in Senior Biology and Chemistry from the University of Ottawa; a Master of Education Degree in Educational Administration and Policy from St. Francis Xavier University and is currently in graduate studies at Carleton University focusing on Policy and Program Evaluation.

Lisa has worked as an RVT and manager in small animal medicine within General Practice, Emergency/Critical Care, Internal Medicine (Cardiology and Oncology) as well as performed the TCO2 testing at horse race events. Her love for animals, learning and teaching brought her to Algonquin College in 2005. As a professor in the Veterinary Technician Program, Lisa supports students, graduates and future RVTs as they work towards achieving their professional goals in veterinary medicine.

Robyn Rittmaster

Professor

rittmar@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723

View Bio

Robyn Rittmaster

Professor

rittmar@algonquincollege.com

613-727-4723

Robyn joined the Veterinary Program’s Team in 2018 and teaches Ethology. Robyn obtained a B.A. from the University of Calgary and a M.Sc. from the University of Alberta. She graduated with honors from the Academy for Dog Trainers with a certification in training and counselling (CTC). She is also a Certified Behaviour Consultant (CBCC-KA) and holds both the animal trainer and veterinary certifications from Fear Free.
Robyn works as a dog trainer and canine behaviour consult at the Ottawa Humane Society providing support to the public. In the past Robyn has also worked as a class instructor, dog sports instructor and was an owner at Carolark: The Canine Learning Centre. Robyn has three dogs, Karma, Journey, and Digby who have fun providing real-world application to her course’s content.

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