Veterinary Technician

Program Description

This program trains para-professional personnel to support and complement veterinary practitioners, public health officers, and biomedical research scientists.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation (C), University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
• Grade 12 English: ENG4(C) or ENG4(U)
• Grade 11 Biology (C) or (U)
• Grade 12 Chemistry (C) or (U)
• Grade 12 Mathematics: (C) or (U) or Grade 11 Mathematics (U) or (M)

Further Requirements:

• Pre-exposure immunization for rabies is required for all students entering the VTE program.
• A strong background in Math, Sciences, and communication skills is essential.
• Due to the physical requirements of the career, the ability to lift 25kg is needed.

Applicant Selection:

• A skills test and questionnaire will be completed by all applicants, normally during a College orientation session. The results of the test, in combination with experience and academic achievement (i.e. grade in prerequisite subjects, or their equivalents), will provide the basis upon which selection of applicants is determined.

Note: Work experience with animals may also be considered in the selection of applicants.

The Importance of Learning Skills:

Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills.

Your Career

Become a Veterinary Technician. With our four-semester diploma program, you will gain the skills and knowledge you need to pursue a career in veterinary practices, health science schools, hospitals, research institutes, the food industry, wildlife services, zoological parks, government agencies and industry sales.

Areas of Study/Features/Benefits

As a student in VTE, you will study animal behaviour, small, large and laboratory animal nursing, dentistry, anaesthesiology, nutrition, clinical pathology, parasitology, microbiology, radiography, pharmacology, surgical techniques, comparative anatomy and physiology, genetics, and liberal studies. You will also learn animal care and responsibilities, as they are important components of the program.

Your studies will include small group handson learning and comprehensive instruction in small, large and laboratory companion animals.

This highly respected program is located at Seneca’s picturesque King Campus in the GTA. In addition to its state-of-the-art facility and equipment, the program is well recognized for its excellent instructors, quality graduates and high placement rates.

Provincial Registration

In order to practice in Ontario as a "Registered Veterinary Technician" (RVT), graduates must meet and maintain specific qualifications and conditions of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT), including successful completion of the Veterinary Technician Examination. Seneca's Veterinary Technician program has been approved by the OAVT Board of Directors. For more information on RVT qualifications, please visit www.oavt.org.

Accreditation and Affiliation

• AVMA reciprocity
• CVMA teaching facility
• OAVT teaching facility
• CVO licensed veterinary facility
• CCAC GAP certified
• OMAFRA registration

Field Work

You will benefit from work experience in a veterinary facility sometime during the first three semesters. In the fourth semester, you will gain further practical experience by working in an animal care facility.

Diploma to Degree... and Beyond

Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at the following post-secondary institution(s):

Toronto

Curriculum

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