Program Overview
Veterinary Technicians assist the Veterinarian in the medical care of animals. Duties include radiography (taking x-rays), nursing, dentistry, nutritional support, surgical nursing and laboratory procedures for animals. This program will appeal to students with experience related to animals. They must have a strong background in science and math and good communication skills. Due to the physical demands of the job, they should also have the ability to lift and carry up to 25 kg.
Program Highlights
- Exceptional hands-on skills in the following species: Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Birds, Guinea Pigs, Rats, Mice, Horses, Cattle, and Sheep.
- Accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
- Teaching hospital accredited by the College of Veterinarians of Ontario.
- Facilities and animal use approved by the Canadian Council on Animal Care.
- Accredited by the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians.
- Work experience during semesters two and four.
- St. Clair College takes great pride in producing graduates who excel in their field. Students consistently demonstrate exceptional proficiency and achieve an outstanding 96% first-attempt pass rate on the North American Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
- Articulation Agreement with St. Matthews University in the Cayman Islands to become a veterinarian.
- The program has been in existence for over 50 years
Career Opportunities
Numerous positions exist in:
- Small and Large Animal Veterinary Clinics
- Livestock Health Facilities
- Wildlife Centres
- Pathology Clinics
- Zoological Parks
- Research Laboratory
- Entrepreneurship
- Animal Behaviourist
- Educator
- Practice Manager
- Humane Societies
- Pharmaceutical and Pet Food Industry
- Government (Animal Welfare Inspectors, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs)
We invite you to explore www.rvtcareernavigator.ca to engage your passion and find your future in Veterinary medicine. Registered Veterinary Technologist/Technicians of Canada (RVTTC)
Admission Requirements
OSSD with the majority of courses at the College (C), University (U), University/College (M) or Open (O) level plus successful completion of:
- Grade 12 English - ENG4U, ENG4C, EAE4C or EAE4U
- Grade 12 Math (C) or (U)
- Senior Level Biology (C) or (U)
- Senior Level Chemistry (C) or (U)
OR
- Equivalent courses from the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees program or the Academic and Career Entrance program.
Mature students - See Admission Procedures for details.
For more information, see the Admission Procedures document on the Admission Procedures page.
Important Information
This is a HIGH-INTEREST program and has the potential to become oversubscribed. Applicants are advised to apply before February 1st. See Admission Procedures for details.
Field/Clinical Placements
Clinical placements may be on day, afternoon or weekend shifts anywhere in Ontario. Students are required to provide their own transportation to the clinical area. The College is not able to guarantee placements in Windsor-Essex or on a bus route.
Selection Procedure
A score is determined for each applicant derived from the required subjects for admission. Scores are then ranked by highest score and selection is made for the available positions and places on the waiting list.
A score for a current high school applicant is determined for each applicant from the overall average of all Grade 11 courses and the first semester of Grade 12 courses. Applicants must be registered in all required courses in order to be considered.
Applicants will be ranked by highest score and selection will be made on a conditional basis for the available positions and places on the waiting list.
Recommended
Because of the unique nature of this program, it is recommended that before applying for the program you:
- Interview a Registered Veterinary Technician
- Obtain experience in a veterinary clinic
Health Requirements
Prophylactic rabies immunization is REQUIRED and should be arranged through your Family Physician, local Public Health office, or can be obtained at the College. The cost is approximately $1,100 and is usually recovered through most drug plans.
Courses
The curriculum below is for incoming students:
Semester 1
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
VET112
|
Laboratory Procedures I
|
5
|
|
VET115
|
Introduction To Veterinary Technology
|
4
|
|
VET116
|
Animal Anatomy And Physiology
|
6
|
|
VET118
|
Veterinary Computer Applications
|
1
|
|
VET124
|
Veterinary Clinical Calculations
|
2
|
Semester 2
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
VET209
|
Introduction To Veterinary Radiography
|
2
|
|
VET216
|
Clinical Principles I
|
4
|
|
VET210
|
Animal Anatomy & Physiology II
|
5
|
|
VET212
|
Laboratory Procedures II
|
5
|
|
VET211
|
Veterinary Technician Pharmacology
|
2
|
|
VET214
|
Veterinary Technician Anesthesia
|
2
|
|
VET219
|
Veterinary Technician Placement
|
5
|
Semester 3
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
VET304
|
Clinical Principles II
|
3
|
|
VET307
|
Veterinary Clinical Radiography
|
2
|
|
VET310
|
Laboratory Procedures III
|
4
|
|
VET308
|
Veterinary Technician Dentistry
|
1
|
Semester 4
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
|
VET410
|
Laboratory Animal Care
|
3
|
|
VET414
|
Clinical Principles III
|
2
|
|
VET415
|
Laboratory Procedures IV
|
3
|
|
VET424
|
Clinical Exercises III
|
7
|
|
VET417
|
National Examination Review
|
1
|
|
VET431
|
Clinical Placement II
|
4
|
Placement Requirements
Please be aware that although a COVID-19 vaccination is not required to attend St. Clair College, some of our placement sites may require students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to be eligible to attend. Unfortunately, we cannot predict if a placement site will begin to require full vaccination and as such, we are encouraging all students to consider vaccination. If the requirement of your placement sites changes at any point, you will be notified immediately by the College.
It is important to note that if placement sites do require students to be fully vaccinated to attend their place of business, students who are not fully vaccinated cannot be provided with a placement for their program and therefore will not be able to complete their programs.
If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccines, please contact our St. Clair College Health Centre at 519-972-2727 ext. 4484 (in Windsor)
Prior to Classes
Entering Year 1 - Due September 5th, the start of the Fall Semester
Failure to provide proof of vaccination will limit your exposure to the colony animals, clinical exercises and your ability to participate in placement.
This is to make you aware that, although a COVID-19 vaccination is not required to attend St. Clair College, most of our placement sites require students to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to be eligible to attend. Students who are not fully vaccinated cannot be provided with a placement for their program and, therefore, will not be able to complete their programs. Please be advised that COVID-19 booster shots and/or other requirements may become mandatory for placement, however, they are not currently required.
- Student placements are assigned at the discretion of the program.
- Students may be required to obtain further clearances for placement at the discretion of the placement site.
- Student personal requests for placement cannot be accommodated.
- Placements may be outside the Windsor/Chatham area (& could possibly expand throughout the province)
- Students are responsible for their own accommodation.
- Students are responsible for their own travel and all costs of placements.
- Students are responsible for the cost of scrub uniforms/footwear and equipment (such as a stethoscope, a watch with a second hand) and other incidentals as required.
- Placement schedules may include shifts on days, afternoons, weekends and holidays throughout the program based on placement needs and agency availability.
Your Investment
The standard tuition and compulsory fees for the current academic year:
2024-2025 Tuition Fees
For programs with Experiential Learning (Work Placement/Internship): Costs for accommodation, if needed, travel and related expenses are at the student's own expense. It is recommended for most programs, that students have access to a laptop or desktop computer while away from home during experiential learning periods.
Textbooks and other materials are in addition to Tuition Fees. Textbook prices may be found on the Bookstore website.
Please be aware that tuition and compulsory fees are subject to adjustment each year. The College reserves the right to change, amend or alter fees as necessary without notice or prejudice.
Smart Start Information
Program Physical Demands Analysis
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Veterinary Technician (Ontario College Diploma) (MTCU Code 51603)
The successful completion of this program will enable the graduate to:
- Communicate in a professional manner with clients and veterinary care professionals using effective verbal, non-verbal and written skills.
- Assist the Veterinarian during surgical and therapeutic procedures by providing appropriate patient care techniques and through the maintenance of an aseptic operating room environment.
- Collect, process, report and analyze diagnostic tests on various specimens using appropriate tools, equipment and techniques.
- Produce and provide technical evaluation of diagnostic images utilizing knowledge of theory, principles and concepts of veterinary practice.
- Administer and monitor anesthesia, analgesia and therapeutics in accordance with the veterinary scope of practice and laws governing the profession.
- Perform dental procedures following professional veterinary industry standards.
- Perform veterinary nursing care in a professional and ethical manner through the integration of veterinary theory, principles and concepts within the scope of practice, regulations and governing laws of the profession.
- Document and maintain information records and files securely and accurately following veterinary office procedures and regulated standards.
- Operate and maintain standard veterinary medical equipment following health and safety regulations and in accordance with veterinary profession standards.
Additional Information
ACC Statement
The St. Clair College Veterinary Technician Program is accredited by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC). This organization oversees all animal use in Canada. Since St. Clair College is operating under the CCAC accreditation guidelines, we are required to have an Animal Care Committee (ACC). The ACC is mandated to monitor all animal-based activities on any St. Clair College campus.
The college is committed to the ethical and compliant care and use of animals in teaching and must follow all animal protocol guidelines under the Veterinary Technician Program Animal Care Committee. If anyone is aware of potential violations to existing animal care or observes misuse or mistreatment of animals, they are strongly encouraged to report their concerns without fear of reprisal. Please see Whistle Blower Report.
