Veterinary Technician | St. Clair College
Program Code: H258
Status: Waitlisted
Apply Online:
Two Year - Ontario College Diploma
Starts: September

Emergency Alternate Delivery Plan:
Winter 2024 Emergency Alternate Delivery

Contact:
Kitrina Ellwood
519-972-2727 ext. 5602

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
ELEC1030
Choose 1 Elective Course
3
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
VET223
Clinical Exercises I
4
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
VET309
Livestock Principles
3
VET327VT
Clinical Exercises II
8
ELEC1030
Choose 1 Elective Course
3
VET308
Veterinary Technician Dentistry
1
VET311
Clinical Placement I
4
Semester 4
Code Title Credits
VET406
Externship
5
VET416
Exotic Pet Care
2
VET410
Laboratory Animal Care
3
VET414
Clinical Principles III
2
VET415
Laboratory Procedures IV
3
ELEC1030
Choose 1 Elective Course
3
VET424
Clinical Exercises III
7
VET417
National Examination Review
1
VET431
Clinical Placement II
4

Placement (VET219) in Semester 2 takes place the first 3 weeks of May.

View Pre/Co-Requisites for Veterinary Technician

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.


COVID-19 Vaccination Placement Notice to Students

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 are requiring 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. Student personal requests for placement cannot be accommodated.

    • Placements may be outside the Windsor/Chatham area.
  • Students are responsible for their own travel and costs to 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 need and agency availability.

Your Investment

The standard tuition and compulsory fees for the current academic year:

2023-2024 Tuition Fees  

For programs with Experiential Learning (Work Placement/Internship): Costs for accommodation, if needed, travel and related expenses is 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 through 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:

  1. Communicate in a professional manner with clients and veterinary care professionals using effective verbal, non-verbal and written skills.
  2. Assist the Veterinarian during surgical and therapeutic procedures by providing appropriate patient care techniques and through the maintenance of an aseptic operating room environment.
  3. Collect, process, report and analyze diagnostic tests on various specimens using appropriate tools, equipment and techniques.
  4. Produce and provide technical evaluation of diagnostic images utilizing knowledge of theory, principles and concepts of veterinary practice.
  5. Administer and monitor anesthesia, analgesia and therapeutics in accordance with the veterinary scope of practice and laws governing the profession.
  6. Perform dental procedures following professional veterinary industry standards.
  7. 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.
  8. Document and maintain information records and files securely and accurately following veterinary office procedures and regulated standards.
  9. 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.