Program

Veterinary Technology (Diploma)


Domestic Applications

Fall 2023: Applications Closed

Fall 2024: Applications Open October 2, 2023

Fall 2024 Application Deadline - January 15th 2024

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Veterinary Technology
Credits
65.00
Length of Program
Two years
Credential Type
Diploma
Campus
Coquitlam
Learning Format
Full-time
Admission Type
Limited Enrolment
Offered
Fall

Overview

Become a valuable member of the veterinary medical team with the two-year Diploma in Veterinary Technology. You'll get both theoretical and practical training in medical and surgical nursing, anesthesia, anatomy and physiology, radiography, dentistry, laboratory procedures, nutrition, pharmacology, workplace communications and more.

You'll get hands-on experience working with small and large animals on campus or at off-site facilities including veterinary clinics, stables, farms and animal care centres.

Get certified

Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to write the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Once you have passed the exam, you can register in Canada and in many parts of the United States as a Registered Veterinary Technologist.

All graduates of the Douglas VTEC program will be eligible for the Kristianson Veterinary Technology National Exam Bursary to cover the cost of the exam.

Get paid, full-time work experience during your studies

Put your skills to work by joining the optional Co-operative Education Program, which alternates semesters of study with paid, full-time work in your field. You’ll earn money while gaining experience, building your resume and getting an employer reference, all before you graduate. To participate in Co-op you need to plan two semesters in advance, so we strongly recommend contacting the Co-op Office at the start of your program.

International students are not currently eligible for this program. For more international information, contact Douglas College International.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:

  • General College Admission Requirements
  • Government regulations and program policy require students to be a minimum age of 18 years by December 31 of year of program start
  • Completion of the following courses (or equivalents) by the application deadline (exception for secondary school students). Official transcripts required (photocopies or electronic copies are not accepted):
    • Chemistry 11 with a minimum of C+ (Chemistry 12 with a minimum of C+ fulfills this requirement)
    • Biology 11 with a minimum of C+ (Biology 12 with a minimum of C+ fulfils this requirement)
    • One grade 12 Science course with a minimum of C+ (Chemistry 12, Biology 12, Geology 12, Physics 12)
    • Foundations of Math 11, Pre-Calculus 11 or Pre-calculus 12 with a minimum of C

After official transcripts have been reviewed by Enrolment Services determining that you have met the program academic prerequisites, the following additional program documents are required:

  • A short VTEC Entrance Questionnaireupdate
  • A Task Observation Form (this will detail your minimum 80 hours of veterinary experience).
  • Structured Reference Letters (2)

All of the above documentation must be received by the program application deadline date. It is then reviewed and ranked. Applicants may be invited for an interview. 

Cost

You can get an average cost for your program - tuition and student fees, books, uniforms, lab fees etc - on the Program Cost page. 

Only programs approved for student loan funding are listed on the Program Cost page. For all other programs, refer to the Tuition Fee page.

Program Requirements

Curriculum Framework

Graduation Requirements

  • Successful completion of 65 credits
  • A minimum of 50% (33 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
  • A minimum grade of "C" is required in all courses
  • In good academic standing
  • Time limit to complete the program graduation requirements: 7 years. Any courses completed outside of that time limit will not be usable. Students may seek the permission of the Department/Program to complete a credential outside the approved time limits.

Course Requirements:

Course Number Course Title Credits
Semester 1
VTEC 1101 Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology 1 3.00
VTEC 1102 Veterinary Laboratory Procedures 1 3.00
VTEC 1103 Veterinary Nursing 1 3.00
VTEC 1112 Veterinary Administrative Procedures 3.00
CMNS 1111 Workplace Communications for Veterinary Technology 3.00
MATH 1183 Mathematics for Veterinary Technology 2.00
Semester II
VTEC 1201 Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology 2 3.00
VTEC 1202 Veterinary Laboratory Procedures 2 4.00
VTEC 1203 Veterinary Nursing 2 3.00
VTEC 1204 Veterinary Pharmacology 3.00
VTEC 1205 Veterinary Diseases 3.00
Semester III
VTEC 2112 Veterinary Elective Procedures 3.00
VTEC 2107 Large Animal Clinics 3.00
VTEC 2108 Veterinary Anesthesia 3.00
VTEC 2109 Veterinary Radiography 3.00
VTEC 2110 Animal Behavior and Welfare (offered either semester III or IV) 2.00
Semester IV
VTEC 2311 Veterinary Nutrition (offered either semester III or IV) 2.00
VTEC 2313 Veterinary Nursing 3  3.00
VTEC 2304 Veterinary Surgical Assistance 4.00
VTEC 2315 Veterinary Genetics and Reproduction (offered either semester III or IV) 2.00
VTEC 2307 Lab Animal and Exotics 3.00
VTEC 2309 Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging 2.00
VTEC 2312 VTEC Practicum 3 2.00
Total Credits 65.00

Program Guidelines

Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

Testimonials

Student Quote

For the love of animals

VTEC students get hands on with critters big and small.

More Information

Tuition deposit

When offered a seat in this program a non-refundable, non-transferable $350 tuition deposit is required. 

Career Pathways

Career opportunities include:

  • Veterinarian Assistant 
  • Animal Operating Room Attendant 
  • Laboratory Animals/Vet Lab Technician 
  • Registered veterinary technician (RVT) 
  • Animal Care Technologist 
  • Veterinary Technologist 
  • Animal Health Technician 
  • Animal Caretaker 
  • Animal Services Worker 
  • Zookeeper 
  • Receiving Barn Custodian