Domestic Applications
Fall 2023: Applications Closed
Fall 2024: Applications Open October 2, 2023
Program
Veterinary Technology (Diploma)
Faculty
Department
Credits
65.00
Length of Program
Four semesters
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 Award 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 Questionnaire
- 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
- 25% (17 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
- A minimum grade of "C" is required in all courses
- A minimum program GPA of 2.0 is required
Course Requirements:
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|
Semester I |
||
|
Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology 1 |
3.00 |
|
|
Veterinary Laboratory Procedures 1 |
3.00 |
|
|
Veterinary Nursing 1 |
3.00 |
|
|
Veterinary Administrative Procedures |
3.00 |
|
|
Workplace Communications for Veterinary Technology |
3.00 |
|
|
Mathematics for Veterinary Technology |
2.00 |
|
|
Semester I Total Credits |
|
17.00 |
|
Semester II |
||
|
Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology 2 |
3.00 |
|
|
Veterinary Laboratory Procedures 2 |
4.00 |
|
|
Veterinary Nursing 2 |
3.00 |
|
|
Veterinary Pharmacology |
3.00 |
|
|
Veterinary Diseases |
3.00 |
|
|
Semester II Total Credits |
|
16.00 |
|
Semester III |
||
|
Elective Procedures |
3.00 |
|
|
Large Animal Clinics |
3.00 |
|
|
Veterinary Anesthesia |
3.00 |
|
|
Veterinary Radiography |
3.00 |
|
|
Animal Behavior and Welfare |
2.00 |
|
|
Semester III Total Credits |
|
14.00 |
|
Semester IV |
|
|
|
Animal Nutrition |
2.00 |
|
|
Veterinary Nursing 3 |
3.00 |
|
|
Veterinary Surgical Assistance |
4.00 |
|
|
Veterinary Genetics and Reproduction |
2.00 |
|
|
Lab Animal and Exotics Clinics |
3.00 |
|
|
Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging |
2.00 |
|
|
Veterinary Technology Practicum |
2.00 |
|
|
Semester IV Total Credits |
|
18.00 |
|
Total Program 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
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