# PROGRAM INFORMATION This one-year Ontario College Certificate program prepares students with the essential knowledge and handson skills required to work as Veterinary Assistants in clinical and animal-care settings. Aligned with current professional standards, the program focuses on animal handling and restraint, basic | | | |---|---| | Type | PDF | | Size | 296 KB | [Open original PDF →](https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/08/Veterinary-Assistant-2025.pdf) Referenced from: [Program Outlines Archive](/pages/registrar-academic-resources/program-outlines-archive/) ## Document text ## PROGRAM INFORMATION Academic Year : 2025-2026 Credential : College Certificate Program Delivery : Full-Time Duration : 1 Year Length : 2 Semesters Program Code(s) H057 - Haileybury Campus (HL) ## DESCRIPTION This one-year Ontario College Certificate program prepares students with the essential knowledge and handson skills required to work as Veterinary Assistants in clinical and animal-care settings. Aligned with current professional standards, the program focuses on animal handling and restraint, basic animal care, and effective client communication. Students will learn foundational skills in animal health and husbandry, including how to assist with routine procedures, maintain clean and safe environments, and support the daily operations of a veterinary practice. The curriculum also introduces students to key concepts in animal behaviour, preparing them to recognize signs of stress or illness and contribute to a calm, safe experience for both animals and clients. Graduates will be equipped to support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in tasks such as patient preparation, monitoring, and care. Whether working in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or rescue organizations, students will be ready to contribute to the health and well-being of animals in a variety of professional settings. ## CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Graduates may find employment in veterinary practices, federal and provincial institutions, universities, humane societies, pet food outlets, veterinary companies, grooming facilities and kennels. ## VOCATIONAL LEARNING OUTCOMES 1. Competently conduct veterinary office and hospital procedures related to client reception and customer service, patient admission, record-keeping and billing, and basic cleanliness and orderliness of a veterinary facility. 2. Interact and communicate effectively, professionally, and ethically with clients and other members of the veterinary health team, and with an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of that team. 3. Assist with veterinary pharmacy-related tasks that are within the scope of duties of a veterinary assistant, including recognizing general types and groups of drugs, as well as the legal issues involving all drugs; competently filling medications and maintaining inventories while safely dealing with hazardous waste; and supporting animal vaccinations. 4. Conduct basic examination room procedures including restraining animal patients, recording basic vital signs, taking accurate history, identifying breeds and sex, providing exam room grooming, applying ear and eye medication, as well as being familiar with small animal nutritional requirements. 5. Provide animal nursing in a safe and professional manner within the scope of duties of a veterinary assistant. 1 ## Veterinary Assistant Program Outline 2025-2026 ## Veterinary Assistant Program Outline 2025-2026 6. Assist in performing surgical preparations and maintaining facility and equipment cleanliness, within the scope of the duties of a veterinary assistant. 7. Provide assistance to laboratory procedures and record keeping, within the scope of duties of a veterinary assistant. 8. Provide assistance with radiology and ultrasound imaging, within the scope of duties of a veterinary assistant. ## PROGRAM COURSES The following reflects the planned course sequence for full-time offerings of the program. Programs at Northern College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. | Semester 1 | Semester 1 | Hours | | --- Source: [https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/08/Veterinary-Assistant-2025.pdf](https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/08/Veterinary-Assistant-2025.pdf)