Veterinary Assistant

The one-year, two-semester Veterinary Assistant Ontario College Certificate program provides you with a strong foundation of theory and practical skills necessary to provide quality care and support in veterinary and animal care settings. Areas of study include animal handling and restraint, surgical preparation, common diseases, animal behavior, laboratory procedures, grooming techniques, business practices, and client services. The development of strong interpersonal and communication skills is emphasized. The program relies on a variety of course delivery formats including traditional in-class labs and lectures, as well as on-line and hybrid courses and off-site labs. The focus is primarily companion animal care, with additional information on large animal, shelter animal and laboratory animal care.

What You’ll Learn

• Identify and provide for the basic and specialized needs of a variety of domestic, exotic and laboratory animals.
• Restrain and manage companion animals safely in clinical situations.
• Administer medications by common drug routes under the supervision of a veterinarian.
• Assist with the administration and monitor the use of common chemical restraint agents.
• Prepare instruments, equipment and the physical environment for surgery.
• Prepare for and assist during surgical procedures.
• Assist in the production of standard diagnostic radiographs.
• Collect and process samples and perform basic diagnostic tests.
• Perform select laboratory tests.
• Provide client education related to animal care.
• Document and record patient care using established guidelines and veterinary practice software.
• Perform routine veterinary business and client service skills.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.