Study Veterinary Technology
Work with and care for animals. In this program you’ll receive the technical training and knowledge required to become a veterinary technician. You will learn through a comprehensive range of courses and training related to the care of food and laboratory animals, as well as companion and sport animals. Plus, all students complete a four-week externship (industry placement).
As the companion and large animal industries continue to grow, the importance of animal care and wellness grows too. If you have an interest in the field of animal health, then training at Ridgetown Campus to become a Veterinary Technician is the right career path for you.
Program Benefits
Two delivery options
This program is offered in a 2 and 3 year option. Both delivery methods cover the same course content and offer practical training, but they vary in length and how the program is delivered. More below.
Learn from a variety of animals
Your studies feature training with companion, large, and laboratory animals in a clinical setting. Learn with cats, dogs, birds, horses, dairy and beef cattle, sheep, and pigs.
Innovative teaching team
You will learn from Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs), Veterinarians, and instructors with business/office administration expertise.
Top scores
Our graduates achieve top scores on the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to become Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs). VTNE Candidate Report (2020-2023)
Unique degree pathways
Program graduates can receive transfer credits towards a degree. In many cases, eliminating 1 to 2 years of degree completion time!
Accreditation
Accredited by the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Veterinary Medical Association.
2
on-campus small animal colonies
5
on-campus large animal species
6-week
industry work placement
Two Delivery Method Options
We are pleased to offer two delivery methods of the Associate Diploma in Veterinary Technology. Both delivery methods cover the same course content and offer practical training, but they vary in length and how the program is delivered.
-
Conventional Delivery
- 2-year program, full-time at Ridgetown Campus (Ridgetown, ON) in the Fall and Winter semesters
- 4 semesters total
- 6 courses per semester
- 6-week Industry Work Placement at the end of semester 4
-
Alternative Delivery
- 3-year program, 9-semesters in length
- Combination of part-time and full-time delivery
- Semesters run consecutively each year of the program (Fall, Winter, Summer x3)
- Fall and Winter Semesters: Part-time Distance Education (study from home)
- Summer Semesters: Full-time On-Campus (in-person)
- 6-week Industry Work Placement at the end of semester 9
- Offered every 2 out of 3 years - Next intake is Fall 2025
Program Notes
- It is a mandatory requirement that students are vaccinated against rabies and hold a valid titre. The campus will organize vaccine shots on campus during the first few weeks of classes for new students in the program.
Required Courses
DVT*1010 This course encompasses the gross anatomy and physiology of domestic animals with special emphasis on the cat as a pet animal species. The course covers select major body systems, with emphasis on those of veterinary clinical significance.
DVT*3070 This course introduces the fundamentals of small animal oral health, including the anatomy and physiology of the tooth and
surrounding structures, and the disease processes which can occur. The emphasis is on the prevention of oral disease. Students
are introduced to the proper techniques involved in performing a complete dental prophylaxis, and given the information needed
to enable them to counsel clients on appropriate preventative home care.
DVT*4070 This course builds on the fundamentals of small animal oral health with emphasis on the prevention of oral disease. Using
models and live patients, students continue to utilize and develop the proper techniques involved in performing a complete
dental prophylaxis.
DVT*3010 This course is concerned with practical animal nursing relative to the basic needs of the animal. Students learn about general
patient management, including the importance of history taking, medical records, the physical exam, patient handling, fluid
therapy and hospital care/safety. Common diseases and conditions are also discussed. Students are required to care for healthy
large and small animals, and maintain a hospital area. Students may also visit small, large, equine and referral practices
to observe and participate in the practical aspects of veterinary technology.
DVT*4010 Students learn about general patient management, including the importance of history-taking, medical records, the physical
exam, patient handling, fluid therapy, and hospital care. Common diseases and conditions are also discussed. Students are
required to care for healthy large and small animals and maintain a hospital area. Students visit small, large, equine, and
referral practices to observe and participate in the practical aspects of veterinary technology.
DVT*2330 This course emphasizes and familiarizes students with practical laboratory techniques utilized routinely in veterinary practice. The course will cover topics ranging from proper sample collecting to organ function. We will include chemistry, haemotology and cytology in the discussion and during laboratory sessions.
DVT*2060 Issues dealing with communication between the veterinary technician and clients, co-workers and the employer/ veterinarian
are explored using communication theory and skills. Application of theories are demonstrated through discussions and class
exercises. Hands-on labs introduce the use of computers in the veterinary clinic using current veterinary clinic software
programs.
DVT*2000 This course offers the veterinary technician student the information required to understand small animal husbandry. Students
gain practical information about the nutritional needs, behaviour patterns and preventative health care of companion animals.
Students learn what is normal and abnormal behaviour and how to advise clients on applying proper training techniques. The
emphasis in this course is the prevention of health problems in companion animals.
DVT*1160 This course introduces the students to fundamental concepts and skills used within veterinary medicine that will be integrated
into current and future courses. Students will study medical terminology, concepts in genetics as they relate to veterinary
medicine, applied scientific mathematics, and proper animal housing sanitation, including quarantine protocols.
DVT*2150 Students will strengthen their understanding of theoretical and practical aspects of canine and feline blood evaluation. Students
will be introduced to the hematology of other species, including equine, bovine, avian and exotics. Blood cell precursors
and common disease processes affecting the blood will be studied. The performance, assessment and evaluation of common veterinary
clinical procedures will be emphasized. Hematological mathematical calculations will also be practiced.
DVT*4040 This course is designed to familiarize students with the basic skills and procedures used in the management of animal hospitals,
with emphasis on small animal facilities. Topics included within this course are personnel management, client relations, marketing
strategies, inventory control, public health issues, and financial management.
DVT*1110 This online course will introduce the student to fundamental concepts and skills used within veterinary medicine that will
be integrated into current and future courses. Students will study medical terminology, and concepts in genetics as they relate
to veterinary medicine, as well as sanitation within an animal housing environment.
DVT*2210 This course introduces the practical and theoretical aspects of anesthetic techniques in animals. Emphasis is on the principles
of general anesthesia using gas anesthetic machines. Also discussed are sedation, general anesthesia using injectable agents,
and local analgesia. Students will utilize this knowledge during the laboratory sessions of Surgical Exercises.
DVT*2200 This course covers the structure and function of the lymphatic system and its importance in preventing and/or overcoming disease.
Disease transmission, development, and serological diagnosis will be discussed.
DVT*2220 This course introduces practical and theoretical aspects of radiography in veterinary medicine. Topics include radiation safety,
radiographic equipment (analog versus digital), production of radiation, intensifying screens, films, grids, and manual and
automatic processing. The course introduces a variety of special imaging techniques utilized in veterinary medicine.
DVT*4090 This course familiarizes students with the husbandry, handling and veterinary care of common nondomestic species in the research
laboratory, veterinary clinic and natural environments. Regulations, ethics and protocols surrounding the use of animals within
scientific research will be discussed.
DVT*1100 This course introduces the students to sheep, poultry and horses, with an emphasis on terminology, nutrition, behaviour and
housing. This course also includes common breeds, marketing, and breeding practices of various species. The equine portion
of the course emphasizes the techniques, terminology and common diseases that the veterinary technician working in an equine
practice would be exposed to.
DVT*1300 This course introduces the students to food animals such as beef, dairy and swine, with an emphasis on terminology, nutrition,
behaviour and housing. The food animal portion also includes common breeds, marketing, and breeding practices of various species.
DVT*1000 This course introduces the students to food animals and horses, with an emphasis on terminology, nutrition, behaviour and
housing. The food animal portion also includes common breeds, marketing, and breeding practices of various species, including
sheep, poultry, dairy cattle, beef cattle and swine. The equine portion of the course emphasizes the techniques, terminology
and common diseases that the veterinary technician working in an equine practice would be exposed to, through the use of lectures,
slides, videos and handouts. The colony horses provide hands-on experience in behaviour, handling, and restraint, as well
as stable management.
DVT*1040 This is a practical introductory course with an emphasis on working with dogs, cats, birds, horses, and other livestock. Animal
husbandry and bathing duties are assigned to students on a rotating basis. Basic restraint, physical examination, and medicating
skills are taught and practiced.
DVT*2040 This course provides practical knowledge on bandaging, splints, venipuncture, IV catheterization and various types of injections
used for different animals. The students will participate in large animal procedures; perform fluid therapy with drug dose
calculations; and be introduced to anesthesia. Animal husbandry and bathing duties are assigned to students on a rotating
basis
DVT*1150 This course consists of theoretical and practical modules in hematology, microbiology, and cytology. The hematology module
will introduce students to the basic aspects of animal blood evaluation. Practical sampling techniques, handling and processing
of samples, and cell identification will be introduced. Hematology mathematical calculations will also be covered. The microbiology
module includes the study of microorganisms with emphasis on their morphology, physiology, biochemistry, culture, and identification.
Operations of the light microscopes and laboratory safety will be discussed. The cytology module will introduce students to
aspects of cellular and tissue sample collection, preparation, and microscopic evaluation of normal and abnormal samples from
the body.
DVT*3020 This course emphasizes practical laboratory techniques utilized routinely in veterinary practice. The clinical chemistry module
is an introduction to basic clinical chemistry principles. Topics of discussion will include: common laboratory safety and
equipment; quality controls; mathematical calculations and proper analytical techniques. The parasitology module familiarizes
the student with the host-parasite relationship for the common parasites of veterinary significance in Canada. Topics of discussion
for the various parasites will include: parasite location in the host, methods of infection, development and behaviour, clinical
signs of disease, diagnoses and potential human health hazards. Various laboratory tests used in the diagnosis of animal parasites
are studied/performed in the laboratory periods.
DVT*2070 This course introduces pharmacological theory and the mathematics applied to utilize pharmaceutical agents in a veterinary
clinical setting. The mode of action, mechanisms of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drug classes commonly
used in veterinary medicine will be discussed. Students will learn to accurately perform drug dose and fluid therapy calculations,
and analyze statistical data.
DVT*1350 This course introduces pharmacological theory and the mathematics applied to utilize pharmaceutical agents in a veterinary
clinical setting. The mode of action, mechanisms of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drug classes commonly
used in veterinary medicine will be discussed. Students will learn applied clinical calculations, accurately perform drug
dose and fluid therapy calculations, and analyze statistical data.
DVT*3200 This course is designed to introduce the veterinary technology student to the interrelation of animal and human health. Meat inspection programs are discussed with emphasis on humane slaughter, environmental sanitation,ante mortem and post mortem examination, condemned meats, animal by-products and meat labeling. As well, epidemiology, zoonoses, water sanitation, microbiology of food and meat hygiene are addressed. Simple statistics that measure health and disease are also considered.
DVT*3030 This course deals with practical and theoretical aspects of radiography in veterinary medicine. Lectures cover radiation safety,
positioning, analog and digital radiographic equipment, production of radiation, intensifying screens, films, grids, and manual
and automatic processing. During the laboratory sessions, students work in small groups to learn and practice proper positioning
techniques, and troubleshooting to produce diagnostic images of small and large animals.
DVT*4030 This course covers practical applications of all aspects of radiography in veterinary medicine. Emphasis of this course is
on proper positioning, using mechanical restraints, trouble-shooting, use of contrast media, and creating a technique chart.
DVT*3050 This course deals with the practical and theoretical aspects of anaesthetic and surgical techniques in animals. The lecture
portion of the course introduces the students to various anaesthetic agents and techniques, as well as the principles of asepsis,
the importance of monitoring and the correct response to anaesthetic emergencies. Each laboratory session is also preceded
by a lecture in which the students learn about the rationale behind and possible complications with each surgery, thus enabling
them to be involved in client education. During the laboratory sessions, students work in small groups, becoming proficient
in anaesthesia, surgical assistance, instrumental handling, surgical nursing and post-operative care.
DVT*4050 Lectures provide background information on the anatomy, patient complications for each surgery, as well as the requirements
for client education. Supplementary surgical lectures provide information about other small and large animal surgeries commonly
performed in clinical practice.
DVT*2320 This course deals with the practical and theoretical aspects of anaesthetic and surgical techniques in animals. Each laboratory session is also preceded by a lecture in which the students learn about the rationale behind and possible complications with each surgery, thus enabling them to be involved in client education. During the laboratory sessions, students work in small groups becoming proficient in anaesthesia, surgical assistance, instrument handling, surgical nursing, and post-operative care.
DVT*2050 This is a theoretical and practical course which emphasizes the macroscopic, chemical and microscopic characteristics of urine,
along with the concepts of urinary diagnostic testing. The prevention and dietary treatment of urolithiasis is explored.
DVT*4080 This course is a comprehensive overview of applied, practical skills to enhance the ability of students to work in the veterinary
industry. Students will be provided with the opportunity to integrate and apply knowledge and technical skills through case
studies, independent study units and laboratory exercises.
DVT*1170 This course encompasses the gross anatomy and physiology of domestic animals with special emphasis on the cat as a pet animal
species. The course covers select major body systems, with emphasis on those of veterinary clinical significance. There will
be an independent study Immunobiology unit with focus on the lymphatic system and its importance in preventing and/or overcoming
disease. Disease transmission, development, and serological diagnosis will be discussed.
DVT*2300 A continuation of anatomy and physiology studies, the course encompasses the structure and functions of selected major body
systems of domestic animals, with emphasis on the cat. This course covers the major body systems of significance in veterinary
clinical medicine not addressed in previous courses.
DVT*3330 This course is designed to familiarize students with the basic skills and procedures used in the management of veterinary hospitals, with emphasis on small animal facilities. The lecture portion of the course delves into the role of the practice manager regarding: hospital safety, personnel & client management, basic bookkeeping, and marketing strategies. The laboratory portion provides the student with practical experience in inventory control, purchasing and receiving of drugs, supplies and equipment pertinent to the sound financial operation of a modern veterinary practice.
DVT*2100 This course is concerned with practical animal nursing relative to the basic needs of the animal. Students learn about general
patient management, including the importance of history taking, medical records, the physical exam, patient handling, hospital
safety, and fluid therapy. Students learn how to care for healthy large and small animals, maintain a hospital area, and nurse
sick and injured animals.
DVT*2310 This experiential learning course incorporates kennel and barn duties and general care and feeding of the colony animals including cats, dogs, birds, and horses. It introduces students to the running of a veterinary clinic. Students are supervised and evaluated on all aspects of animal care which fall under this broad topic, including collecting samples, treating sick and injured animals as required. Specific nursing techniques are introduced in a more formal way. (Not offered through distance education format.)
DVT*3210 This course is concerned with practical animal nursing relative to the basic needs of the animal. Students learn about general patient management, including the importance of history taking, medical records, the physical exam, patient handling, hospital safety, and fluid therapy. Students learn how to care for healthy large and small animals, maintain a hospital area, and nurse sick and injured animals.
DVT*3320 This course emphasizes practical laboratory techniques utilized routinely in veterinary practice. The course familiarizes students with common internal and external parasites of veterinary significance in Canada. Topics of discussion will include: location, methods of infection, development and behaviour, clinical signs of disease, prevention, diagnosis and potential human health hazards.
DVT*4060 The Externship is a six week, 240 hour training and evaluation period in which senior students in their last semester enter
veterinary practices away from the Ridgetown Campus. The location should be one in which they have not worked or volunteered
previously. Students are required to perform many of the duties that are commonly performed by graduate veterinary technicians,
and are assessed by veterinarians or graduate veterinary technicians in the work setting. Students will be assessed by the
course instructor with input from the practice supervisor and various members of the veterinary practice team. Students will
also have the opportunity to assess their externship practice. If the externship is not completed satisfactorily, it will
have to be successfully repeated before the student can graduate. A pass/fail grade will be assigned upon completion of the
course.
Notes
- All subjects are covered in each program but may appear with a different course title
- Conventional delivery requires the completion of 24 courses (12.00 credits) total
- Alternative delivery requires the completion of 32 courses (12.00 credits) total
- Progression into subsequent semesters is dependent on the successful completion of each course in the previous semester
- Successful completion of a 6-week Industry Work Placement is also required
- For a list of all courses and the curriculum layout, please refer to the Associate Diploma Calendar
- This is a physically demanding program
- There are no electives in this program
Careers
- Veterinary Technician (Companion, Mixed, or Large Animal Practice)
- Artificial Insemination Technician
- Pet Care Supply Representative
- Pharmaceutical Technical Representative
- Animal Research Technician
- Specialty or Referral Hospital Technician
There are currently 5 career opportunities posted on the job posting page
Admissions
- The Conventional delivery method of this program is oversubscribed (more applications received than spots available)
- Applications to the program, for both delivery methods, are assessed on an applicant's academic grades only; no other factors are considered
Current Ontario Secondary School Curriculum Minimum Course Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Equivalent
- English: Grade 12 C or U English
- Math: Grade 12 C Math or any Grade 12 U Math
- Biology: Grade 11 C or U Biology
- Chemistry: Grade 12 C or Grade 11 U Chemistry
Each of the courses listed above must have:
- A minimum final grade of 75% at the ‘C’ level
- A minimum final grade of 65% at the ‘U’ level
* For students that completed their Ontario secondary schooling under the previous curriculum, please see Admission & Applying for the minimum course requirements
Admission Requirements
- The official secondary school (high school) graduation certificate/diploma that would admit you to an internationally recognized university in your home country is normally acceptable for applications to our programs
- For further details on out-of-country admission requirements, including the General Certificate of Education (GCE), please refer to the University of Guelph's website at admission.uoguelph.ca/international
- Official documents should come directly from the issuing institution or accreditation body in their official, sealed envelope. Where English translations are needed, please have the documents verified and sent by the issuing academic institution
- Post-secondary transcripts must be assessed by World Education Services (WES). Both a Credentialed assessment and a course-by-course assessment is required. Supporting documentation should be uploaded to your Ontario Colleges Application Account
English Proficiency
You will be required to present evidence of English Proficiency if:
- your primary or first language is not English, and
- you have had less than four years of full-time secondary school or post-secondary study, demonstrating satisfactory academic progress, in an English-language school system.
Ridgetown Campus reserves the right to deny admission to you if you do not demonstrate satisfactory facility in English, regardless of academic qualifications.
Francophone Canadian citizens educated in Canada will not be required to meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement. You will also be considered as having met the English Proficiency requirement if you completed the International Baccalaureate diploma where English was the language of instruction.
Acceptable English Proficiency Tests
International English Language Testing System (IELTS - Academic)
- Competence Level: Minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)
- Competence Level: Minimum overall band score of 70.
- Please note that the University of Guelph will be accepting the CAEL Online Test for Fall 2021 admission only and will re-evaluate the opportunity for future use.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Competence Level: Internet-based: minimum total score of 89 with no individual scaled score less than 21.
- Competence Level: Minimum overall score of 60 and no score less than 60 for any individual component.
Advanced Level of the English Language Certificate Program (ELCP)
- Competence Level: Successful completion of the University of Guelph, Open Learning Advanced Level of the English Language Certificate Program (Levels 9 and 10).
Cambridge English: C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency
- Competence Level: Minimum overall score of 176 with no band less than 169.
- Competence Level: Minimum overall score of 110.
The University of Guelph institution code is 0892.
Fees
Conventional Delivery
| Ontario Resident Year 1 Approximate Costs | In CAD |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $3,306.06 |
| Compulsory Fees | $3,636.86 |
| Textbooks | $1,226.00 |
| Residence (Double Room) | $3,420.00 |
| Meal Plan | $4,261.00 |
| Total | $15,849.92 |
| Out of Province Year 1 Approximate Costs | In CAD |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $3,471.36 |
| Compulsory Fees | $3,636.86 |
| Textbooks | $1,226.00 |
| Residence (Double Room) | $3,420.00 |
| Meal Plan | $4,261.00 |
| Total | $16,015.22 |
| IInternational Year 1 Approximates Costs | In CAD |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $13,462.14 |
| Compulsory Fees | $4,392.86 |
| Textbooks | $1,226.00 |
| Residence (Double Room) | $3,420.00 |
| Meal Plan | $4,261.00 |
| Total | $26,762.00 |
Alternative Delivery (3 semesters)
| Ontario Resident Year 1 Approximate Costs | In CAD |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $2,202.16 |
| Compulsory Fees | $2,915.89 |
| Textbooks | $1,046.00 |
| Total | $6,164.05 |
| Out of Province Year 1 Approximate Costs | In CAD |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $2,312.27 |
| Compulsory Fees | $2,915.89 |
| Textbooks | $1,046.00 |
| Total | $6,274.16 |
| International Year 1 Approximates Costs | In CAD |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $TBC |
| Compulsory Fees | $3,671.89 |
| Textbooks | $1,046.00 |
| Total | TBC |
Estimates based on 2022-2023 fee schedule.
Facilities
- Anatomy Lab
- Radiography Suite
- Dentistry Suite
- Microbiology and Hematology Labs
- Small Animal Surgery Suite
- Animal Pharmacy
- Nursing Rooms
- Dairy, Beef, Sheep, Swine, and Horse Barns
- Small Animal Kennels
- Vet Tech Building Student Lounge
- Assigned Student Lockers
- Classrooms
- Student Residence
- Cafeteria
- Gymnasium and Fitness Centre
- Library and Resource Centre
- Study Lounge