Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist

Diploma of Applied Arts

Duration: 3 semesters plus 8 week work term

Program Description

The Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist program prepares students for a career in the field of animal care. Students will receive hands-on training that will enable them to assist the veterinarian in day-to-day clinical procedures that may include: anesthesia monitoring, preparing for surgeries, surgery assisting, administering medications, taking X-Rays, giving medicated baths and counseling clients on training methods. This program also prepares students to effectively perform administrative and reception duties.

Program Courses

• Feline Behaviour
• Canine Behaviour
• Small Animal Health
• Introduction to Veterinary Fundamentals
• Introduction to Computers with Publisher
• Veterinary Office Practices
• Keyboarding
• Information Technology
• Small Animal Nursing
• Small Animal Breeds
• Psychology for Work
• Large Animal/Exotic Health and Nursing
• Small Animal Nutrition
• Word Processing
• Bookkeeping
• Job Search Skills
• Standard First Aid
• Small Animal Handling and Restraint
• Work Term

Employment Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist program, students may be eligible to work (depending on specific hiring practices) in veterinary clinics (large, small, or mixed animal practice), university laboratories, private drug companies, marine facilities, riding stables, or dairy barns. Students may also become self-employed through operating their own pet-sitting or pet-daycare business.

Please click here for additional labour market information.

Entrance Requirements

High School Graduates or Equivalent

High School Graduates or equivalent are eligible for admission to the Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist program. Students must complete an application form and provide a copy of High School, Adult Basic Education, or G.E.D. results. Under certain circumstances, students who do not complete the formal High School requirements may be accepted upon the recommendation of a High School Principal or Guidance Counsellor. Please contact an Admissions Officer for further details.

Mature Students

Mature Students are eligible for admission to the Veterinary Assistant/Receptionist program. These students must be at least 19 years of age, complete an application form, provide a copy of recent marks, and write a Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT) as arranged by Academy Canada.

For further information, please contact an Admissions Officer at 1-800-561-8000 or visit the information request page.

To apply for the Veterinary Assistant/Reception or other Academy Canada programs, click here.

Program start dates are subject to sufficient enrollment.

Academy Canada reserves the right to modify any programs, courses, topics, objectives, etc.