Vet Assistants Needed: Is the VAR Program right for you?
Despite the livestock-focused beginnings of Veterinary medicine, as our furry friends became closer companions in our lives, the desire for their well-being also became more important to us. Today, we’re happy to report that pets regularly have veterinary teams looking after them and keeping them healthy.
Here in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, pet owners were fortunate to have an all-hours emergency walk-in clinic to get their animals treated as soon as possible. It’s not a stretch of the imagination to say this resource has kept many tails wagging. Earlier this summer, however, the prognosis for our pets became a bit bleaker when this clinic had to reduce its working hours due to limited staff availability.
This unfortunate circumstance has highlighted the desperate need for veterinary professionals and support staff in our province. In 2022, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association reported that 46% of jobs in the veterinary field were occupied by administrative staff, more than both Veterinarians and RVT’s combined. It’s clear that Canada needs Veterinary professionals, and it needs a lot of them.
Here at Academy Canada, we're proud to give our Verterinary Assistant/Receptionist (VAR) students the skills they need to be pros at pet care. We’re highlighting some key points about our program to help you figure out if it’s a fit for your future.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
We know that seeing isn’t the same as doing. That’s why we prioritize a variety of hands-on learning opportunities for our students. You’ll be doing lab work, direct animal care, and simulated scenarios to make sure you’re confident in your abilities and are able to provide the highest level of care.
Community Connections
One of our highlighted relationships between our students and the veterinary community is our students’ outreach opportunities. Between fieldtrips to local farms and clinic environments, to actually doing sample testing for veterinary teams, our students are exposed to the real-world of veterinary medicine.
Rich Curriculum
Our VAR curriculum is designed to be deeply relevant to the ever-evolving field of animal medicine. Some of our courses include:
- Pet First Aid
- Small Animal Handling and Restraint
- Pet Nutrition
- Animal Behaviour
- Pet Surgical Assistance
Beyond learning the general aspects of pet care, students will have additional opportunities to explore niche areas through guest speakers and field trips. Not only does this prepare you for the unexpected, but it gets you thinking about how your career can progress through specialization or further education.
Employment Support
Not only will you learn to master the art of job searching during the VAR program, but you’ll also build relationships with local clinics through your work term. On top of that, our commitment to your success doesn’t stop when you graduate. We always keep in touch to make sure you find meaningful and gainful employment. We want to see our students do well and find work that they’re passionate about
Ready to turn your passion for animals into a rewarding career? The Veterinary Assistant and Receptionist Program is your first step toward making a difference in the lives of pets and their people. Don’t wait—explore the program today or take the leap and apply now to start your journey!
