Veterinary Assistant / Receptionist

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, and counseling clients on training methods. This program also prepares students to effectively perform administrative and reception duties.

Please note that due to the nature of this career, employees are required to tolerate regular physical activity during the course of their work day. If you have any medical concerns, please contact your admissions officer to ensure you are aware of the requirements of the occupation and to determine if you are eligible for accommodations in this program.

Program Courses

• Feline Behaviour
• Small Animal Health
• Introduction to Computers
• Keyboarding
• Small Animal Medical Nursing
• Veterinary Practice Fundamentals
• Small Animal Nutrition
• Animal Care and Handling
• Standard First Aid
• WHMIS
• Canine Behaviour
• Introduction to Veterinary Fundamentals
• Veterinary Office Administrative Duties
• Information Technology
• Small Animal Breeds
• Small Animal Surgical Nursing
• Job Search Skills
• Small Animal Handling and Restraint
• Work Term
• Pet First Aid

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, or marine facilities. Students may also become self-employed through operating their own pet-sitting or pet-daycare business.

Work Term Information

Work terms are a required, unpaid, formally arranged on-site training experience completed at the end of the program. The work term provides students with practical, real-world experience that supports skill development, professional confidence, and readiness for employment.

Students are expected to attend according to the host’s schedule and must report any absences to both the host supervisor and the Graduate Employment Coordinator. Missed days are added to the end of the placement. Attendance and performance are monitored through ongoing communication, including check-ins and formal mid-placement and final evaluations. Successful completion of an approved, authorized work term is required for graduation.

Students are responsible for maintaining professional conduct, attending as scheduled, complying with host policies, promptly reporting absences or concerns, and completing all required documentation. The College is responsible for approving placements, providing guidance and support, monitoring progress, and determining successful completion. Work term hosts are responsible for supervision, attendance reporting, providing appropriate learning opportunities, and completing required evaluations. Students who do not who do not meet work term requirements may be removed from their placement and may be required to complete a new placement in order to graduate.