Program Duration DURATION

20 Months
September to June
Year 1: two semesters - September to June
Year 2: two semesters - September to June
(2460 hours based on 30 hours of instruction per week and 40 hours per week during OJT period)

Veterinary Technician Admission Requirements ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • Grade 12 or GED
  • One of the following courses: Chemistry 11 or 12, Biology 11 or 12 with a 60% average or better
  • Meeting with Admission Officer
  • Acceptance by Admissions Committee

Requirements before Program begins
  • All students enrolled in the Vet Tech program are required to be immunized against Rabies and Tetanus.
  • 40 hours of volunteer or paid work experience in a Canadian Veterinary Clinic completed within two years prior to the beginning of the program.
  • Applicants are advised the Veterinary Technician Program is physically demanding.  Students should be in good health and be physically able to performing the program requirements.
  • Students are required to purchase a stethoscope, thermometer, penlight, scrubs and laboratory coat.  These are available at Oulton College and costs are approximately $300.00.  Students are required to supply their own coveralls and rubber boots.
  • Second year students will be required to pay a refundable $100.00 deposit for the use of a required thermoluminescent dosimeter.  The deposit will be refunded at the end of the program, upon the timely return of the undamaged dosimeter.
  • Applicants should possess a basic level of computer skills as it is essential for success in the program.

Other special requirements

  • Students are actively involved in animal care throughout the program.  This will require students to perform some duties in evenings, on weekends and holidays.
  • Students are responsible for arranging their own housing while at Oulton College and during their On-the-job-training periods


Tuition/Costs TUITION/COSTS

Canadian Student:
Tuition: $9,400 / year 1 and $8,900 / year 2 (No taxes are charged on tuition)
Books: $1100 / year 1 and $0 / year 2 (includes taxes)
Student Protection fee / Province of NB: $94 (year 1), $89 (year 2)
Student Council fee: $50 / year
Registration Deposit: $500 (deducted from tuition)

International Student:
Tuition: $10,400 / year 1 and $9,900 / year 2 (No taxes are charged on tuition)
Books: $1,100 / year 1 and $0 / year 2 (includes taxes)

Program Start Date START DATE/
END DATE

Year 1: September 3, 2008 to
June 19, 2009
Year 2: September 9, 2009 to
June 25, 2010

On-the-job training ON-THE-JOB TRAINING PERIOD

May 3, 2010 to June 25, 2010
Veterinary Technician Graduate
Dr. Tim McQuaid and graduate Christy MacKnight examine Daisy.
PROGRAMS Click here for the Programs page. Click here to apply now.

Veterinary Technician

PLACEMENT RATE
2007 First graduates in 2008
2006  NA
2005  NA
2004  NA
HOURLY RATE
$12.50 - $15.00
ANNUAL
(Average Starting Salary)
$25,000 - $30,000
PURSUE A CAREER IN ANIMAL HEALTH
The Canadian employment market for Veterinary Technicians has never been better, especially in the Western provinces where demand far outstrips supply. If you have a genuine interest in animals and enjoy working with people, then this program may be for you. As a Veterinary Technician, you will become a valuable member of an animal health care team. You will be fully trained and qualified to work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian in large animal, companion animal, specialty and equine practices. Graduates will also find employment in zoos, research laboratories, livestock operations, sales, wildlife rehabilitation centers, animal hospitals and animal shelters.

The Veterinary Technician Program is being designed to conform to the accreditation standards of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) thus greatly improving the graduates eligibility to write the credentialing examinations of the Eastern Veterinary Technician Association (EVTA) and other provincial registration bodies.



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Course Content

VT ? 101 Anatomy and Physiology

The student will learn anatomical planes of reference, directional terms, and biochemistry.  Also to identify the components of the skeletal and nervous systems, and to describe their functions in selected species.

VT ? 201 Anatomy and Physiology

The student will learn to identify the components of the integument, cardiovascular, respiratory and muscular systems, and describe their functions in selected species.

VT ? 301 Anatomy and Physiology

The student will learn to identify the components of the urinary, reproductive, digestive and lymphatic systems and describe their functions is selected species.

VT - 401 Anatomy and Physiology

The student will learn to identify the components of the endocrine system and the sensory organs, and describe their functions in selected species.  The student will also dissect preserved/fresh specimens.

VT - 121  Surgery I

This will serve as an introduction to surgical instruments; their use and proper care, preparation of surgical packs and sterilization techniques. Students will learn about sterile techniques including standard operating room conduct, opening surgical packs, gloving and gowning.

VT - 122  Surgery II

Learners will develop skills in pre-anesthetic drugs, pre-anesthetic and pre-surgical patient preparation, patient positioning, patient monitoring during surgery and post-operatively. Students will learn about the types of anesthetic machines and the different circuits available.

VT - 123  Surgery III

Learners will develop skills in the function and the use of anesthetic drugs, anesthetic equipment; the care, induction, maintenance, monitoring and recovery of anesthetic patients; selecting anesthetic protocols; trouble shooting and performing CPR.


VT 124 Surgery IV

Students will learn about common small animal surgeries including ovariohysterectomy, pyometra, c-section, feline and canine castration, intestinal resection and anastomosis, abscess, laceration, declaw, lateral ear wall resection nictitating membrane flap placement and aural hematoma

VT- 110 Lab Procedures I

The student will learn and be able to identify the various internal and external parasites encountered in veterinary medicine, as well as components of urine, and the importance of testing.  The student will also perform urinalysis and parasite testing.

VT- 210 Lab Procedures II

The student will learn and be able to identify the various components of blood and their importance.  The student will also learn basic microbiology, mycology, virology and serology.  The student will perform various hematology and microbiology testing.

VT- 310 Lab Procedures III

The student will learn Clinical Pathology, the various chemical tests used in veterinary medicine, and the significance of each.  The student will also be familiar with various cells found in both the healthy and diseased animal. 

VT - 111  Practice Management 

This course will deal with client relations, scheduling appointments, telephone techniques, client education, record keeping and effective communication. There will be a strong focus on veterinary medical terminology.  The student will also receive an introduction to Veterinary Practice Management Software. There will be discussion on euthanasia, grief and the human-animal bond. Upon completion of this course, students will be effective veterinary receptionists and demonstrate excellent customer service techniques.

VT - 141  Animal Nursing I

This course will provide the student with the practical opportunity to develop animal nursing skills used with the common domestic species. Procedures covered in this course include basic husbandry, proper dog and cat restraint, ear cleaning, nail trimming, anal sac expression, eye examinations, venipuncture and cleaning and prepping of abscesses and lacerations.

VT - 142  Animal Nursing II

This course will provide the student with the knowledge of how to safely examine animals, administer treatments and medication, and how to collect and analyze diagnostic samples in a proficient manner. Procedures covered include Iv catheter placement, fluid  therapy, blood transfusions, bandages, splints and casts, and recognizing pain and distress in animals.

VT - 143  Animal Nursing III

Learners will develop skills in care of recumbent patients, care of orphans and newborns, gastric lavage, enemas, euthanasia and handling of deceased animals, permanent identification methods and alternative medicine. 

VT - 144 Large Animal Nursing
This course will allow learners to develop common skills used in various large animal species such as cattle, horses, sheep and swine. Procedures covered include basic restraint of the species, dehorning, castrations, physical exams, hoof trimming, administering medications, venipuncture, sheath cleaning, mastistis testing, etc.

VT - 150 Animal Behavior

Basic animal behaviors such as how sick and healthy animals communicate as well as inappropriate behaviors are covered in this course. Housetraining and interacting with animals in a clinic situation will be emphasized. Understanding normal behavior of domestic animals and recognize signs of pain, aggression, fear as encountered in veterinary practices and interacting with these animals appropriately.

VT - 160  Nutrition

After learning the basic principals of nutrition, students will then be shown how to apply this knowledge when reading labels, or advising clients on what diets are available for different life stages and disease processes. Topics discussed will include: nutritional goals, nutrients vs. ingredients, pet food production, forage recognition, equine diets, special diets, and client counseling.

VT - 346  Immunology, health and diseases

An introduction to the immune system including the structure and function of lymph nodes, bone marrow and leukocytes. Topics include the immune response, active and passive immunity, hypersensitivities and auto immunity. Emphasis is placed on why we vaccinate, what we vaccinate for, vaccine protocols and why vaccines sometimes fail.

VT - 309  Digital Imaging

In this course students gain an understanding and will be able to demonstrate radiology safety measures, proper care and maintenance of radiographic equipment, patient positioning, and processing of radiographs. Students will be able to recognize common technical errors on processed radiographs and how to correct them. The student will gain experience and develop skills with both stationary small animal and mobile large animal x-ray equipment.

VT 139 - Emergencies & Critical Care

In this course students will learn about common small animal emergencies, various emergency procedures and how to recognize and deal with anesthetic emergencies. Students will also learn about oxygen therapy, shock, trauma victim management and common poisonings and intoxications.

VT - 393  Exotics

Students will acquire knowledge of the bodies governing over animal welfare, receiving and quarantine protocols, forms of humane euthanasia; species content includes rabbits, rodents and other pocket pets, reptiles, avian species (including anatomy) and non-human primates.  Knowledge acquired includes normal parameters, housing recommendations, diet requirements, medicating, surgery, common disease and health concerns, and uses in research.  A portion of the course is dedicated to ?owning of exotic/ wild species?, and illegal trade of endangered species and animal products.

VT - 306  Surgery lab I

VT - 406  Surgery lab II

VT - 410  Pharmacology and Dentistry

This course will examine common medications used in veterinary medicine, prescription dispensing, handling, storing and documentation of controlled substances, routes and methods of drug administration. Students will develop a working knowledge of veterinary medications, terminology, proper handling, administration and possible side effects of drugs and prescription dispensing protocol.

VT - 333  Large Animal Internship

The student is placed on a two-week On-the-Job training session with a large animal veterinary practice during the first year.

VT - 433  Field Placement (320 hours): On-the-Job-Training

The student is placed on a two- month On-the-Job training session

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