COURSE CURRICULUM

The Veterinary Technician program at Conestoga is a comprehensive, hands-on two-year Ontario College diploma designed for those passionate about animal care and interested in becoming Registered Veterinary Technicians. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects essential to the veterinary field. In Level 1, students are introduced to animal anatomy and physiology, behaviour and handling, first aid, clinical practice, and foundational lab procedures, along with shelter animal care, ethics, and veterinary mathematics. Level 2 builds on this foundation with advanced anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, radiography and ultrasound, laboratory procedures, laboratory animal care, office management, nutrition, and a field placement in animal care. In Level 3, the focus shifts to specialized areas including large animal care, exotic animal medicine, veterinary dentistry, surgical and anaesthetic principles, advanced lab procedures, and animal nutrition, complemented by a second field placement. Students also take a general education elective to broaden their academic experience. Level 4 prepares students for entry into the profession with courses in emergency and critical care, capstone surgical, anaesthetic, and dental procedures, and two final advanced veterinary laboratory procedure courses. The final field placement deepens practical experience in real-world veterinary settings. Throughout the program, students benefit from a humane and ethical approach to learning using simulation, advanced models, and realistic scenarios, allowing them to develop and refine their skills before working directly with animals. This combination of theory, lab work, and field placements ensures graduates are career-ready and equipped with the necessary competencies to pursue registration with the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians. Prior animal care experience, such as working in clinics, shelters, or farms, is highly recommended to support student success. Upon completion, graduates are well-prepared to contribute to veterinary teams in clinical, public health, research, or educational settings and make a meaningful impact on animal well-being.