Sheridan’s Veterinary Technician Program is a great pathway to a rich and rewarding career for those who love animals and want to work with them in a medical capacity. The vet tech program prepares you to join a professional team in a veterinary hospital and/or laboratory setting as a member of an animal health team. This program is accredited by the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT). Graduates are eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) upon successful completion of the program.
Sheridan’s Veterinary Technician diploma program is unique in that it uses a distributed learning model, which includes learning through placement in a veterinary clinic or laboratory and through classroom sessions with professors who are veterinarians or veterinary technicians.
We believe strongly in a humane and caring approach, so we replace the use of live animals with mannequins for teaching purposes whenever possible. Using mannequins, you will fine-tune your skills in procedures ranging from bandaging wounds to catheter placement and intubation. Only when your skills as a veterinary technician are developed will you advance to the use of live animals.
The program is committed to graduating veterinary technicians who are:
- Skilled in treating a wide range of veterinary medical problems
- Committed to handling animals in a compassionate, caring manner
- Able to work well as part of a professional veterinary team
- Skilled at communicating clearly and compassionately to clients
Field Placement Gives You Practical Experience
One of the highlights of Sheridan's Veterinary Technician Program is the high number of hours allocated to student field placements in the veterinary field. This on-the-job practicum takes place one full day per week (Monday or Friday) and a two-week block at the end of the second, third and fourth semesters of the program. This provides you with real world experience that is highly valued by prospective employers.
A Demanding and Highly Rewarding Program
To be part of the Veterinary Technician Program, you need to possess a strong background in science and math, excellent communication skills, and the ability to lift and carry up to 25 kg. You also must be able to spend between 20–25 hours per week on assignments outside of class.
Additional Costs
Veterinary Technician students will be required to spend between $800-$1,000 on laboratory supplies and equipment, textbooks, lab coat and scrubs.
The Veterinary Technician Program is located at the Davis Campus in Brampton, Ontario.
Employers prefer Sheridan’s graduates. When you complete the Veterinary Technician diploma program, you'll be qualified to work in:
- Small animal, mixed animal or specialty clinics
- Pharmaceutical companies serving the veterinary field
- Animal shelters
- Research facilities
- University teaching hospitals
- Zoological parks
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses:
- One English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U)
plus
- One Math, Grade 12 (C or U)
- One Chemistry, Grade 12 (C or U), or Chemistry, Grade 11 (U)
- One Biology, Grade 11 (C or U)
or
Mature student status. (See "Admissions" section for details.)
APPLICANT SELECTION
Eligible applicants will be selected on the basis of their previous academic achievement (the average of their six highest senior-level credits, including required courses).
Applicants will be required to complete pre-admission testing to demonstrate proficiency.
Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program will be assessed and advised individually and may be considered for other, related programs.
Pre-exposure rabies immunization is MANDATORY for Veterinary Technician students. If accepted in this program at Sheridan, you are requested to visit, preferably, a travel clinic to have your immunization taken and completed before going out on the first work placement. A blank immunization form can be found on the Health Services downloads page.
| CODE |
TITLE |
CREDITS |
|
|
|
| TERM 1 |
|
|
| ANAT 18823 |
Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology 1 |
5 |
| SCIE 10199 |
Veterinary Lab Techniques 1: Parasitology |
5 |
| SCIE 19999 |
Animal Handling and Behaviour |
4 |
| SCIE 14444 |
Introduction to Veterinary Technology |
3 |
| COMM19999 |
Essential Communication Skills |
3 |
| HUN16693G |
Human Relations: The Interpersonal Experience |
3 |
| Total: |
|
23 |
|
|
|
| TERM 2 |
|
|
| ANAT 10082 |
Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology 2 |
5 |
| SCIE 23672 |
Veterinary Lab Techniques 2: Urinalysis & Microbiology |
5 |
| SCIE 16206 |
Introduction to Vetetinary Nursing Techniques |
5 |
| PHAR 10065 |
Veterinary Pharmacology |
3 |
| SCIE 10146 |
Veterinary Radiographic Imaging |
4 |
| FLPL 10016 |
Veterinary Technician Practicum 1 |
5 |
| Total: |
|
27 |
|
|
|
| TERM 3 |
|
|
| SCIE 20001 |
Companion Animal Nutrition |
2 |
| SCIE 26048 |
Introduction to Veterinary Anesthesia and Surgical Techniques |
4 |
| SCIE 24444 |
Advanced Veterinary Nursing Techniques |
5 |
| SCIE 19207 |
Veterinary Lab Techniques 3: Hematology and Cytology |
5 |
| SCIE 25738 |
Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging |
3 |
| FLPL23672 |
Veterinary Technician Practicum 2 |
5 |
| GENED |
General Education |
3 |
| Total: |
|
27 |
|
|
|
| TERM 4 |
|
|
| SCIE TBA |
Laboratory Animal Health Studies |
2 |
| SCIE TBA |
Exotic Animal Health Studies |
2 |
| SCIE 20493 |
Veterinary Dentistry and Advanced Surgical Techniques |
4 |
| SCIE 20146 |
Veterinary Clinical Pathology |
5 |
| SCIE 29207 |
Large Animal Health Studies |
4 |
| SCIE 20199 |
Animal Diseases |
3 |
| FLPL 20016 |
Professional Practice Practicum |
5 |
| GENED |
General Education |
3 |
| Total: |
|
28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note: Courses subject to change.