Veterinary Technician Assistant

A Rewarding Career in Animal Care in Just 9 Months

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Course Duration
9 months


Program Delivery
On Campus, in Kelowna, or Online


FAQs
Answering your questions

Earn Your Veterinary Technician Assistant Certificate in Kelowna, BC

College for Arts and Technology's Certificate in Veterinary Technician Assistant offers you an opportunity to learn the applied skills needed to pursue a rewarding career in animal care. In only 9 months, you will be ready to enter this fulfilling industry and provide compassionate care, superior client service, and optimal patient care at any veterinary hospital in the Okanagan and beyond.

This extremely well-rounded, applied program covers the key veterinary assistant skills you’ll need to get noticed and hired, including:

  • Animal anatomy and physiology
  • An understanding of dog and cat breeds including the history of the breed, physical characteristics, and common traits
  • A foundation in livestock and exotic animals
  • Medical terminology, veterinary office procedures, and client communication
  • Clinical, dental, and surgical procedures
  • Immunology and vaccines
  • Parasitology
  • Small animal nutrition
  • Welfare and animal behaviour
  • A foundation in pharmacology, diagnostic imaging, and toxicology

Our Grads Power the

Arts & Tech Economy

CAT’s creative and technical programs are directly connected to a creative sector that makes a $6 Billion contribution to the British Columbia economy every year. Graduates from our 2D and 3D animation, filmmaking, graphic design, audio engineering and other programs are among the over 120,000 skilled arts and tech workers employed provincially in this vibrant, constantly growing ‘creative economy’. Just in the past several years alone, CAT graduates were named in the credits for many high grossing films and musical scores, capturing numerous industry awards.

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Start Your Career as a Veterinary Technician Assistant

Work in Animal Care

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01

Industry Connections

Veterinary industry professionals as your Instructors and mentors.

02

Let’s Get You Working!

Well-rounded, focused curriculum and job shadow opportunities to get you successfully working as quickly as possible.

03

Education at Your Fingertips

Earn your diploma online from the comfort of your home.

04

Top Tech

The latest technology, techniques and curriculum.

Here’s How You’ll Build Your Animal Care Skills

Quarter 1
In the first term of the Veterinary Technician Assistant program, students will gain a foundational understanding of animal anatomy and physiology, which will continue to be built upon throughout the program. Students will explore various domestic canine and feline breeds including their history, traits, and coat colours and patterns. Through a number of dedicated units, students will also have the opportunity to learn about various large animals and livestock such as: equine, bovine, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. Quarter one also introduces units on exotic animals including avian, rabbits, reptiles, and other small mammals. Students will begin to learn the vital, front-end responsibilities in a clinic such as appointment booking, invoicing, client interactions, and medical record keeping as well as a familiarity with two commonly used veterinary software programs. Lastly, students will also receive a foundation in veterinary medical terminology throughout the first Quarter.
Quarter 2
Quarter two will continue students’ understanding of anatomy and physiology, including the function of the nervous, digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems in animals. Students will learn about the various canine and feline infectious diseases, treatment, and prevention including vaccine schedules. Various internal and external parasites affecting canines and felines will be covered, along with commonly used products in the veterinary clinic. In the second Quarter, students will get a chance to learn about and perform various diagnostic tests such as urinalysis, fecal floatation, and blood smears. The procedure and importance of taking vital signs and how to properly handle and restrain animals in the clinic setting be introduced. Students will learn life stage dietary requirements of small animals, assisted feeding techniques, nutritional management of diseases as well as familiarize themselves with the veterinary-exclusive diets found in a clinic. Quarter two will also cover the basics of canine and feline animal behaviour as well as an introduction to various training techniques.
Quarter 3
In the final Quarter of Veterinary Technician Assistant, students will gain an advanced experience in veterinary hospital practices, explore various avenues in the animal welfare sector and build upon anatomy and physiology knowledge from the previous two Quarters. Animal welfare topics will include animals in captive settings (zoos and shelters) standards of care for livestock production animals, and an exploration of current animal welfare concerns. Students will receive in-depth training in diagnostic imaging including radiography, CT, MRI, and ultrasound scans. Students will be introduced to toxicology including commonly ingested toxins and applicable treatment methods including commonly used pharmacological protocols. An understanding of the fundamentals of dental procedures along with an introduction to surgical procedures will also be covered. Students will learn the identification and treatment of periodontal disease along with other canine and feline oral conditions. Students will explore commonly performed surgeries, instruments used in a clinic setting, aseptic techniques, sterilization, and foundations of anesthesia monitoring. Rounding out the final Quarter is a focus on practical experience including job shadow opportunities where students can apply their education and skills in a clinical environment.

Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions

Here’s How You’ll Build Your Animal Care Skills

Quarter 1
In the first term of the Veterinary Technician Assistant program, students will gain a foundational understanding of animal anatomy and physiology, which will continue to be built upon throughout the program. Students will explore various domestic canine and feline breeds including their history, traits, and coat colours and patterns. Through a number of dedicated units, students will also have the opportunity to learn about various large animals and livestock such as: equine, bovine, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. Quarter one also introduces units on exotic animals including avian, rabbits, reptiles, and other small mammals. Students will begin to learn the vital, front-end responsibilities in a clinic such as appointment booking, invoicing, client interactions, and medical record keeping as well as a familiarity with two commonly used veterinary software programs. Lastly, students will also receive a foundation in veterinary medical terminology throughout the first Quarter.
Quarter 2
Quarter two will continue students’ understanding of anatomy and physiology, including the function of the nervous, digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems in animals. Students will learn about the various canine and feline infectious diseases, treatment, and prevention including vaccine schedules. Various internal and external parasites affecting canines and felines will be covered, along with commonly used products in the veterinary clinic. In the second Quarter, students will get a chance to learn about and perform various diagnostic tests such as urinalysis, fecal floatation, and blood smears. The procedure and importance of taking vital signs and how to properly handle and restrain animals in the clinic setting be introduced. Students will learn life stage dietary requirements of small animals, assisted feeding techniques, nutritional management of diseases as well as familiarize themselves with the veterinary-exclusive diets found in a clinic. Quarter two will also cover the basics of canine and feline animal behaviour as well as an introduction to various training techniques.
Quarter 3
In the final Quarter of Veterinary Technician Assistant, students will gain an advanced experience in veterinary hospital practices, explore various avenues in the animal welfare sector and build upon anatomy and physiology knowledge from the previous two Quarters. Animal welfare topics will include animals in captive settings (zoos and shelters) standards of care for livestock production animals, and an exploration of current animal welfare concerns. Students will receive in-depth training in diagnostic imaging including radiography, CT, MRI, and ultrasound scans. Students will be introduced to toxicology including commonly ingested toxins and applicable treatment methods including commonly used pharmacological protocols. An understanding of the fundamentals of dental procedures along with an introduction to surgical procedures will also be covered. Students will learn the identification and treatment of periodontal disease along with other canine and feline oral conditions. Students will explore commonly performed surgeries, instruments used in a clinic setting, aseptic techniques, sterilization, and foundations of anesthesia monitoring. Rounding out the final Quarter is a focus on practical experience including job shadow opportunities where students can apply their education and skills in a clinical environment.

Department Head

Kate Robertson

Born and raised in Guelph Ontario, Kate has always had a passion for working with animals. She attended Sheridan College obtaining a certificate in Animal Care in 2005 where she was a recipient of the Sheridan scholar award for her academic achievements.

Her career began in 2005 at a 24/7 Emergency Clinic that specialized in avian, exotics, and small animals as a Veterinary Assistant. From there she settled into a high-volume Veterinary Clinic, which featured seven doctors and treated both companion animals and large animals (horses, livestock, and even zoo animals!) Shortly after moving to Kelowna in 2009, Kate began working at the KLO Veterinary Clinic as a Veterinary Assistant while joining College for Arts and Technology as a part time instructor in 2011. Kate took time off in 2013 to grow her family and rejoined the VHA program in 2018, becoming lead instructor before moving into her current role as Department head in 2021. Kate is continually advancing her skills; her latest achievement is the completion of the Advanced Level of the Animal Welfare Certificate Program at Thompson Rivers University. Kate completed this program with outstanding grades, receiving an A+ mark.

She lives in Kelowna with her husband, 3 boys who keep her busy, and a loyal yellow Labrador retriever named Jersey. In her spare time, she volunteers for Alleycats Cat Rescue, and enjoys cheering her boys on from the sidelines of their various sporting activities.

 

"You can really tell how much passion and love Kate has for teaching. Throughout my time at this school Kate has always been a source of positivity and inspiration. The Veterinary Technician Assistant program genuinely has changed my life and been the best decision I've made for myself and future."

Morgan F.
2026 VTA Grad

 

What our grads are saying...

FAQs

Let's Get you answers

Do I need prior knowledge of animal care before applying to CAT’s Veterinary Technician Assistant program?
Prior knowledge and applied skills are always going to benefit you, however, we do not require program applicants to have any previous animal care experience. Throughout this program, you’ll learn how to be a veterinary assistant through hands-on courses taught by professionals working in the animal care industry! You’ll not only get the hands-on skills to assist with veterinary medicine but also the professional skills in communication, office procedures, and patient care needed to set you apart from the competition. Our Program Advisors would be happy to walk you through our Admission Requirements and Application Process. Please reach out by completing an online inquiry form, and an Advisor will follow up with you!
Is CAT’s Veterinary Technician Assistant Program accredited?
All of College for Art and Technology’s programs are backed by a designation through the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit and British Columbia’s Education Quality Assurance Program. For additional information on our designation, please visit our Designation page.
Why is your program only 9 months, when similar programs offered elsewhere are 2 years?
While our program is extremely well-rounded and has many career options after graduation, we need to make a clear distinction between our program and alternative programs offered at other institutions. When you graduate from our Veterinary Technician Assistant Program, you will be qualified for an entry level position at any veterinary clinic or animal care location. The primary tasks our graduates will perform on the job will vary depending on location but can include administrative and clerical duties, pre and post-procedural animal care, administering medication, some surgical assistance, and so forth. We cannot speak for every other animal care program offered elsewhere, but many of these longer programs will result in a diploma as a Veterinary Technician. A Veterinary Technician will often perform more medical-related tasks, again, dependent on location, but typically their duties are more technical in nature. For complete details on our program please book an appointment with one of our Program Advisors!
Do you offer job placements or internships?
We maintain close connections with our veterinary industry partners. Throughout your program, you’ll have info sessions with industry guests and you will be exposed to many real-world scenarios, and become familiar with standard industry best practices. This early familiarity means that upon graduation, you’ll be more than ready to join the team at any clinic or animal care facility, ready to tackle anything that comes your way! After graduation, you can count on continued support from our Education and Student Services team who will share job opportunities with you and provide connections and resources to help you find a placement you love! Our Program Advisors are able to share more specific examples of graduate career placements. Please book an appointment by completing an online inquiry form to get started!
What equipment will I need for this program?

In order to get the most out of this online program, here is what we suggest you have:

  1. High Speed Internet Connection (suitable for video streaming)
  2. Laptop of Desktop Computer (PC or Mac is fine) with Microphone, Speakers and Camera

Note: Netbooks, cellular phone, IPads and Tablets are NOT suitable in place of a laptop or desktop computer.

For complete details, please contact a Program Advisor.

I only want to work with horses (or…insert other large animals here) in my career, will this course be suitable for me?
We love it when students have a clear interest and passion for their futures, so first, bravo for having your future career goals in mind! Our program does cater to small animals, so your resulting experience will mostly be tailored to our smaller furry friends like dogs and cats. You will, however, get some experience with larger animals in your Livestock and Exotics course in our program. Through this course, you will learn to identify common livestock breeds, medical conditions, safe handling techniques, dietary requirements, and preventative healthcare For complete curriculum details, please reach out to a Program Advisor by completing our online inquiry form. Our Advisors can share in-depth course outlines with you, giving you an inside look at what to expect from our program.
Is this program eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permit?
College for Arts and Technology is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This program is not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Please review IRCC requirements before applying. Final eligibility determinations are made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Experience the CAT Difference

Why the Best Choose Us

We understand that choosing a post-secondary school is a big decision that usually involves input from some of the most important people in your life. Tuition considerations, support after graduation and key industry connections – these are all part of choosing the best acting school for you. Here are a few reasons why you’ll be happy you chose College for Arts and Technology:

Finance Options

Hands-on, employment-focused education.

Employment-focused programs delivering the soft skills you need for lasting career success and hands-on experience with the latest, industry-standard techniques. Your acting career starts here!

More one-on-one time with your Instructors and mentors.

Small class sizes mean you get more facetime and critical feedback from your education team, to achieve real growth and success.

Personalized support from start to finish.

Financial guidance? We’ve got you covered. Career advice after graduation? We wouldn’t have it any other way. You’re more than a student number to us. We create a personalized experience that you won’t get anywhere else.

Quality you can fact-check.

College for Arts and Technology holds a full designation through Education Quality Assurance and the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit. You’ll only get the best at College for Arts and Technology.

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