Veterinary technicians examining a dog

Ontario College Diploma

Veterinary Technician

Duration

2 years (4 semesters)

Location

Davis Campus

(Brampton)

Prepare for a career caring for animals.

Program Overview

Outstanding career preparation

This program is a pathway to a rewarding career working with animals in a medical capacity. You’ll learn from Registered Veterinary Technicians and Veterinarians, and apply your learning with a field placement in a veterinary clinic.

Accredited by the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians, you’ll be able to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam when you graduate.

A humane approach

We strongly believe in a humane and caring approach to veterinary education, so we replace the use of live animals with manikins for teaching purposes whenever possible. Using manikins, you'll fine-tune your skill dexterity in procedures ranging from bandaging to catheter placement and intubation. You will also apply your learning to live animals while in field placement each semester.

Field placement

Students benefit from a high number of hours in field placement. Practicums take place one day per week and in two-week, full-time blocks. Students apply their learning with animals requiring veterinary care. This experience is key to building a professional skillset and is highly valued by prospective employers. A rabies titre and Criminal Record Check are required before beginning placement.

Additional information

We're 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.

To be part of the Veterinary Technician program, you need to possess a strong background in science and math, excellent communication skills, steady hands and the ability to lift and carry up to 25 kg. You must also be able to spend 20–25 hours per week on assignments outside of class.

Veterinary Technician students will be required to spend $800–$1,000 on laboratory supplies and equipment, textbooks, lab coat and scrubs, and are required to transport themselves to and from their field practicum site.

Explore your future lab

As a Veterinary Technician student at Sheridan, you'll get to work in facilities modelled after veterinary workplaces. Curious to see what that looks like? Take a virtual tour of our Biological Science lab, which you'll use as a student in this program.

PVETT

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Faculty

Faculty of Applied Health & Community Studies

Designation

Ontario College Diploma

Duration

2 years (4 semesters)

Location

Davis Campus

7899 McLaughlin Road,  Brampton


Helpful links

Program Summary

Check for Credit Transfers


Courses

Creative, innovative learning is at the core of all Sheridan’s courses. Here are the courses you’ll take in this program.

  • CODE TITLE CREDITS
    ANAT 10799 Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology 1 4
    SCIE 10199 Veterinary Lab Techniques 1: Parasitology 5
    SCIE 19999 Animal Handling and Behaviour 4
    SCIE 10123 Introduction to Veterinary Technology 4
    COMM 19999 Essential Communication Skills 3
    MATH 10688 Veterinary Technician Pharmaceutical Math 3
         General Education Elective 3
    Total: 26

Courses subject to change.

Current students should refer to their ⁠Academic Requirements in myStudentCentre to track their academic progress and outstanding course requirements.

Book a campus tour

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Faculty

Faculty of Applied Health & Community Studies

Designation

Ontario College Diploma

Duration

2 years (4 semesters)

Location

Davis Campus

7899 McLaughlin Road,  Brampton


Helpful links

Program Summary

Check for Credit Transfers


Admission Requirements

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.

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 who do not meet the admission requirements for this program may be advised individually regarding other related programs.

English Language Proficiency

All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Sheridan’s English proficiency requirements.

Articulation Agreement

The following Articulation Agreement applies only to students enrolled in the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees program, starting at Sheridan in September 2019 or later.

Applicants who do not possess the necessary admission requirements to this program at Sheridan who complete the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees program will be granted admission, contingent on space in the program (in the semester that they are applying for), if they fulfill the following criteria:

  • An overall GPA of 3.0.
  • A minimum grade of 70% in the following courses:
    • BIOL 14108: Human Biology
    • SCIE 22273: Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology, Semester 2
    • CHEM 17370: Introductory Chemistry 1
    • CHEM 29402: Introductory Chemistry 2, Semester 2
    • MATH 10172: Essential Mathematics for the Health Sciences
    • MATH 20025: Functions and Statistics for Health Sciences, Semester 2
    • PHYS 20009: Applied Physics, Semester 2
  • A minimum grade of 50% in both English courses (ENGL 10102 and ENGL 17889)

For the courses with minimum grade thresholds, as specified above, students may only have a maximum of two graded attempts. Withdrawals without Academic Penalty (i.e., "W" grades) are not included.

Where space is not available in the semester for which an applicant has applied and the applicant meets all the requirements of this agreement, admission to a later intake of the program will be granted.

Applicants from the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees certificate program must also complete all other pre-admission requirements for their chosen programs (including volunteer hours for the Honours Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences – Athletic Therapy program), and should be aware of program-specific requirements such as criminal record checks, immunization documentation, etc.

Prospective students should ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria for registration, such as English language proficiency in the program for which this transfer process is being applied.

Immunization Requirements

Pre-exposure rabies immunization is highly recommended for those working in the veterinary field. This vaccine is mandatory for Veterinary Technician students and highly recommended for Animal Care students. Prior to entering the Animal Care or Veterinary Technician programs at Sheridan, you are requested to contact your nearest travel clinic to have your immunization completed. Alternatively, the Sheridan Davis Campus Health Centre can purchase and administer this vaccine to you at the beginning of the semester. Please make these arrangements in the first week of the semester or during the orientation week. Proof of completed immunization will be required prior to the start of field placement. Sheridan field placement agencies may require a current record of immunization.

Book a campus tour

Have questions? Get answers.


Faculty

Faculty of Applied Health & Community Studies

Designation

Ontario College Diploma

Duration

2 years (4 semesters)

Location

Davis Campus

7899 McLaughlin Road,  Brampton


Helpful links

Program Summary

Check for Credit Transfers


Career Opportunities

When you complete the Veterinary Technician diploma program, you'll be ready for an exciting career.

Here are some places you might work:

  • Animal shelters
  • Emergency and referral practice
  • Pharmaceutical companies serving the veterinary field
  • Research facilities
  • Small animal, mixed animal or specialty clinics
  • University teaching hospitals
  • Zoological parks

Book a campus tour

Have questions? Get answers.


Faculty

Faculty of Applied Health & Community Studies

Designation

Ontario College Diploma

Duration

2 years (4 semesters)

Location

Davis Campus

7899 McLaughlin Road,  Brampton


Helpful links

Program Summary

Check for Credit Transfers


Program Fees

Fees shown here are estimates only. Fees are in Canadian dollars and include tuition, health insurance and ancillary charges.

The fees shown here are for the 2024–2025 academic year, and are subject to change. The fees displayed are for the first two (2) academic semesters of study at Sheridan unless otherwise noted; fees for subsequent semesters are not reflected on this website.

Fees For Canadian Students

Fees for Canadian students

$4,795.70
Fees for International Students

Fees for International students

$19,279.70

Financial Aid & Awards

Your education is a big investment, and we're here to help! Keep an eye on our Financial Aid & Awards page for regular updates, and check out these important links:

International Entrance Scholarship

All new international students* beginning their full-time postsecondary studies (Year 1, Semester 1) in Spring 2024, Fall 2024 or Winter 2025 semesters will receive an entrance scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.

*ESL and programs with tuition reduction are excluded

Book a campus tour

Have questions? Get answers.


Faculty

Faculty of Applied Health & Community Studies

Designation

Ontario College Diploma

Duration

2 years (4 semesters)

Location

Davis Campus

7899 McLaughlin Road,  Brampton


Helpful links

Program Summary

Check for Credit Transfers


Learning Outcomes

Critical Performance Outcomes

By the end of this program, graduates will have the ability to:

  • Perform basic patient examinations and accurately document data on vital signs.
  • Recognize behavioural signs of small, large and exotic animals in order to respond in a humane and effective manner.
  • Practice correct methods of treatment when handling, medicating or nursing an animal under care, or while influencing care.
  • Restrain and manage small, large and exotic animals in clinical situations.
  • Prepare pharmaceuticals as prescribed by a veterinarian.
  • Administer medications or treatments by common drug routes or application techniques.
  • Maintain and prepare anesthetic delivery systems for various species and agents.
  • Induce anesthesia, monitor patients under anesthesia and document observations.
  • Prepare and maintain the surgical area ensuring adequate cleanliness or asepsis is achieved.
  • Assist during surgical procedures, maintaining aseptic techniques.
  • Perform dental prophylactic procedures on dogs and cats.
  • Take and produce standard diagnostic radiographs and ultrasounds.
  • Collect and process samples for diagnostic laboratory work.
  • Perform common veterinary diagnostic tests such as blood chemistries, differentials, sensitivities, parasite load assays and EKGs.
  • Provide humane and ethical medical care for a variety of animal species, within the scope of the regulations, laws and statutes of the profession.
  • Develop an awareness of the scope of legislation governing the humane and appropriate use of animals in hospitals, shelters, research facilities, food production, and responsible ownership.
  • Discuss the role of professional associations and memberships, regarding the advancement of the Veterinary Technician both professionally and personally.
  • Contribute effectively to the Health Care Team by demonstrating awareness of the major duties and responsibilities of the members in order to maximize benefits to clients and patients and the facility.
  • Practice professional standards while conducting an array of veterinary procedures independently or under the supervision of a veterinarian in a variety of medical or laboratory settings.
  • Use computer assistance to document and detail client, inventory, procedure or historical information for future reference
  • Function effectively as a member of the multi-disciplinary Veterinary Health Care Team, by understanding and respecting the duties, responsibilities, obligations and limitations of each position.
  • Work independently to support the clinic/facility while respecting the range and limitations of activities permitted under current legislation governing auxiliary workers.
  • Practice consistently high standards of professionalism while advising, instructing or informing clients and co-workers
  • Participate in lifelong learning activities to ensure currency and credibility in the industry.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively orally, in writing, or through electronic means.
  • Practice competent, responsible problem solving, decision-making and self-management skills that will enhance the working environment of all members of the Veterinary Health Care Team.
  • Design, implement and follow up on projects within acceptable time frames, by using foresight and initiative.
  • Seek and generate alternatives for more efficient work activities and routines.
  • Establish and achieve appropriate standards for meeting the housing and nutritional needs of animals under care.
  • Communicate for the purpose of educating, directing, leading and supporting clients, peers, clinicians and the public regarding the veterinary profession and the role of the technician.

Book a campus tour

Have questions? Get answers.


Faculty

Faculty of Applied Health & Community Studies

Designation

Ontario College Diploma

Duration

2 years (4 semesters)

Location

Davis Campus

7899 McLaughlin Road,  Brampton


Helpful links

Program Summary

Check for Credit Transfers


Fall Open House events

Saturday, November 16, 2024 | Oakville
Sunday, November 17, 2024 | Brampton and Mississauga

Come get a feel for your future.

Program availability

Domestic
International

Ontario College Diploma

Full-time 2 years Program code: PVETT

Ontario College Diploma
Start date Campus Delivery Status
Sep 2025 Davis Campus (Brampton)
In Person
Domestic Available
International Available
Jan 2026 Davis Campus (Brampton)
In Person
Domestic Available
International Available

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Find your fit and choose with confidence. Choosing the right education is a big decision. At Sheridan we’re committed to providing you with the learning, support and services you need to achieve your goals and reach your full potential. Take a look around, and please connect with us if you have any questions!

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We’re happy to help with any questions you may have. Give us a call at any of these numbers and select Option 4 after the prompt, or simply fill out the contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

905-845-9430 (Oakville/Mississauga)
905-459-7533 (Brampton)

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Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

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