The Veterinary Technician Assistant (VTA) Diploma Program at Avalon Community College prepares students for front-line roles in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and a variety of animal-care settings. Students develop foundational knowledge in animal health, surgical assisting, laboratory procedures, veterinary software, client communication, and hands-on animal handling.
The program includes expanded training in:
- Fear Free® Veterinary Professional Certification
- Veterinary CPR (RECOVER BLS + ALS)
- Aseptic technique and sterilization
- Alternative and complementary therapies
- Wildlife care and rehabilitation
- Large and production animal husbandry
Upon successful completion of all academic components and the 120-hour practicum, students are awarded the Veterinary Technician Assistant Diploma.
Note: This program is not eligible for the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).
Graduate students will be able to secure employment as:
- Veterinary Technician Assistant
- Veterinary Assistant
- Shelter/Rescue Animal Care Worker
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Assistant
- Veterinary Office Assistant
- Kennel Attendant
- Veterinary Product Representative
- Support Staff in emergency/specialty clinics
In a variety of Veterinary environments:
- General Veterinary Practices
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Centres
- Emergency and Specialty Hospitals
- Animal Control Facilities
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation facilities
- Large-animal, mixed, or production farms
- Zoos
- SPCA and rescue organizations
General Admission Requirements
Mature Admission Requirements
- 19 years of age before starting class
English Language Proficiency Requirements
In addition to the admission requirements listed above, must also meet one or more of the following language proficiency requirements:
- Evidence that 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12), or 2 years if the Grades are 10, 11, or 12, have been successfully completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages. OR
- Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction. See Appendix A for the list of approved countries. OR
- Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Minimum overall score of 5.5
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT: Minimum overall score of 46
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Minimum overall score of 40
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5
- Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum overall score of 95
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Minimum overall score of 43
- Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) or higher: Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
- Cambridge Linguaskill: Minimum overall B2 level
- LANGUAGECERT Academic: Minimum overall B2 level
- The Michigan English Test (MET): Minimum overall B2 level
- iTEP Academic: Minimum overall score of 3.5
- EIKEN: Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1
APPENDIX A
THE LIST OF APPROVED COUNTRIES
| American Samoa |
Dominica |
Lesotho |
St. Kitts & Nevis |
| Anguilla |
Falkland Islands |
Liberia |
St. Lucia |
| Antigua and Barbuda |
Fiji |
Malta |
St. Vincent & the Grenadines |
| Australia |
Gambia |
Mauritius |
Tanzania |
| Bahamas |
Ghana |
Montserrat |
Trinidad & Tobago |
| Barbados |
Gibraltar |
New Zealand |
Turks & Caicos Islands |
| Belize |
Grenada |
Nigeria |
Uganda |
| Bermuda |
Guam |
Seychelles |
United Kingdom |
| Botswana |
Guyana |
Sierra Leone |
US Virgin Islands |
| British Virgin Islands |
Ireland |
Singapore |
USA |
| Canada |
Jamaica |
South Africa |
Zambia |
| Cayman Islands |
Kenya |
St. Helena |
Zimbabwe |
Graduates of this diploma program will be able to:
Veterinary Assistant Fundamentals (VAF)
- Understand veterinary terminology, anatomy, and physiology
- Identify companion animals and understand species-specific behaviours
- Perform drug dosage and calculation functions
- Demonstrate animal handling and restraint
- Apply Fear Free® principles to minimize fear, anxiety, and stress
- Communicate safety and comfort strategies to clients
Small Animal Health Management (SAH)
- Understand nutrition, vaccination, and preventive healthcare
- Identify and manage small-animal diseases and conditions
- Understand exotic species handling
- Apply alternative therapies including acupuncture, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage, and herbal modalities
- Perform basic wildlife handling, stabilization, and care
Surgical Procedures Awareness (SPA)
- Understand surgical admission and discharge protocols
- Assist with patient preparation, surgical setup, and postoperative care
- Prioritize radiology, dentistry, and surgical cases
- Identify surgical instruments and maintain aseptic technique
- Perform sterilization and pack assembly
- Apply RECOVER CPR protocols and perform BLS/ALS procedures
- Function effectively during veterinary emergencies
Communications & Career Planning (COMM)
- Communicate effectively with clients and veterinary team members
- Demonstrate professionalism and workplace ethics
- Prepare résumés, cover letters, and interview presentations
- Use veterinary software systems, including EzyVet, Animal Intelligence, and Cornerstone
- Perform data entry, invoicing, scheduling, and medical record management
Veterinary Office Procedures (VOP)
- Perform reception and administrative procedures
- Understand euthanasia protocols and grief-support communication
- Manage invoicing, insurance forms, and medical-file workflows
Large & Production Animals (NEW MODULE)
- Understand physiology, nutrition, and behaviour of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and horses
- Identify common diseases in large and production animals
- Understand safe handling, restraint, and welfare considerations
- Identify production-industry practices and regulatory frameworks
Practicum
- Apply clinical knowledge in a real veterinary environment
- Demonstrate teamwork, communication, and professionalism
- Perform hands-on assistant duties under supervision
Methods of Evaluation
Each course within the program will evaluate students as follows:
- Quizzes
- Assignments
- Projects
- Practical and written exams (both mid-term and final)
Completion Requirements
- Achieve 70% or higher in every course
- Successfully complete:
- Fear Free® Certification
- RECOVER BLS + ALS Certification
- Complete all practical assessments
- Successfully complete the 120-hour practicum
- Submit all required practicum documentation
- Pay all tuition and fees in full
Program Duration
- 880 Hours (760 Instructional + 120 Practicum)
- 44 Weeks (Full-time)
Homework Hours
Delivery Methods
- In-class instruction: 100% hours of instruction delivered in a classroom or other setting, where instructors share the same physical space as students
- Combined delivery (both in-class and distance): Instruction provided through a combination of in-class and distance delivery. The program may include a work experience component (in-person)
- 50% of the combined program will be provided by distance (online) delivery
If distance or combined delivery is indicated, the online components are:
- Synchronous, meaning students attend classes virtually in ‘real time ‘with instructors and classmates.
Start Dates, Schedules & Breaks
We offer morning and afternoon classes.
Christmas break: from December 22, 2025, to January 2, 2026.
- Note: Schedules and start dates are subject to availability. Please contact the school for the most up-to-date information.
Disclaimer
Completion of a program at Avalon Community College does not guarantee employment, a work permit, or immigration status in Canada. Immigration decisions are made solely by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
