Veterinary Assistant

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Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

Animal Anatomy and Physiology I
ANAT1130

Description:

This course studies the anatomy and physiology of systems in both small and large animal species. Topics include immunological, skeletal, muscular, digestive, and nervous systems. Laboratory sessions involve dissections; and discussions about common pathological conditions affecting these systems in small and large animal species.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Animal Behaviour, Handling and First Aid
ANML1000

Description:

This course provides a thorough understanding of animal behaviour, and how to deal with and prevent undesirable behaviour. Topics include normal and abnormal behaviour patterns, methods of preventing, eliminating, or modifying behaviour problems, physical and psychological requirements of animals, animal welfare and rights, various code of conduct. Basic Animal Handling techniques for the safety of the animal and the handler are introduced as well as basic first aid.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Shelter Animal Care
ANML1010

Description: This course discusses the care of animals in shelter organizations. Topics include admission protocols, common infectious diseases including zoonotic, temperament testing to enhance adoption, environmental enrichment techniques, disease control and sanitation, animal care, and housing and feeding in a shelter setting.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Grooming Lab I: Equipment Care, Bathing & Brushing
ANML1020

Description:

This course introduces the fundamentals of equipment care and pre-bathing techniques in animal grooming. Topics include bathing and brushing tools and equipment, safe management of a pet on the grooming table, equipment care and sterilization, and different techniques for different canine coats. Students learn to perform an evaluation to identify problems involving the skin, coat, external parasites, lifestyle factors and odour control. Grooming products are discussed and compared. Students will apply various bathing and brushing techniques.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Veterinary Mathematics
MATH1345

Description: This course describes important mathematical concepts with a focus on pharmacology in animal treatment. Topics include fractions, decimals, percentages, the metric system, scientific notation and ratio-proportional analysis.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Animal Restraint, Nursing and Surgical Care I
SURG1000

Description: This course focuses on basic animal handling, nursing and surgical techniques as an opportunity to gain live animal care experience through off-site labs at partnering facilities. Models, mannequins and/or cadavers are also used in teaching. Topics include physical exam parameters, medication administration, surgical instrument identification, pack preparation and autoclave operation, patient preparation, aseptic technique, anesthetic equipment and basic radiography techniques.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Veterinary Laboratory Procedures I
ANML1030

Description: This course introduces the fundamentals of laboratory procedures. Topics include layout and operation of a veterinary diagnostic lab, laboratory equipment, sterilizing of equipment, strategies for accurate test results, procedures for fecal analyses; bacterial, viral and fungal testing; and the evaluation of blood and urine.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Laboratory Animal Care
ANML1040

Description: This course introduces the role of the veterinary assistant in research facilities. Topics include species used in research, lab animal housing, environmental enrichment, safe handling, treatment procedures, nutrition and facility sanitation. Students are also introduced to the Canadian Council of Animal Care standards that relate to ethical and humane care in a research setting.
  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Animal Ethics & Welfare
ETHS1040

Description:

This course focuses on the expected professional standards in the animal health care industry. Topics include provincial and national veterinary professional organizations, legislation, regulatory standards, and ethics. Students will use case studies, scenarios, and groups discussions to make well-informed and ethically sound decisions.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement (Animal Care)
FPLT1260

Description:

This onsite field placement provides a consolidated experience in applying skills learned. Students are assigned to an animal facility and must be available to accommodate the requirements of the placement facility for work hours and needs, which may include early morning, late evenings, and weekend work. The course focuses on medical documentation and office management skills, patient and client interactions, animal handling and basic grooming, patient health and nutritional assessments, animal care, monitoring and nursing. Professionalism and work habits are evaluated within an animal care facility.

  • Hours: 75
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: ANML1000
  • CoRequisites:

Veterinary Office Management
MGMT1265

Description:

This course explains veterinary office operations and data management. Topics include customer service, client care and education, accounting and financial considerations, inventory management, business marketing principles and the legal and ethical aspects of operating a veterinary practice. Students will become proficient with the use of veterinary practice software that includes processes for client and staff scheduling, booking appointments, client file setup, updating medical records, transactions and budget analysis.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Animal Nutrition I
NUTR1010

Description:

This course is an introduction to nutrition for small and large animals. Topics will include a brief overview of the anatomy and physiology of the digestive tract of various species, digestion, a discussion on nutrients, their sources as well as their role in supporting health and the nutritional needs of different life stages. This course will help students acquire an understanding of the Canadian small animal pet food industry, the various trends and the regulatory bodies. Students will be introduced to the importance of a thorough nutritional assessment, learn how to interpret pet food labels, be taught how to calculate energy requirements, find key diet information in product guides and/or online, and how to counsel clients on selecting appropriate life-stage nutrition for their companion animal, how much and how to feed to promote optimal physical and emotional health. Various forages and feeding methods used in large animals will also be discussed.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Veterinary Pharmacology Fundamentals
PHAR1200

Description:

This course explains the safe handling and dispensing of pharmaceuticals in a veterinary practice. Topics include common pharmaceutical products, product classifications, indications, side effects and administration routes.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: MATH1345
  • CoRequisites:

Animal Restraint, Nursing and Surgical Care II
SURG1010

Description: This course focuses on the development of skills previously learned in a live animal clinical environment. Topics include assisting veterinary staff with animal care, physical examinations, vaccinations, treatments, radiography, surgery and dental procedures.
  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites: SURG1000
  • CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

  1. Discuss general pet health and nutrition requirements with clients to aid in the decisions for care of their pet.
  2. Deliver humane and ethical nursing care to animals in various environments using recognized protocols that meet accepted standards of practice.
  3. Assist with the preparation and performance of routine veterinary diagnostic imaging studies using accepted protocols for the patient's condition.
  4. Assist in the preparation of diagnostic laboratory tests using manufacturer recommended instructions to ensure accurate results for veterinary decision making.
  5. Perform routine grooming for dogs as part of the veterinary care plan using accepted standards of practice for general animal health and well-being.
  6. Assist in the maintenance of the surgical suite in order to meet accepted veterinary workplace standards.
  7. Assist with the preparation of veterinary pharmaceuticals using required standards of practice for handling substances.
  8. Perform veterinary office reception duties including interacting with clients in an ethical and respective manner as part of assisting with general veterinary office operations.
  9. Maintain an orderly and sanitary environment in the veterinary workplace using appropriate disinfecting agents and following recognized biohazard disposal protocols that promote the health and safety of staff and animals.
  10. Identify the basic health, housing, and maintenance requirements for the care and management of a variety of animal breeds including common and exotic pets, wildlife species, and livestock.
  11. Collaborate with members of the animal care/veterinary team in the provision of services to build trust and strengthen interprofessional relationships.