Veterinary Technician

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Courses - January 2026

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

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: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Veterinary Clinical Practice
ANML1110

Description: This course introduces basic clinical practices with the use of animal models. Topics include small animal restraint, medication administration techniques, patient health assessments, sample collections, radiography, and monitoring and nursing skills; for both small and large animals.

Hours: 42
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Level 2

Course details

Animal Anatomy and Physiology II
ANAT1140

Description:

This course studies the anatomy and physiology of systems in both small and large animal species. Topics include cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, reproductive and genetics, endocrine, integumentary system, and special senses. Laboratory sessions involve dissections; and discussions about common pathological conditions affecting these systems in small and large animal species.

Hours: 70
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites: ANAT1130
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Veterinary Laboratory Procedures II
ANML1070

Description:

This course introduces diagnostic testing methods in a lab, focusing on quality control, equipment maintenance and proper documentation of findings. Topics include identifying micro-organisms, assessing patients for parasitic and viral infections, evaluating the results of fungal cultures, performing fecal flotations and sediments, acquiring packed cell volumes, CBC, total protein, red and white blood cell counts, and partial urinalyses.

Hours: 42
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: ANML1030
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Radiography and Ultrasound
DIMG1000

Description: This course introduces principles involved with x-rays and production of x-rays. Topics include the formation and properties of x-rays, the principles of radiographic image formation, image processing, radiation safety and applied radiography will be studied.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

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:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.

Veterinary Pharmacology
PHAR1190

Description: This course introduces classifications and general characteristics of drugs used in veterinary patient care. Topics include safe drug dosages and dispensing, IV fluid therapy, constant rate infusions, solutions and dilutions, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs, common drugs used and a brief overview of statistics. Mode of action, side effects and client education are emphasized. Students also learn about Pharmacy management and important legislative regulations and legal responsibilities that relate to the dispensing of pharmaceuticals in the veterinary environment.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: MATH1345
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Level 3

Course details

Large Animal Care
ANML2000

Description:

This course introduces large animal medicine and care. Topics include husbandry, production, disease, and government agencies dealing with livestock. The content focuses on equine, swine, and ruminants.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Veterinary Laboratory Procedures III
ANML2010

Description:

This course focuses on parasitic infections in both small and large animals. Topics include the collection of samples, diagnostic testing, the identification, life cycle, transmission, treatment and prevention measures for the most common endo and ectoparasite in small and large animals in Canada. This course will also review the zoonotic potential associated with these parasites as well as client education.

Hours: 42
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: ANML1070
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Veterinary Dentistry
DENT1140

Description:

This course focuses on the maintenance of oral health and treatment of oral pathologies in the canine and feline patient. Topics include oral and dental anatomy, disease recognition, local anesthesia, dental prophylaxis and charting, dental radiography, dental instrument maintenance, and common oral and periodontal treatments.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Field Placement II (Veterinary Technician)
FPLT2440

Description:

With the support of our community partners, students will rotate through on and off-site veterinary facilities in the early morning, evening, weekends, and holidays. Students will continue to apply knowledge and skills previously learned to perform a variety of medical procedures in the interest of animal health. Topics include small animal nursing, radiology, sample collection and analysis, as well as personal and professional management.

Hours: 105
Credits: 6
Pre-Requisites: FPLT1260
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Animal Nutrition II
NUTR2020

Description: This course focuses on the importance of considering a patient's diet for assessment of overall health and longevity. Topics include nutritional requirements of large and small animals at various life stages, specific dietary needs of ill and recovering patients and counseling clients on pet needs.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: NUTR1010
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Surgical and Anaesthetic Principles
SURG2000

Description:

Hours: 70
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Exotic Animal Medicine
ANML2020

Description: This course introduces the care of exotic pets such as caged birds, ferrets, chinchillas, hedgehogs, snakes, turtles and iguanas. Topics include anatomy and physiology, behaviour, housing needs, nutritional requirements, common diseases, sample collection and diagnostics, nursing care, anesthetics and safe handling techniques.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Emergency Medicine and Critical Care
ANML2030

Description:

This course describes the importance of preparation for emergency medical situation in the small animal veterinary hospital. Topics include First Aid, triage, emergency procedures, wound management, transfusion medicine and toxicities. Students will also learn about neurological, ocular, cardiac, respiratory, abdominal, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, and neonatal emergencies and oncology. Students also perform CPR.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Veterinary Laboratory Procedures IV
ANML2040

Description: This course focuses on analyzing blood and urine as key indicators to diagnosing and treating diseases. Topics include normal and abnormal maturation sequence of blood cells in bone marrow red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelet morphology and a more in-depth analyses of urine.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: ANML2010
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Veterinary Laboratory Procedures V
ANML2050

Description: This course introduces cytological and biological sample analysis as an important aspect of diagnosing disease. Topics include serum chemistries, electrolytes, acid-base, cerebral spinal fluid, exfoliative and aspiration cytology. Reproductive, exudates, transudates and malignant samples are included.

Hours: 56
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: ANML2010
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Field Placement III (Veterinary Technician)
FPLT2450

Description:

With the support of our community partners, students will rotate through on and off-site veterinary facilities in the early morning, evening, weekends, and holidays. Students will continue to apply knowledge and skills previously learned to perform a variety of medical procedures in the interest of animal health. Topics include anesthesia, surgical assisting, dental prophylaxis, emergency and critical care, sample collection and analysis, patient assessment, and medication administration.

Hours: 105
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: FPLT1260
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Capstone (Veterinary Surgical, Anesthetic and Dental Procedures)
SURG2010

Description:

Using clinical scenarios in applied environments, this course focuses on demonstrating knowledge of aseptic procedures, common nursing procedures, dental COHATs, analgesia, radiography, anesthesia, fluid therapy, and emergency treatment in small animal private practice.

Hours: 70
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: DENT1140 AND DIMG1000 AND SURG2000
CoRequisites:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Please note:

Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs are based on the most recent available data through the Conestoga Campus Store.

Program outcomes

Perform basic patient examinations on a variety of species to report findings to the veterinarian.
Restrain and manage animals in clinical situations to ensure the safety of animals and staff.
Use appropriate drug management and application techniques to prepare and safely administer medications and treatments prescribed by a veterinarian.
Prepare and maintain anaesthetic delivery systems to safely induce and monitor patients under anaesthesia.
Prepare and maintain surgical areas to ensure an appropriate environment while assisting during surgical procedures.
Perform dental prophylactic procedures on dogs and cats to aid in the prevention of oral and periodontal disease.
Produce standard diagnostic radiographs to assist the veterinarian in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating various medical conditions.
Collect and process samples of diagnostic laboratory work to assist the veterinarian in diagnosing various medical conditions.
Perform common veterinary diagnostic tests such as blood chemistries, differentials, culture and sensitivities, and EKGs to assist the veterinarians with the diagnosis of various health problems and illnesses.
Use appropriate business skills and trade specific software to efficiently manage operations and data in a veterinary office.
Recognize the behavioural signs of animals to determine the physical and mental health cues that guide treatment and care.
Counsel clients to promote the health and nutritional requirements of their pets.
Maintain strong working relationships to effectively contribute as a member of an animal care team.
Use various bathing and grooming techniques to prepare animals for treatments or surgeries.