Veterinary Technician

Program description - May 2026

Turn your love for animals into a career with Conestoga's Veterinary Technician program.

Do you dream of working with animals and making a difference in their health and well-being? Conestoga College's Veterinary Technician diploma is designed for high school graduates who are passionate about animal care and want to become Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs). This two-year program blends science, hands-on training and compassionate care to prepare you for a rewarding career in veterinary medicine.

You'll study anatomy, physiology, nutrition, microbiology, diagnostic imaging and more — building a strong foundation in both large and small animal care. Using simulation models and realistic scenarios, you'll develop essential skills in a humane learning environment before working with live animals during field placements. Upon graduation, you'll be ready to pursue RVT certification and join veterinary teams in clinics, research labs, public health and beyond.

What you'll learn

• Veterinary nursing and care for multiple species
• Anatomy, physiology, genetics and clinical pathology
• Diagnostic imaging, microbiology and nutrition
• Simulation-based training and hands-on field placements
• Preparation for registered veterinary technician (RVT) certification

Note:

• This is a highly competitive program. Apply by February 1 (for September), July 15 (for January) and November 1 (for May). See oversubscribed programs for more information.
• Students living outside of Ontario are not eligible to apply.

Accreditation and Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) eligibility

The Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT) accredits all Veterinary Technician programs in Ontario. Once a program is accredited, graduates are eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), beginning the process of becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).

Conestoga College developed the Veterinary Technician program based on accreditation requirements and officially launched in September 2025. With upcoming changes to the regulation of veterinary technicians in Ontario, we are awaiting the release of the new accreditation framework—expected in January 2026—so we can begin our application and schedule accreditation site visits.

As this is an external assessment, we cannot guarantee the program will achieve accreditation. However, Conestoga has extensive experience with program accreditations and has taken every possible step to prepare for a successful outcome. We want to assure you that we are committed to this process, while also being transparent: accreditation is still in progress, and if unsuccessful, it could affect your ability to write the VTNE and become an RVT in Ontario.