* Health Science Pre-Admission Testing Charge, Identification Card
Program Eligibility
Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses:
plus
or
Mature student status.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), 80 (20L,W,S,R) iBT (Internet-based TOEFL) or 550 Paper-based
TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition**, 80 (20L,W,S,R)
iTEP Academic**, 3.7
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic Module, 6 – Overall Band Score with no Band below 5.5
PTE A (Pearson Test of English Academic), 58 - Overall Minimum Score (49L,W,S,R)
FCE (Cambridge English First), 174 - Cambridge English Scale or FCE B
CAE (Cambridge English: Advanced), 180 - Cambridge English Scale or CAE C
CPE (Cambridge English Proficiency), 200 - Cambridge English Scale or CPE C
Sheridan EAP (English for Academic Purposes), 70%
Sheridan EPA (English Proficiency Assessment), 4.0 – Listening Band 4.0 – Reading Combined Band CLB 7 - Writing
Applicant Selection
Eligible applicants will be selected on the results of the Health Occupations Aptitude Exam (HOAE) and on the basis of their previous academic achievement (the average of their six highest senior-level credits, including required courses).
All applicants must complete a mandatory standardized Health Occupations Aptitude Exam (HOAE) as part of the selection process. HOAE scores are valid for one year from the date the test was written. The HOAE cannot be completed more than once in a calendar year.
Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program will be assessed and advised individually and may be considered for other, related programs.
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.
Sheridan’s Veterinary Technician program prepares you to join a professional team in a veterinary medical setting.
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.
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.
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Semester 1
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
GENED , General Education, 3
TOTAL:, 26
Semester 2
ANAT 10123, Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology 2, 4
SCIE 23672, Veterinary Lab Techniques 2: Urinalysis & Microbiology, 5
SCIE 16206, Introduction to Veterinary Nursing Techniques, 5
PHAR 10065, Veterinary Pharmacology, 3
SCIE 25738, Veterinary Radiography & Diagnostic Imaging, 4
FLPL 13551, Veterinary Technician Practicum 1, 3
TOTAL:, 24
Semester 3
SCIE 20001, Companion Animal Nutrition, 2
SCIE 26048, Introduction to Veterinary Anesthesia & Surgical Nursing Techniques, 4
SCIE 24444, Advanced Veterinary Nursing Techniques, 5
SCIE 19207, Veterinary Lab Techniques 3: Hematology and Cytology, 5
FLPL 20001, Veterinary Technician Practicum 2, 3
SCIE 20057, Veterinary Dentistry, 2
GENED , General Education, 3
TOTAL:, 24
Semester 4
SCIE 20009, Laboratory Animal Health Studies, 3
SCIE 20102, Exotic Animal Health Studies, 2
SCIE 25276, Advanced Veterinary Surgical Nursing Techniques, 4
SCIE 20146, Veterinary Clinical Pathology, 5
SCIE 29207, Large Animal Health Studies, 4
SCIE 20199, Animal Diseases, 3
FLPL 20408, Professional Practice Practicum, 3
GENED, General Education, 3
TOTAL:, 27
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
Health and Dental Plan - International: 580CAD/ per year