Diploma of Veterinary Technician

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.