Veterinary Technician

This course covers common math concepts used in pharmaceutical calculations for the purposes of dispensing and administering veterinary medications (including dilutions), and completing dosage calculations and conversions using fractions, ratios, proportions, percentages, and basic algebra. Students perform conversion calculations involving the mathematical terms/symbols used in apothecary, metric, and international systems.

This course introduces students to a variety of animal breeds, including species-specific characteristics. Students learn to read behaviour, respond to, and restrain animals based on assessments and use of fear free techniques. Restraint techniques ensure safe and humane handling of companion animals for various procedures, including grooming, sex identification, obtaining vitals and administering medications. Using behavioural cues and conventions, students assess the personality and level of comfort of feline and canine patients using Fear Free techniques.

This course introduces students to common industry, pharmaceutical, and medical terms to establish a foundational understanding of terminology used in veterinary medicine. While emphasis is placed on mastering common veterinary terminology, meanings, pronunciation, and spelling, students also learn how to analyze unfamiliar terms and make informed inferences about meaning.

This course provides students with the fundamentals of veterinary anatomy and physiology, including anatomical planes, genetics, and cell and tissue biology. Students examine the normal structure and function of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urogenital, endocrine, nervous, immune, and integumentary systems as well as the organs of special sense of small and large animals commonly seen in veterinary practice. Students apply knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology to studies in animal nursing, animal behaviour, nutrition, pharmacology, radiology and surgery.

This course introduces students to the basics of animal behaviour, development, ethology, domestication, and basic learning theory in domestic animals. Students learn how to identify common normal and abnormal behaviours along with appropriate interventions that meet ethical standards. Students gain the knowledge and develop the skills to identify and mitigate unsafe situations, and to counsel clients on pet selection.

This course introduces students to husbandry and nursing practices required to provide basic care for veterinary patients in a hospital or clinical setting. Students learn proper restraint techniques used for physical exams and how to use appropriate restraint devices. Students perform common procedures such as blood and urine sampling, catheter placement, and oral, topical, and injectable medication administration. Students maintain a safe and clean environment for animals and staff.

In this course students learn to use computer technology commonly used in a veterinary practice. Students develop computer skills using Microsoft Office applications, veterinary-specific electronic medical records management software, and diagnostic equipment integrations. Students also learn about effective and responsible use of social media in a veterinary setting.

In this course, students learn the parts of a microscope and become proficient in the use of a microscope within a veterinary lab. Regular microscope maintenance and quality control is emphasized and practiced. Students learn common sample collection techniques and identify and study common disease-causing microbial agents (e.g., bacterial, viral, protozoal, prion and fungal) through diagnostic testing.

This course covers the life cycles, identification, prevention and control, and zoonotic potential of common internal and external parasites of domestic and laboratory animals. Students collect, prepare, and evaluate feces samples and other samples from patients. Students use and maintain microscopes, centrifuges and other standard veterinary laboratory equipment

Building on Clinical Care of Animals 1, students continue to provide basic care for veteirnary patients in a hospital or clinical setting through physical exams, medication administration, medical documentation, sample collection and husbandry. Students maintain a clean and safe environment for patients and staff. Working in a team setting, students develop professionalism, a strong work ethic, and communication skills.

Building on Veterinary Clinical Lab Procedures 1, students conduct haematological and cytological evaluation of blood samples and tissues from healthy and ill animals using standard veterinary laboratory procedures. Students use and maintain microscopes, centrifusges, refractometers, and other standard veterinary laboratory equipment.

This course covers the nutritional requirements for the various life-stages and medical conditions of companion animal species. Students learn how to assess the value of nutrients and non-nutritional additives and evaluate commercial pet foods to create nutritional plans and educate clients in a veterinary practice. Students learn about diet-related illnesses, therapeutic nutrition, and feeding techniques for critical care patients.

This course introduces students to classes of drugs commonly encountered in veterinary medicine, as well as treatment schedules and alternate therapies. Students examine pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, purpose, effects, therapeutic ranges, administration techniques, and contraindications for a variety of pharmaceutical agents used in animals. Students apply concepts learned pharmaceutical math, including dosage calculations, conversions, and percent solutions. Students learn the regulatory guidelines for the handling, storage and recordkeeping of controlled substances.

In this course students learn the principles and processes behind radiographic imaging, as well as radiation safety. Students learn and practice multiple techniques for positioning and restraint of domestic animals for imaging. Students produce and interpret radiographic and diagnostic images and learn troubleshooting strategies.

This course covers the nutritional requirements for the various life-stages and medical conditions of companion animal species. Students learn how to assess the value of nutrients and non-nutritional additives, and evaluate commercial pet foods to create nutritional plans and educate clients in a veterinary practice. Students learn about diet-related illnesses, therapeutic nutrition, and feeding techniques for critical care patients.

This course explores the physical, biological, and chemical properties of urine obtained for diagnostic purposes. Students examine changes associated with disease, including differentiation of bacteria, casts, cells, and crystals found in urine samples. Students process fresh urine samples for complete analysis through centrifugation, gross examination, chemical analysis, slide preparation, and microscopic examination.

Building on the skills from Clinical Care of Animals 1 and 2, students continue to provide basic care for veterinary patients in a hospital or clinical setting through physical exams, medication administration, medical documentation, sample collection, and husbandry. Students maintain a clean and safe environment for the patients and staff. While working in a team setting as mentors for Level 1 students, students develop professionalism, a strong work ethic, and communication skills.

This course introduces students to the processes and equipment associated with veterinary surgical procedures, including surgical instruments, anesthetic and oxygen administration systems, and commonly employed pharmacological agents. Students learn correct surgical scrubbing, positioning, aseptic patient preparation, and operating room conduct. Students prepare for postoperative care and postsurgical clean up, including instrument cleaning, maintenance, and sterilization.

This course introduces students to equine and farm animal care, including basic husbandry, handling and restraint, lab sampling techniques, diagnostic imaging, breed identification, physical examination, vaccination, reproduction, and common diseases. Students collect a variety of samples for diagnostic testing and perform various therapeutics, including medication administration and injections.

This course explores animal health in the research sector, including the identification of species that are commonly used in research, as well as the ethics and guidelines. Students learn relevant animal handling, husbandry, nursing, and research techniques for this specialized sector. Students gain the foundational knowledge required to sit for the RLAT (Registered Laboratory Animal Technician) examination.

This course introduces students to veterinary dental anatomy and conditions associated with oral health. Students explore the impact of oral conditions on overall animal health and wellness an ddiscuss the importance of preventative dental care. Students perform comprehensive oral examinations, dental radiography, charting, and prophylactic cleaning through both manual and mechanical means. Students develop client education relating to oral health and wellness and discuss dental home care options with clients.

Building on Veterinary Imaging 1, students learn advanced methods of veterinary imaging, including digital radiology (both dental and full body), computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, and specialized radiographic techniques. Students perform advanced imaging on domestic species, large animals, and exotic animals.

This course covers the legal and ethical aspects of veterinary professions, including the regulatory framework for veterinary technicians in Ontario. Students learn skills to assist with basic business management of a veterinary practice, including inventory management and marketing. The curriculum builds interpersonal skills to support positive client relations and effective teamwork. Students develop personal and career management strategies and techniques.

Building on Veterinary Nursing 1 and 2, students learn first-aid, triage, and emergency care protocols, including wound care, ECG, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, blood transfusions and toxicology. Students provide post-operative care of veterinary patients, with a focus on pain management and appropriate nursing care. Students learn about euthanasia and necropsy techniques. While working in a team setting, students develop interpersonal and communication skills, and engage in client communication.

Building on Veterinary Clinical Lab Procedures 1, 2, and 3, students learn to collect, stain, and interpret cytology samples, which include ear cytology, fine needle aspirates, impression smears, bone marrow evalution, vaginal cytology, semen evaluation, and milk sampling and testing. Students are also introduced to embryo transfer and current technologies for artificial insemination.

In this course, students investigate the anatomy, physiology, husbandry, handling and helath considerations for animals which are not typically considered to be companion animal species but are kept as pets. These species may include, but are not limited to, reptiles, birds, turtles, amphibians, invertebrates, and other pocket pets. Students complete physical examinations and perform therapeutics, including administration of medications and injections.

In this course, students bring together knowledge and skills acquired in previous veterinary nursing, anesthesia, and surgical nursing courses to establish and perform the nursing requirements for common veterinary surgical cases. Students explore anesthetic methodologies and emergency and specialized surgery through hands-on surgical cases. Students calculate drug doses, anesthetic percentage, and fresh gas flow rates. Students perform anesthetic induction, maintenance, and monitoring, and manage the recovery of a veterinary patient from anesthesia. Students examine additional surgical support, including fluid therapy and multimodal pain management.