Program Overview

Our two-year Veterinary Technician diploma program provides the comprehensive skills and knowledge to excel in this rewarding career. Learn directly from faculty members who are experts in the field, gain hands-on experience and master the fundamentals of helping improve the health and well-being of animals.

Program Details

Program Code
VTT1
Credential:
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
60 Weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability

Full Time Offerings

2025 September
London
Waitlisted
Start Dates
Locations
Availability

Full Time Offerings

2025 September
London
Open

Your Learning Experience

Turn your passion into a career: Become a Veterinary Technician

With labour market demand for Veterinary Technicians projected to grow now and into the future, transform your passion for helping animals into an engaging career.

While our Veterinary Technician program focuses on companion animals, you will also learn about exotic animals, laboratory animals, wildlife and agricultural animals. You will be able to support various veterinary practitioners, public health officers and biomedical research scientists, opening the door to varied career options.

Areas of animal study include:

  • behaviour
  • nutrition
  • clinical pathology
  • microbiology
  • radiography
  • anatomy 
  • physiology
  • genetics

You will also learn to perform routine laboratory and animal clinical procedures such as:

  • obtaining and recording patient histories
  • collecting and analyzing laboratory samples
  • examining and preparing patients, instruments and equipment for surgery
  • inducing and monitoring anesthesia
  • assisting in medical and surgical procedures
  • providing specialized nursing care
  • producing diagnostic radiographs
  • performing animal dentistry

The Veterinary Technician program is delivered in a blended format, with traditional classrooms for theoretical learning and on- and off-campus labs for real-life, hands-on learning. Students will learn at several locations including Fanshawe College’s London campus, the new state-of-the-art Humane Society London & Middlesex and other community partnerships.

 

Career Information

Graduates find employment in veterinary hospitals, small animal clinics, animal dental practices, diagnostic labs, animal shelters, wildlife sanctuaries, research facilities, and zoos. Additional occupations include working in veterinary pharmaceutical sales, livestock health management and food animal inspections.


 

Academic School

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, mature student status, with the following:

- English: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course

- Mathematics: Grade 12 C or U, or Grade 11 U or M, or equivalent course

- Biology: Grade 11 C or U, or equivalent course

- Chemistry: Grade 12 C or Grade 11 U, or equivalent course

OR

Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees Ontario College Certificate
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements

English Language Requirements

Test Score
TOEFL iBT 79
IELTS Academic Overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands
CAEL Overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands. score of 80 in listening
PTE Academic 53
Cambridge English Overall score of 169 with no language skill less than 162
ESL4/GAP5 Minimum grade of 80% in Level 8, 75% in Level 9, or 70% in Level 10
Duolingo Overall score of 105, with no score lower than 95

 

Learn More about English Language Requirements

Applicant Selection Criteria

Applicant Selection Criteria

Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:
  1. Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
  2. Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
  3. Achievement in the Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements

Post-Admission Requirements

- Prophylactic immunization against rabies is mandatory for this program and should be arranged through your family physician. Prophylactic immunization against rabies is not covered by OHIP. Proof of vaccination or current titre results showing immunity are required before the start of classes.
 
- In Level 2 of the program, a rabies titre will also be required along with proof of results showing immunity.
 
 More information regarding other vaccinations that may be required by students will be posted soon.

Courses

Level 1
Take all of the following Mandatory Courses:

Group 1
VETT-1009Veterinary Pharmaceuticals Mathematics2
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.
VETT-1008Veterinary Nursing 13
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.
VETT-1001Veterinary Medical Terminology1
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.
VETT-1002Anatomy & Physiology for Vt2.5
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.
VETT-1004Animal Behaviour for VT3
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.
VETT-1005Clinical Care of Animals 11
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.
VETT-1000It in Veterinary Practice1
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.
VETT-1006Veterinary Clinical Lab Procedures 11.5
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.
View all courses

Tuition Summary

London

Canadian Costs
$8,561.28
Total Cost of Program
International Costs
$32,935.56
Total Cost of Program

*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.

 

Contact/Questions