Explore This Program
Program Overview
Veterinary Assistant plays a dual role in a veterinary setting; they are the first person that clients communicate with when they visit or call the veterinary hospital and also assist veterinary technologists with routine tasks. As part of the Veterinary Assistant program, you will:
- Understand the field of veterinary medicine
- Oversee front office operations
- Assist veterinary staff with standard procedures
- Use digital programs and practice management software
This program is licensed under Alberta’s Private Vocational Training Act (PVTA) and Manitoba’s Private Vocational Institutions Act (PVIA).
Career opportunities for Veterinary Assistants exist in veterinary hospitals/clinics, pet shelters pet stores, humane shelters, pet daycares, Animal Control and other animal facilities.
Program Delivery
Online Learning
- Study on your own schedule with the option to attend live lectures throughout the week to connect with your instructor.
- Remote learning doesn't mean you're doing it on your own! You will always have the support of your instructors and education team through video calls, discussion boards and more.
- Brightspace helps you stay on track and hold you accountable while giving you flexibility.
Visit our Online Learning to learn more about this delivery format.
Program Details
Admission Requirements
Our admissions agents can work with you to ensure you meet the program’s criteria. This program is not currently open to International Students. Need advice? A Student Admissions Advisor is here to support you.
Contact AdmissionsCareer Opportunities
Graduates will find employment in veterinary hospitals, veterinary clinics, pet shelters and pet insurance offices in positions such as:
- Veterinary Assistant
- Veterinary Office Assistant
- Veterinary Technician Assistant
- Veterinary Medical Assistant
You could be earning in less than a year
Lifetime Career Services
Even though you’ll leave Robertson once you graduate, we will support you throughout your career. Our team will help you with resume building, job hunting and interview preparation and will continue to guide you as you advance in your role.
Before you graduate, you’ll be paired with a career specialist in your field who will help you find a meaningful place to start your career. As a graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to student services that are committed to your success and helping you thrive.
Learn more about Lifetime Career Services.
Next Start Dates
Online on your own time with 3 real-time optional sessions per week with your instructor.
New start dates are being released all the time. Contact us for more dates.
Topics of Study
Animal Husbandry - 40 hours
This course introduces learners to the proper care and husbandry of common small animals seen in veterinary practice, with a focus on cats and dogs.
Animal Nutrition - 60 hours
This course has been designed to introduce learners to the critical features of animal nutrition as they relate to cats and dogs.
Animal Parasites - 40 hours
This course will introduce learners to the common internal and external parasites of small animals that are typically seen in veterinary practice.
Animal Restraint - 40 hours
This course introduces learners to the restraint techniques used in veterinary practice to safely and effectively restraint pets for routine veterinary procedures.
Career Preparation - 40 hours
This course introduces learners to career preparation strategies. Learners will be introduced to job search strategies, interviews and other career management strategies.
Common Conditions - 60 hours
This course introduces learners to common, non-communicable conditions of cats and dogs that are seen in veterinary practice.
Customer Service - 20 hours
This course provides a foundation for customer service, and recognizes that clients and colleagues can all be considered customers. Focus is on building customer relationships through the development of positive customer care approaches that includes respect for diversity and ensures organizational integrity.
MSO Applications - 80 hours
This course will prepare learners to perform functions common to all Microsoft Windows applications. Elements include the ability to create and manipulate Word, Excel, or PowerPoint applications, modify the display of toolbars and other on-screen elements, use online help, and perform file management, editing, formatting and printing functions common to most Windows applications.
Pet Immunity and Vaccines - 40 hours
This course introduces learners to common infectious diseases of cats and dogs, and the vaccinations and sanitation protocols used to increase immunity and prevent the spread of these diseases.
Veterinary Assisting - 60 hours
This course introduces learners to the basic principles of veterinary assisting for cats, dogs, and exotics (small mammals, reptiles, birds).
Veterinary Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology - 40 hours
This course introduces learners to the “language” of the veterinary profession, and the basic anatomy and physiology of cats and dogs.
Veterinary Office Procedures - 60 hours
This course introduces learners to the basic administrative skills used in the day-to-day operations of a veterinary practice.
Veterinary Pharmacy - 40 hours
This course introduces learners to pharmacology, the various drugs available in veterinary medicine, and how to accurately dispense medications for patients.
Practicum - 160 hours
The practicum is required for learners in order to gain and apply the knowledge and skills learned throughout all other courses in the program. Learners will gain confidence in skills as they progress. All program competencies are practiced and evaluated by the practicum employer(s) or mentor.
Learning Experience
Classes
Have the flexibility to live your life while going to school with our half-day classes. Our flexible start dates and small class sizes give you plenty of opportunities to learn when it’s best for you and gain the hands-on skills to succeed in any industry.
Industry-Leading Instructors
Learn from industry professionals who bring real-life experience into the classroom. You can book office hours or get virtual support from your instructors through Brightspace, where you can schedule video appointments and use instant messenger to ask questions.
Lifelong Career Services
Connect with a career specialist in your field who will help you find a meaningful place to start your career. As a graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to student services that will help you with resume building, interview preparation and networking.
How It Works
Getting Started
Our flexible start dates give you plenty of opportunities to plan for school and live your life around it.
Taking the Course
All Robertson Online courses are hosted on Brightspace, an online platform designed to give you everything you need to succeed in remote learning.
Entering the Workforce
Our programs set you up to adapt to industry changes and thrive in our modern digital workforce.
Visit the How It Works page to learn more about our online student experience. To learn more about how Brightspace gives you everything you need to succeed in your online courses, click here.
Financial Assistance and Funding
Robertson offers a variety of financial aid opportunities to ease students’ stress and allow them to focus on their studies. If you need extra support, we have flexible funding to accommodate all our students, no matter their financial situation. Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.
Questions about tuition and funding?
Contact Admissions
Practicum
The practicum is an essential part of a learner’s program. It is both a graduation requirement and an extension of in-class learning. The practicum asks you to apply the skills, theories, and concepts that you learned in your classes in an entry-level work experience situation.
Practicum must begin and end within the dates outlined in your program schedule and enrolment contract. Practicum is a full-time, unpaid commitment, and is jointly-procured — where you work directly with our Practicum team to obtain a training-related placement. Your active participation with our Practicum team in the search for your practicum placement will enhance your career development skills, industry networking opportunities, and professional communication skills.
Let's Get Started
Simply fill out the form below and one of our Student Advisors will provide any extra information you need and get your account activated as early as today.
Program Availability
This program is neither available on campus or via Robertson Online.