Overview

• Two-year diploma
• August entry date
• Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg 
• Practicum
• Credit transfer opportunity: Thompson-Rivers University
• Due to high demand, this funded program is open to Manitoba residents only. Applications received from non-Manitoba residents for this program will be cancelled and the application fee will not be refunded.

Description
This program provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to perform a variety of veterinary medical procedures, such as:

• Anesthesia induction and monitoring
• Drug dosage calculations 
• Surgical and animal nursing
• Laboratory testing
• Diagnostic imaging
• Dentistry
• Emergency care
• Routine veterinary clinic and office procedures

Veterinary Technologists play a vital role in the veterinary industry. They work under the supervision of veterinary practitioners to support the veterinarian in all aspects of practice.

As part of this program, you will participate in on- or off-campus labs where you will be handling animals species such as horses, cattle, swine, chickens, ferrets, rats, mice, as well as dogs and cats.

Admission Requirements

However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.

Regular Admission Requirements

1. Grade 12
• Submit proof of graduation from or enrolment in Grade 12 including one credit in each of the following:
• Grade 12 English (40S)
• Grade 12 Applied Math or Pre-Calculus Math (40S) (Grade 12 Essential Math or Consumer Math do not meet the requirements for this program)
• Grade 12 Chemistry (40S)
• Grade 11 Biology (30S) (Manitoba Grade 11 Biology provides knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the systems in the human body. This knowledge is required for admission to the VT program. Grade 12 Biology has different content therefore it cannot be accepted in lieu of Grade 11 Biology)
• If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
• If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
  and
2. English Language Requirements (ELRs)
• Answer this question to determine if you meet this program’s ELRs:
  Have I successfully completed 3 years of full-time high school (secondary) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction?
• If YES, you meet English language requirements.  Apply and then submit your transcripts* for review
  or
• If NO, submit proof of meeting an ELRs option.  If you choose the English language assessment option, review this program's approved assessments and required levels.
  or 
• If you completed all of your education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country in English but you did not graduate high school, submit your transcripts* for review. 
• * If your transcripts are from the USA or an ELR exempt country, we will assess an International Credentials Assessment Fee to be paid before your transcripts will be reviewed.
  and
3. Recent Volunteer or Work Experience
• Submit Volunteer/Work Experience Form(s) as proof of completion of 80 hours of occupational familiarization to veterinary medicine and veterinary technology. This must include a minimum of 8 hours working with large animals such as horses, cattle, and/or swine. This form was updated in January 2025. Please ensure you are completing and submitting the most up to date form for your application.
  
• Hours must be completed at a veterinary clinic or offsite location (i.e. a dairy barn), working alongside a veterinarian or veterinary technologist.
• Hours must have been completed within the past 12 months.
• The College does not arrange volunteer or work experience placements with veterinary clinics, or recommend specific clinics.  We recommend you contact veterinary clinics directly to enquire about possible volunteer or employment opportunities to assist you in completing the required 80 hours of experience.
  and
4. Mandatory Diagnostic Test
• Complete a mandatory diagnostic test to advise you of your program readiness
• The test will include writing, math, science, and occupational elements
• Faculty advising may be required based on the diagnostic test results and upgrading may be recommended
• This item is not due within 15 days of applying and will be requested by the College at a later date
  and
5. Mandatory Orientation Session
• Attend a mandatory orientation session conducted by program faculty
• This session will provide a program overview with an emphasis on the requirements of a career in Veterinary Technology
• This item is not due within 15 days of applying and will be requested by the College at a later date

Mature Student Admission Requirements
If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.

1. Academic Requirement
• High school graduation is not required, but you must have successfully completed or be enrolled in one credit in each of the following:
• Grade 12 English (40S)
• Grade 12 Applied Math or Pre-Calculus Math (40S) (Grade 12 Essential Math or Consumer Math do not meet the requirements for this program)
• Grade 12 Chemistry (40S)
• Grade 11 Biology (30S) (Manitoba Grade 11 Biology provides knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the systems in the human body. This knowledge is required for admission to the VT program.  Grade 12 Biology has different content therefore it cannot be accepted in lieu of Grade 11 Biology)
  
• If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
• If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
  and
2. Meet Regular Admission Requirements 2 through 5

Program Progression Requirements
Program progression requirements are not due within 15 days of applying. These requirements have expiration dates and should be completed close to your program start date. Further information will be provided by the College at a later date.

• Immunizations and Testing
• All students enrolled in the program are required to be immunized against Rabies and Tetanus.
• Review the Healthcare Program Immunizations information

Who Should Enrol?

To excel as a Veterinary Technologist you must be comfortable around animals and have:

• A genuine interest in all aspects of animal care
• Strong skills in the sciences and mathematics
• The ability to communicate well with people

This program is both academically and physically demanding. You should be in good health, without allergies to animals, and be physically capable of performing all the program requirements. You also require the academic background and proficiency to manage the large volume of science- and math-related program content.

All students enrolled in the program are required to be immunized against Rabies and Tetanus.

Success Factors
This program is well-suited for students who:

• Are well-organized, highly motivated, and possess strong time-management skills
• Are proficient in mathematics and science
• Are willing to spend significant hours on the home study required to successfully complete the program (Two to Three hours per night)
• Pay close attention to detail
• Are prepared to participate in a variety of clinics with the swine and bovine industries during the year
• Have previous experience with animals and animal handling

Program Outline

This program gives you the hands-on training required for a career as a Veterinary Technologist. You will learn both theoretical components and participate in practical laboratory techniques. Practical training in all areas is reinforced through work experience.

This is a two-year program with two terms in each year:

• The fall term for both first- and second-year students is late August to mid-December.
• The winter term for first-year students is January to the end of May. For second-year students, it is January to mid-May. 

First Year
The first year of the VT program focuses on developing a sound knowledge of the basic sciences as a foundation for animal health care. This includes courses in the following:

• Communications
• Mathematics
• Anatomy and physiology
• Nursing Care

It also includes training in the following:

• Animal science
• Animal behaviour
• Restraint
• Medical nursing
• Laboratory procedures for common domestic animals

First-year students will be expected to care for animals at the College on a rotational basis before classes start in the morning and immediately after the end of school day. You will also be expected to participate in large animal labs/clinics where routine forms of care are provided.

Second Year
The second year of the program concentrates on advancing your veterinary medical skills with further exposure to common species such dogs, cats, horses and cows. The care of laboratory animals and avian and exotic species is also included.

CO-OP/Practicum Information

This program integrates classroom theory with related on-the-job training by alternating academic study and practicums. 

At the end of Year 1, you will spend three weeks (120 hours) in a veterinary clinic practicing the skills learned in the first year of the program. You will have a specified set of skills to complete during the practicum, and you will be supervised directly by clinic and College staff.

In Year 2, you will spend two weeks (80 hours) in a veterinary clinic during February assisting clinic staff with duties and becoming proficient in the skills taught in the program. Emphasis will be placed on proficiency in surgical nursing and anesthesiology skills during this practicum.

At the end of Year 2, the final three-week practicum (120 hours) is spent in a veterinary clinic where you will fine tune the skills necessary for a successful career in Veterinary Technology. This final practicum often results in a job placement after graduation.

Computer/Laptop Requirements

Online learning is a critical component of course delivery in all Red River College Polytechnic programs. To ensure each student has the tools they need to achieve their academic goals, all Red River College Polytechnic students require, at minimum:

1.  Off-campus access to a current computer with a webcam

2.  A high speed internet connection

• Recommended minimum speed: 10 mbps for download, 3 mbps for upload
• Slower internet connection speeds may result in audio and video issues. Please keep in mind that if others in your home are using the same internet connection at the same time as you are, you may also experience audio and video issues.
• Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.

Please note that any anticipated costs are not included in Books and Supplies estimates.

Transfer Credit Opportunities

Thompson Rivers University 

• Credits toward a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.

Graduation Requirements

Successful completion of all courses within the program is required for Graduation.

Employment Potential

Graduates are qualified to work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian in companion animal, large animal, and specialty practices.

Graduates may also find employment at the following:

• Zoos
• Research institutes
• Livestock operations
• Wildlife services
• Animal shelters
• Government agencies
• Pharmaceutical sales companies

Veterinary Technologists perform a wide variety of tasks such as:

• Assisting veterinarians in surgery
• Inducing and maintaining a patient under anesthesia
• Calculating drug doses and IV infusion rates
• Providing nursing care to patients
• Educating pet owners in various topics of animal health
• Monitoring animal health on a daily basis
• Performing laboratory procedures
• Producing diagnostic radiographs
• Managing a drug inventory
• Maintaining professional, ethical and responsible behaviour
• Performing various office duties