Description
This program provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to perform a variety of veterinary medical procedures, such as:
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.
DOCUMENT SUBMISSION
Upload Through Your Future Student Account
If you do not have a Future Student Account or require assistance, please contact our Student Service Centre at 204-632-2327.
Internationally Educated Applicants - visit www.rrc.ca/credentials for credential assessment information.
However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.
Regular Admission Requirements
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.
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.
English Language Assessment | Minimum Required Levels | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
L - Listening, S - Speaking, R - Reading, W - Writing | L | S | R | W |
CAEL and CAEL Online (Canadian Academic English Language) | 60 | 70 | 60 | 60 |
CanTEST
(Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees)
The Official CanTEST was discontinued in 2021, and as of October 20, 2021 the RRC CanTEST is no longer offered at RRC Polytechnic. CanTEST results dated within 2 years of your application date will still be accepted to meet English language proficiency requirements. Please note the Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) program requires the Official CanTEST (The RRC Institutional CanTEST will not be accepted). | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Duolingo
(Duolingo English Test)
* MINIMUM OVERAL SCORE OF 115 REQUIRED. There are no minimum required levels for L,S,R,W. Only Duolingo English Test scores that have been verified through the Duolingo English Test Portal will be accepted. | 0* | 0* | 0* | 0* |
IELTS - Academic
(International English Language Testing System)
Please Note: 3 year expiry date for Nursing Program Applicants | 6.5 | 7.0 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
PTE - Academic Online Assessment (Pearson Test of English) | 58 | 65 | 58 | 58 |
Password Skills
(An in person English Language Assessment hosted by RRC Polytech)
This in-person, computer-based test is composed of four test modules: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test takes 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete and is conducted in two parts. The first part assesses reading, listening, and writing, and the second part assesses speaking in a separate room.
Password Skills costs $135 to take through RRC Polytech.
Password Skills is hosted by the RRC Polytech Testing and Assessment Centre: E440, Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae building, on the fourth floor.
If you wish to do Password Skills remotely (not in-person), Password Skills Plus can be taken online. RRC Polytech does not offer Password Skills Plus, but we do accept the results for entry into program.
| 6.5 | 7.0 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
Password Skills Plus (Password Skills Plus is an online assessment that can be taken instead of Password Skills. ) | 6.5 | 7.0 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
TOEFL-iBT
(Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet Based Test)
To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT® test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in selected areas. | 20 | 23 | 19 | 24 |
To excel as a Veterinary Technologist you must be comfortable around animals and have:
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:
Location | Start Date | Apply Link |
---|---|---|
Notre Dame Campus | Aug 26, 2024 | Apply Now |
Students may apply for financial assistance through the Manitoba Student Aid program. For general information on applying please call 204-945-6321 or 1-800-204-1685, or visit their website at www.manitobastudentaid.ca, which also includes an online application. For detailed information, please visit one of the RRC Polytech Student Service Centres or call 204-632-2327. Applicants requiring financial assistance should complete their student loan applications well in advance of the class start date.
Red River College Polytechnic is a participating institution in the HigherEdPoints program. Through this program, students are able to convert Aeroplan® Miles and TD Points into funds to help cover their tuition. Family members and friends can also contribute to a student’s education by converting their loyalty points - anyone can donate their points to an individual student.
Visit the HigherEdPoints website for more information about the program and/or to set up an account to convert your points.
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:
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:
It also includes training in the following:
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.
Students will identify the common breeds of various domestic species including their behaviour and management.
Students will discuss cell and tissue structure and function. The basic properties of various disease causing microorganisms are discussed. Students will discuss the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary and musculoskeletal systems.
Students will experience hands-on practical learning of the body systems discussed in the Body Systems 1 course through the use of live, preserved and fresh animal specimens. Basic microbiological diagnostic techniques are presented.
Students will develop the written and oral communication skills needed by an Animal Health Technologist to communicate effectively with supervisors, co-workers, and clients.
Students will restrain and provide care for veterinary patients within the legal boundaries of veterinary medicine while following appropriate safety protocols.
Students will learn basic handling and nursing techniques for the various domestic species discussed in the Animal Breeds, Behaviour and Nursing course.
Students will learn the fundamental biology of different groups of parasites and the general principles of their identification, control, collection, and processing.
Students will discuss the structure, function and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins as it relates to body function and nutrition. Students will also discuss clinical chemistry in relation to body systems.
Students will spend three weeks in a veterinary hospital where they will practice clinical skills learned in the first year of the program.
Students will discuss the genesis and function of the various blood cell types and become proficient in their recognition and evaluation. Serology, urinalysis and cytology will also be studied.
Students will experience practical hands-on learning of complete blood counts, urinalysis and cytological smear preparation.
Students will assemble and maintain anesthetic equipment, plan anesthetic protocols and monitor anesthetized patients.
Students will learn the basics of x-ray equipment, radiation physics, image recording, radiation protection, and radiobiology to enable them to aid the veterinarian in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, students will discuss the theory of ultrasound imaging, and the techniques involved with assisting a veterinarian to perform diagnostic ultrasound on a patient.
Utilizing live and mock scenarios, students will perform a variety of tasks related to surgery and anesthetic protocols including preparation of surgical packs, surgical assistance, patient monitoring, IV fluid therapy, local analgesia, intubation and aseptic technique.
Students will apply the principles of aseptic techniques. Students will also prepare the patient, surgical suite, and surgical packs.
Students will learn basic husbandry, common nursing care procedures and diseases of rabbits, rodents, ferrets, birds and reptiles. Students will follow regulations and protocols involved in working with laboratory and exotic species.
Students perform canine and feline prophylactic dental cleaning. Students will also assist the veterinary dental surgeon in common and selected species.
Students will be introduced to basic calculations for veterinary procedures including conversions, drug units, solution preparation and single drug dosage calculations.
Students will perform a variety of clinical procedures including bandaging, patient identification, administering medication, and sanitation following WHMIS regulations.
This course is an extension of the Introduction to Canine and Feline Husbandry course. Students will continue to improve on the skills of canine and feline handling, behaviour recognition, husbandry, and safety as learned in Term 1.
Students will discuss the anatomy and physiology of the urinary, digestive, endocrine, nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems and the special senses.
Students will experience practical hands-on learning of the body systems discussed in the Body Systems 2 course through the use of live, preserved and fresh animal specimens.
Students will experience practical hands-on learning of nursing techniques for the various domestic species discussed in Term 1, in conjunction with the Veterinary Nursing Theory course.
Students will learn nursing techniques for the various domestic species discussed in Term 1 of the program. Emphasis will be on care of the body systems taught in the Body Systems 2 course.
Students will study the normal anatomy and physiology common domestic species including normal and abnormal reproductive behaviour and gestation events.
This course is a continuation of Veterinary Hematology 1, with an emphasis on identification of pathological cells. Vaginal, otic, and bone marrow cytology will also be studied.
Students will experience practical hands-on learning of pathological hematology cells and cytology cells. Vaginal, otic and bone marrow cytology analysis will also be performed.
Students will develop awareness of the properties, delivery methods and regulations pertaining to common pharmacological agents used in veterinary medicine diagnosis and treatment.
Students will discuss the normal role of nutrients in the body and the diseases that are caused by imbalances of these nutrients. Diets fed to normal animals at various life stages will also be addressed, with an emphasis on dogs and cats with and without disease problems.
Students will discuss the clinical signs and treatment of emergencies related to various body systems.
Students will discuss various aspects of a veterinary practice including inventory control, crisis intervention, grief management, and personnel and client relations.
Students will spend two weeks in a veterinary hospital where they will practice clinical skills with an emphasis on anesthesia and surgical nursing.
Students will practice surgical nursing and anesthesia skills under veterinary supervision on live animals in a clinical setting.
Students will be introduced to more advanced calculations for veterinary procedures including multiple drug dosage calculations, intravenous fluid rate calculations and patient sample dilution procedures.
Students will perform a variety of clinical and laboratory procedures including bathing, physical exams, venipuncture, administering vaccinations and sample handling.
Students will spend three weeks in a veterinary hospital where they will practice all clinical skills.
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.
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.
Thompson Rivers University
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.
Successful completion of all courses within the program is required for Graduation.
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:
Veterinary Technologists perform a wide variety of tasks such as:
For general information about this program or how to apply, contact Enrolment Services at 204-632-2327.
To find out more about this occupation and employment opportunities, contact:
Manitoba Veterinary Technologists Association (MVTA)
1590 Inkster Blvd.
Winnipeg, MB R2X 2W4
Email: info@mymvta.ca
Website: http://www.mymvta.ca