Veterinary Assistant (VTA)

Starts in January, September

PGWP-eligible Program

Campus

King

Delivery

Hybrid

Duration

2 Semesters (8 Months)

Study Option

Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Certificate

School

School of Health Sciences

Courses

Delivery: At Seneca, courses are delivered in the following formats: online, in-person, hybrid (an online, in-person combination) or flexible (offered in-person and online at the same time).

The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to select your preferred options when building your course schedule during open enrolment.

Preferences for course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis.

Semester 1

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
BOA112	Behaviour of Animals	Online	Not offered	Online
	An understanding of animal behaviour is necessary to work efficiently with animals and their owners. The safety of the handler and the animal requires the interpretation of animal communication during restraint needed in veterinary practice. Effective training and the correct selection of a suitable pet are based on a thorough understanding of species-specific behaviours. Animal Behaviour is an ever-expanding focus of veterinary medicine, and it is imperative that a qualified animal health professionals have a complete understanding of this discipline.
COM101 or COM111	Communicating Across Contexts or Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched)	Hybrid Online In-person	Hybrid Online In-person	Hybrid Online In-person
	COM101: This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their post-secondary studies, workplaces, and communities. COM111: This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their post-secondary studies, workplaces, and communities. COM111 is six hours per week in order to offer students extra language and reading support.
PRO150	Professional Practice and Etymology	TBD	TBD	TBD
	This course introduces students to the professional, academic, and technical foundations needed for success in veterinary technology. Emphasis is placed on developing the skills, habits, and professional awareness required for both college learning and future clinical practice. Students will also build a foundation in veterinary medical terminology, with emphasis on anatomy, physiology, diagnostics, and treatments in companion and farm animals. By combining professional practice skills with medical terminology, students will be prepared for academic success and effective participation in veterinary clinical settings.
VAH100	Animal Handling Introduction	Online	Not offered	Online
	Correct and humane animal handling practices are essential skills for a competent veterinary assistant to learn and develop. A basic understanding of animal handling techniques in common small and large animal species will be fostered throughout VAH100. Handling skills and techniques will be obtained in VGH200 (Animal Handling, Therapeutic and Grooming Skills) and VLL200 (Large and Laboratory Animal Handling) lab sessions. Veterinary Assistants work with animals that may be fearful, stressed, or sometimes in a painful state. The lecture component covers safe and effective handling strategies that minimize stress and trauma, and maximize the window of opportunity. Emphasis will be placed on external factors that also influence and contribute to the outcomes of a procedure. This course will focus on the principles of these animals’ behaviours in relations to handling along with husbandry, health status (TPR), and general information of the individual species. Identification of common breeds for domestic and large animals is included.
VAP101	Anatomy and Physiology	In-person	Not offered	In-person
	This course will serve as an introduction to both anatomy and physiology. The major body organs and body systems will be reviewed and examined for a variety of species, with emphasis placed on domestic animals. The relationship between the body systems and the overall health of the animal will be investigated. Medical terminology and common surgical procedures will be stressed. The importance of anatomy and physiology in understanding animal behavior, animal disease, pharmacology, radiology and clinical pathology will be explored.
VCR100	Client Relations	In-person	Not offered	In-person
	The veterinary health care team is what makes the practice a success. A great team is made of different individuals with different strengths and weaknesses that develop respect and rapport for one another. Upon successful completion of VCR100, students will be able to define various positions within a veterinary practice, describe job duties associated with each position in the hospital and become familiar with the specific tasks associated within veterinary assisting.
VLP100	Laboratory Procedures and Techniques	Hybrid	Not offered	Hybrid
	Veterinary assistants are often involved in aiding the veterinary team with the collection and preparation of laboratory samples. For this reason, it is important that a thorough knowledge of procedures and instrumentation, as well as general knowledge about various tests performed, will be acquired and demonstrated. This course will provide the student with a comprehensive introduction to laboratory functionality, aseptic technique, and health and safety protocols. Students will also establish a frame-work for subsequent study of animal diseases and parasitology. The veterinary practice laboratory can also be a significant source of income for the practice. Rapid availability of test results improves patient care and client service. Most diagnostic tests can be performed in-house by well-educated veterinary staff.
VMP100	Math and Pharmacology	Hybrid	Not offered	Hybrid
	Veterinary assistants are often involved in aiding the veterinary team with the preparation of prescription medications. For this reason, it is important that a thorough knowledge of dispensing procedures and routes of administration, as well as a general knowledge about medication classifications will be acquired and demonstrated. This subject will provide the student with a comprehensive introduction to clinical pharmacy, dosage forms, simple drug calculations, and vaccination protocols.

Semester 2

Course Code	Course Name	Winter	Summer	Fall
VAC200	Animal and Clinic Care	Hybrid	Hybrid	Not offered
	The Clinical Care of Animals (CCA) course has been designed as an introduction to various situations typically encountered in the veterinary field. A large component of this course is focused on animal husbandry, which includes rotations of animal care and facility duties through small animals. The animals at the Animal Health Center (AHC) are an integral component of the Seneca College Veterinary Assistant Program. These animals provide the students with hands-on experience in areas such as animal handling and restraint, nursing skills, surgery and anesthesia and husbandry. It is the responsibility of the students to accurately report the health status and condition of the animals, and it is imperative that a high level of care and ethic be applied at all times. Through application of skill and critical thinking, confidence and knowledge will be fostered to prepare the student for employment. For this reason, the faculty and staff place the utmost importance on the diligent carrying out of your responsibilities towards animal care and general conscientious and humane treatment of all animals at the AHC. The Seneca College Policies and Procedures Manual, as well as the SOP binder will be referenced to throughout the semester with regards to responsibilities and expectations.
VCP200	Career Management and Field Placement	Flexible	Flexible	Not offered
	Clinical placement is a laboratory for students to apply their skills and knowledge acquired throughout the Seneca Polytechnic Veterinary Assistant Program. In addition to weekly classes, field placement will consist of an 80-hour placement at the conclusion of the semester in a veterinary hospital/clinic, research or grooming facility of their choice. To make this learning experience as positive as possible for all concerned, the student will become an integral part of the professional staff while on placement. It is ideal for the student to experience routines and skills common to that of a Veterinary Assistant. Though some skills may not yet be mastered, the student will apply their Seneca educational experience to the field placement. This placement is an extension of the classroom whereby the student, supervisors, and VTA faculty create a comprehensive clinical experience. NOTE In order to be eligible for the 80-hour field placement, students must be an active student in their second semester. If you are not successful in completing all second semester veterinary assistant courses, you will not be eligible to complete the placement experience and thus not be eligible to complete the course expectations.
VGH200	Animal Handling, Therapeutic and Grooming Skills	In-person	In-person	Not offered
	Designed to give the basics in small animal restraint, therapeutic procedures, bandaging techniques and an introduction to grooming skills. Correct and humane animal handling is a necessary skill for a competent veterinary assistant to learn and develop. A basic understanding of animal husbandry and behaviour provides the tools required to achieve these skills. This course will also introduce students to the practice, needs, and safety of grooming dogs and cats. Grooming centered labs will involve active participation in these areas. Veterinary Assistants work with animals that may be fearful, stressed, or sometimes in a painful state. effective care and handling will significantly contribute to a reduction in the adverse effects of these stimuli on the animals in your care. The grooming component will further aid in applying skills of small animal restraint and therapeutic procedures obtained in this course.
VIN200	Introduction to Animal Nutrition	Online	Online	Not offered
	Nutrition is an essential component of animal husbandry. This course will provide the students with an opportunity to learn about the basic nutritional requirements for dogs and cats, as well as a brief introduction to the nutritional requirements for agricultural animals. Veterinary Assistants work with a variety of animals that are presented in varying states of health, age and reproductive status. effective care and nutritional support significantly contributes to a higher quality of life for the animals in your care.
VLL200	Large and Laboratory Handling	In-person	In-person	Not offered
	The species covered in VLL200 will be encountered in a clinical setting as “pocket pets” and in the laboratory setting as laboratory animals. While the approach to their care differs somewhat with each of these settings, an understanding of their husbandry, reproduction, and diseases is essential for both. VLL200 will provide you with the information and practical experience needed to work with these animals and will provide ample opportunity to perfect practical skills including handling, restraint, therapeutics and administration of medication. In addition, VLL200 will cover a basic variety of animal husbandry skills required for working as a Veterinary Assistant with large animals, using on site live animals as demonstrations. Pending animal availability, this course may include a field trip to allow for live animal demonstration. More details will be provided throughout the term.
VSR200	Surgical Assisting and Radiology	Hybrid	Hybrid	Not offered
	This course is designed to provide Veterinary Assistant Students with the working knowledge to be able to safely assist veterinary professionals with procedures such as anaesthesia and radiology. Students will be provided with the skill set to be able to safely aid in the process of patient restraint during induction and recovery from anaesthesia, assisting with radiographic positioning, processing of film, medical documentation and record keeping. The focus species will be canine and feline, but other species encountered will also be discussed.
plus: General Education Course (1)

Program Learning Outcomes

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Archived Program & Course Information

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