VETC Veterinary Technician
Creature comforts
If you like working with animals - all kinds of animals, you'll be thrilled with the hands-on experience at Georgian's new on-site Animal Health Centre. You'll appreciate the program's low student/teacher ratio of 10:1 and the opportunity to work with live animals using state-of-the-art clinical equipment. Excellent co-op placements will give you a competitive edge landing your first job in this popular field.
What's Special
The two full 14-week cooperative placements give you a chance to gain experiences while being paid for your time. Co-op placements are available across Ontario and give you the opportunity to gain extensive practical experience in a variety of settings. The program offers unique arrangements with SPCA and local large animal farms, giving you the satisfaction of helping real animals.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will find a range of occupations as a member of the Veterinary Health Care Team, including employment in veterinary hospitals, clinics, zoos, animal shelters, pharmaceutical sales, diagnostic labs, kennels, grooming facilities, racetracks, livestock health management or food animal inspections.
Do I learn about large animals?
Our research indicates that about 85% of technician employment focuses on small or mixed animal practice, and specialty practices. Employment opportunities for technicians in a dedicated large animal practice are limited, and the tasks carried out are typically the same as in mixed practice, with some adjustment for species or disease. In second year, students are introduced to "Alternatives to Companion Animals" as a course, and do explore aspects of non-companion animal care and nursing. We conduct field trips to a local agricultural education facility and breeder of farm animals and wildlife. Students attend limited courses there to handle and learn about large animals, which is an asset to our program. Students also participate in field trips to the Royal Winter Fair and other sites as appropriate.
Does the College have an animal clinic?
Our on-campus veterinary hospital simulates many aspects of a clinic, including reception, animal housing, exam, lab and treatment areas, surgery, and radiography. We have a special arrangement to work with healthy shelter or rescue animals throughout the program. We have housing for up to 11 dogs and 24 cats at any given time. Animals available at our campus location are shelter animals who reside with us on a short term basis. No animal experimentation is conducted at Georgian College. All guidelines of the Canadian Council on Animal Care are adhered to in the program, and ministry standards for animal use and housing are met. At all times students practice humane, ethical care for animals under their supervision and that of the on-staff veterinarians and RVTs. The College does not treat animals owned by the members of the public.
How can I find out more about being a veterinary technician?
Visit www.oavt.org
The OAVT is a very active association of Ontario technicians, and the website is very comprehensive. You will learn about the nature of the technician's job, continuing education opportunities, and job vacancies.
How can I get more information about Georgian's Program?
Contact the Program Coordinator at tcurran@georgianc.on.ca or by phone at (705) 325-2740, ext. 3086 if your inquiry is about program specifics. If your inquiry is about the application process, contact the Admissions Office at (705) 728-1968 ext. 1698. For general information, visit our website at www.georgianc.on.ca. Follow the program links to Veterinary Technician.
How do students acquire real work experience?
The program has two co-op semesters built in during the summer semesters. Our research indicates that employers typically hire additional staff in the busy summer period, and that they are willing to consider Georgian College Veterinary Technician students for co-ops. Students will have specific skill competencies to practice on their co-ops, reflective of their level of in-school training and education. Host employers will observe and validate competencies as part of their commitment to our students.
How many students will there be?
Enrolment is limited to 60 students.
Is the Veterinary Technician program at Georgian accredited?
Yes. Georgian College is accredited by the CVMA, OAVT, CVO, OMAF and CCAC.
RVT status is a desirable professional credential and Georgian College supports pursuit of the designation. Our students are typically eligible to write the VTNE in January, but many students are able to fast-track their grad requirements and qualify to write in June.
When does Georgian's Veterinary Technician Program start?
Intake is for the Fall Term only. We do not anticipate part time offerings of this program.
Will I be paid for co-op?
We encourage employers to pay Vet Tech students on co-op at a salary commensurate with their experience as entry-level employees. This is negotiated between the employer, the student and the co-op consultant. Training supports and grants are often available to supplement wages. Our research indicates that the majority of practices surveyed are supportive of hiring Georgian students.