Gain Real Experience at Our On-Site Licensed Veterinary Clinic
Veterinary Assistant Program
Start Date: September
Duration: 8 Months
Credential: Diploma
Start Date: September
Duration: 8 Months
Credential: Diploma
Program Overview
The Veterinary Assistant Diploma at Oulton College in Moncton, New Brunswick, is a 8-month hands-on program, that prepares you to support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in clinical, surgical, and administrative roles across veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and shelters.
Throughout your training, you’ll learn essential skills in animal handling and restraint, grooming, surgical prep, laboratory support, and client communication. You’ll practice in our fully equipped veterinary lab and gain real-world experience through clinical placements in Greater Moncton animal care facilities.
Whether you’re passionate about helping animals or seeking a fast-track into the veterinary field, this program gives you the foundational knowledge and practical skills to work as a veterinary assistant in New Brunswick and beyond. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment in entry-level positions or may choose to continue into advanced veterinary studies.
- Work alongside our veterinary technician students in our on-site licensed veterinary clinic and learn how to become an important part of the veterinary healthcare team.
- You will get extensive hands-on experience with all types of animals to build your confidence and expertise.
- You will receive individual attention from qualified instructors who are licensed veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians.
- Our Veterinary Assistant program provides you with the experience and knowledge to be successful in the rapidly growing field of Veterinary Medicine.
- The Oulton College Veterinary Assistant Program prepares you for a rewarding career as a Veterinary Assistant in less than 1 year, so you get out into the work force faster.
- Your classroom theory will guide your hands-on experience utilized in our on-site veterinary clinic – first with manikins before moving on to caring for live patients.
- Your education will be challenging and dynamic, providing knowledge in many areas of veterinary medicine.
- Our program provides wonderful opportunities for networking and exposure to guest speakers from all areas of the profession.
- The highest quality of education and a reputation of excellence has created relationships which result in high employment rates, year after year!
Veterinary Assistant Program:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Veterinary Medical Terminology
- Husbandry
- Office Procedures
- Surgical Assisting
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Admission Requirements
- Grade 12 Diploma, Adult Diploma or GED
- Meeting with an Admissions Advisor
International students whose first language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency, unless they have completed a minimum of three years of study at a school where English is the language of instruction. Please see the international application process here.
Career Opportunities
Veterinary Assistants are an important part of the animal healthcare team. We take pride in producing top veterinary assistants, equipped with comprehensive training and hands-on experience. Explore the diverse and rewarding career paths available to graduates of our Veterinary Assistant program. Here are just a few opportunities you can pursue:
- Private Veterinary Hospitals
- Corporate Veterinary Hospitals
- Veterinary Practice Management
- Zoos
- Wildlife Reserves
- Animal Shelters
- Animal Boarding Facilities
- Veterinary Practice Management
Course Descriptions
This course introduces veterinary assistant students to the overview of anatomy and physiology and common diseases in dogs and cats. Each body system will be discussed along with examples of common diseases and disorders for each body system.
This course provides veterinary assistant students with in-depth correct medical terminology for use in communicating with other veterinary professionals. Medical terms will be broken down into roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Terminology will be presented relating to body systems, common diagnostic procedures, and anatomical directions.
Students gain essential skills in office administration, communication, and professional tactics. The roles of various veterinary health care team members are defined. Students learn reception area management, working as part of a team, effective communication, and medical record management. The importance of veterinary ethics, consent, and confidentiality is emphasized. Discussion of HR practices, client communication and compliance, as well as inventory management is included. Additionally, students are trained in appointment scheduling and develop practical skills in accurately entering records in veterinary management software.
This course will include theory and practice to allow the veterinary assistant student to learn and practice safe handling, restraint and husbandry of cats and dogs. Student will identify canine and feline breeds and learn basic canine and feline behavior. Cleaning, sanitation, and isolation procedures of the veterinary facility will also be discussed.
Veterinary assistant students will continue to learn, through a combination of theory and labs, basic nursing procedures for dogs and cats. Data collection and record keeping for in-hospital and outpatients will be described. Preventative medicine and basic clinical nutrition will also be discussed.
Combination of theory and practice to introduce the student to basic lab techniques. Veterinary assistant students will also learn to assist the veterinarian or veterinary technician with the production of diagnostic quality radiographs, with an emphasis on radiation safety for staff and patients. Students will learn how to collect and process samples for diagnostic procedures and how to perform basic diagnostic tests.
In this course, veterinary assistant students will be introduced to the nomenclature of common veterinary products – their classifications, indications, side effects, and administration routes. Pharmacy skills include safe handling, record keeping, dispensing and disposal of drug products. Basic pharmacy calculations are discussed and practiced.
With a combination of lectures and labs, veterinary assistant students will learn aseptic techniques related to surgical procedures. Students will practice the identification, care and sterilization of surgical and dental instruments. Students will learn the skills needed to assist with aseptic preparation of the surgical patient and surgical team. Post-surgical cleanup and disposal of hazardous materials will be discussed.
Veterinary assistant students build on the Office Procedures I skills, by learning about managing accounts receivable, pet health insurance, the basics of bookkeeping, workplace safety, zoonotic diseases, and maintaining medical records. Emphasis is also placed on the human-animal bond, euthanasia procedures, interacting with a grieving client, stress and burnout management, and recognizing compassion fatigue.
Practical skills include invoicing, patient admissions and discharges, and responding to veterinary medical emergencies both over the phone and in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Veterinary Assistant do?
Veterinary Assistants play a vital role in animal health care. They support veterinarians and veterinary technicians with tasks such as animal handling, exam preparation, surgical setup, client communication, and maintaining clean, safe clinical environments.
How long is the Veterinary Assistant Program at Oulton College?
Our vet assistant course is 32 weeks long. It includes in-depth classroom learning, practical lab training, and clinical placements at animal care facilities throughout Moncton and surrounding areas.
What are the career opportunities for Veterinary Assistants in New Brunswick?
Graduates of our vet assistant program are ready for entry-level roles like veterinary assistant, surgical assistant, animal care attendant, or clinic receptionist. These opportunities exist in clinics, shelters, grooming centers, and animal hospitals across New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada. Our animal health care courses offer a fast, practical path into the field.
What are the admission requirements for this program?
Applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. A strong interest in animals, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced clinical environment are recommended. Meeting with an Admissions Advisor is recommended.
Where do students complete their clinical placements?
Students complete field placements in local veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and shelters throughout the Greater Moncton region. These placements provide real-world experience working directly with animals and clinic staff.
What kind of clinical experience will I get in the Vet Assistant program?
Students gain hands-on experience in animal handling, basic lab procedures, client communication, and clinic operations. A 4-week clinical placement allows students to apply their skills in a real veterinary setting, enhancing their readiness for employment.
What is the distinction between a Veterinary Assistant and a Veterinary Technician?
Veterinary Assistants focus on basic animal care and maintaining safe clinical environments. Veterinary Technicians, on the other hand, are trained to perform clinical procedures and assist veterinarians directly with medical tasks. Our vet assistant course is ideal for those looking to start a career in animal health care without the extended training required for vet techs.
Can international students apply to the Veterinary Assistant program?
Yes! International students are welcome to apply and must meet English language proficiency requirements. Our vet assistant programs are designed to support diverse learners in achieving success in the animal care industry.
Please Note: Content is subject to change by administration as required to meet program and profession standards.
