Veterinary Technician Program in Moncton New Brunswick
Duration: 2 Years
Credential: Diploma
Start Date: February & September
Location: Flanders Court Campus
Start Date: February & September
Duration: 2 Years
Credential: Diploma
Location: Flanders Court Campus
Why Choose Oulton College’s Veterinary Technician Program?
Oulton College offers a two-year Veterinary Technician diploma program in Moncton, New Brunswick. The program combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice and clinical training to prepare students for the responsibilities of working in veterinary medicine.
Oulton is home to New Brunswick’s only Veterinary Technician program currently holding full accreditation from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). Graduates are eligible to write the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), an important step toward applying for registration as a Registered Veterinary Technician.
As a Veterinary Technician student at Oulton, you will:
- Train in an on-site licensed veterinary clinic
- Learn from licensed veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technicians
- Develop clinical, laboratory, surgical and client-service skills
- Study the care of small, large and exotic animals
- Participate in learning activities at animal-care facilities, farms and shelters
- Complete a six-week practicum in a professional veterinary setting
Hands-On Veterinary Technician Training in Moncton
Veterinary technician training requires more than classroom instruction. Throughout the program, you will apply what you learn through laboratory exercises, clinical simulations and supervised patient-care activities.
Train in Oulton’s On-Site Veterinary Clinic
Oulton’s licensed veterinary clinic provides a professional environment where students can become familiar with veterinary equipment, clinical protocols and the responsibilities of a veterinary healthcare team.
You will practise skills such as animal handling, patient preparation, diagnostic sample collection, infection control, medical recordkeeping and equipment care.
During advanced clinical exercises, students participate in mock and supervised surgical procedures. Depending on the activity, students may take on responsibilities such as preparing the patient and surgical area, monitoring anesthesia, assisting the veterinary team and supporting post-operative recovery.
Work with Small, Large and Exotic Animals
The curriculum covers the care of companion animals, large animals and exotic species. Coursework and scheduled learning activities help students understand how handling, nutrition, nursing care and clinical procedures vary between species.
Students may also participate in field trips to farms, animal shelters and other animal-care settings. Activities at the PAW facility reinforce practical skills such as animal husbandry, safe restraint, medication support and wound care.
Complete a Six-Week Veterinary Practicum
The program concludes with a six-week practicum in a veterinary clinic. This placement allows you to apply your training in a professional environment, experience the pace of daily clinical practice and work alongside members of a veterinary team.
The practicum also provides an opportunity to build professional relationships and prepare for the transition from college to employment.
Why Should You Come Here?
- You will receive individual attention from qualified instructors who are licensed veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians.
- Our challenging and rewarding program is accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and the Canadian Council for Animal Care.
- Oulton’s veterinary technician students work alongside instructors, in our on-site licensed veterinary clinic and learn how to become an important part of the veterinary healthcare team.
- You will share your time between the classroom, laboratory, our on-site Veterinary Clinic, and numerous field trips to farms and animal shelters to practice your skills. The program concludes with a practicum placement in the veterinary industry.
- You will get lots of hands-on experience with all types of animals to build your confidence and expertise.
- The highest quality of education has created relationships and a reputation of excellence – this results in our high employment rates year after year!
What You’ll Learn as a Veterinary Technician
Oulton College’s Veterinary Technician program combines animal health science with the clinical, technical and communication skills needed to support veterinarians and care for animal patients.
Throughout the program, you’ll learn to:
- Provide animal nursing and patient care: Practise safe animal handling, record patient observations and provide routine nursing care under veterinary direction.
- Support anesthesia and surgery: Prepare patients and equipment, maintain sterile technique, monitor patients during anesthesia and assist with post-operative recovery.
- Perform veterinary laboratory procedures: Collect and process samples while developing skills in microscopy, hematology, urinalysis, cytology and microbiology.
- Assist with diagnostic imaging and dentistry: Learn appropriate patient positioning, radiation-safety procedures, dental charting and the fundamentals of veterinary dental care.
- Apply pharmacology and veterinary calculations: Calculate dosages accurately and learn the safe preparation, handling and administration of medications under veterinary direction.
- Respond to emergencies: Recognize changes in a patient’s condition, prepare emergency equipment and support stabilization and critical-care procedures.
- Understand animal behaviour and nutrition: Recognize behavioural signals and learn how nutritional needs vary by species, age, health and life stage.
- Communicate with clients and veterinary teams: Develop skills in medical records, client service, teamwork, inventory and the day-to-day operation of a veterinary practic0e.
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Veterinary Technician Admission Requirements
- Grade 12 Diploma, Adult Diploma or GED.
- Grade 11 or 12 Biology* with a minimum average of 65%.
- Grade 11 or 12 English* with a minimum average of 65%.
- Grade 11 or 12 Math* with a minimum average of 65%.
- Meeting with an Admissions Advisor.
*Courses marked with an asterisk (*) must be completed at the academic level.
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.
Veterinary Technician Careers in New Brunswick
Veterinary Technicians are trained animal-health professionals who work under the direction of veterinarians. They combine patient care with laboratory, diagnostic, surgical, administrative and client-service responsibilities.
What Does a Veterinary Technician Do?
Depending on the workplace and level of registration, a Veterinary Technician may:
- Provide nursing care and monitor patients
- Safely handle and restrain animals
- Collect and process diagnostic samples
- Assist with anesthesia and surgical procedures
- Produce diagnostic images according to clinic protocols
- Support dental procedures and oral-health care
- Administer medications under veterinary direction
- Maintain patient records and clinical equipment
- Educate clients about veterinarian-approved care plans
- Support emergency and critical-care procedures
Where Can Veterinary Technician Graduates Work?
Graduates may pursue opportunities in settings such as:
- Private veterinary clinics and hospitals
- Corporate veterinary hospitals
- Specialty and emergency practices
- Animal shelters and rescue organizations
- Animal boarding facilities
- Veterinary diagnostic laboratories
- Zoos and wildlife organizations
- Food-safety inspection
- Veterinary supply and pharmaceutical sales
- Veterinary practice management
Veterinary Technician Course Descriptions
This course provides a comparative review of the gross and microscopic anatomy as well as basic physiology of selected species. Topics will include organs, organ systems, and organ system functions within the animal body. Upon completion of this course students should be able to identify palpable and individual skeletal components, the major muscles/muscle groups, arteries and veins and the anatomy of the heart. Students will also learn the fundamentals of medical terminology.
The veterinary technician student will have knowledge of the principles of microscopy and parasitology. The student will also learn and be able to identify the various internal and external parasites encountered in veterinary medicine. Includes 3.5 hours every week of practical laboratory exercises.
This course will deal with client relations, scheduling appointments, telephone techniques, client education, completing medical records and effective interpersonal communication skills. There will be a strong focus on veterinary medical terminology. The student will also receive an introduction to Veterinary Practice Management Software. There will be discussion on euthanasia, grief, and the human-animal bond. Upon completion of this course, students will be effective veterinary receptionists and demonstrate excellent customer service techniques.
Veterinary technician students will learn how to problem solve, to understand drug labels and calculate drug dosages, to calculate IV fluid rates, and become familiar with various units of measure and conversion between units.
Basic animal behaviors such as how sick and healthy animals communicate as well as inappropriate behaviors are covered in this course. Housetraining and interacting with animals in a clinic situation will be emphasized. Learn to understand normal behavior of domestic animals and recognize signs of pain, aggression, or fear as encountered in veterinary practices and interacting with these animals appropriately.
After learning the basic principles of nutrition, veterinary technician students will then be shown how to apply this knowledge when reading labels or advising clients on what diets are available for different life stages and disease processes. Topics discussed will include nutritional goals, nutrients vs. ingredients, pet food production, forage recognition, equine diets, special diets, and client counselling.
This course includes field trips to the local PAW facility (formerly known as the SPCA) to help facilitate the practical skills acquired within the animal nursing courses. While here the student gains hands-on experience with basic husbandry, restraint, medication administration, as well as wound care.
This course will provide the veterinary technician student with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to develop various small animal nursing skills. The student will learn how to restrain and safely examine animals as well as administer medications, collect diagnostic samples for interpretation, and perform minor procedures including pedicure, ear cleanings, and intravenous catheterizations.
This course is a continuation of the material the veterinary technician student learned in Anatomy and Physiology I. The student will continue to learn of gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy and physiology of selected species.
The veterinary technician student will learn the basic components of blood. Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to complete routine hematology testing. The student will be able to recognize normal versus abnormal test results and be able to identify when further testing is required. Includes 3.5 hours every week of practical laboratory exercises
In this course the student will learn how to prepare instruments as well as surgical gowns and drapes for the surgical suite. They will also learn how to prep a patient for surgery as well as assist the doctor and provide anesthesia and anesthesia monitoring. Students will develop skills in the function and the use of anesthetic equipment, care, induction, and maintenance of anesthetic patients, and troubleshooting.
This course serves as an introduction to surgical instrumentation, preparation of surgical packs and sterilization techniques. Veterinary technician students will learn pre-anesthetic and pre-surgical patient preparation, sterile techniques including standard operating room conduct, opening surgical packs, as well as aseptically gowning and gloving. This is a hands-on practical course to coincide with Surgical Nursing.
These courses are a continuation of the material learned in Small Animal Nursing I. The student will learn the skills necessary to provide quality nursing care to small animals as well as preventative medicine. Material covered will include fluid therapy as well as how to administer it, wound classification, wound care and management, proper bandaging techniques as well as the basics in alternative medicine. This course has a practical component where skills are learned and assessed in combination with other courses’ practical skills and assessments
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to describe routine hematology, chemistry and serology testing. The student will be able to recognize normal versus abnormal test results and be able to identify when further testing is required. The student will also be familiar with the various automated analyzers used in veterinary medicine to evaluate hematology and clinical chemistries. The care and use of various laboratory instruments will also be covered. Includes 3.5 hours every week of practical laboratory exercises.
Detailed dental anatomy, charting of the mouth, understanding the cause and importance of periodontal disease, as well as treatment options and home care are all discussed. Also, during the clinical exercise (VT 421 and 521), students will perform real dental cleanings on models and anesthetized animals.
Introduces veterinary technician students to the terminology, routes of administration, how drugs work and travel through the body.
Veterinary technician students will be introduced to the common surgical procedures performed in the veterinary hospital. Reasons for the procedures as well as the technician’s role before, during and after each procedure will be explained.
Veterinary technician students participate in mock surgeries acting as Anesthetist, Prep nurse, and Surgical assistant. These are surgeries being done on site in our NBVMA accredited clinic using models, thus allowing first year students to become accustomed to our clinic before entering their second year.
This course will educate veterinary technician students about the various emergencies that may be encountered in clinics and the technician’s role in these situations. Anesthetic emergencies, toxicological emergencies and cardiac arrest are just some of the emergencies that will be covered. We will also cover dealing with the critically ill patient, anesthesia, medications and nutrition.
The veterinary technician student will learn the principles and procedures behind basic cytology and urinalysis. This includes how to perform tests, why the tests are being run, what information can be gained from the tests and how to collect, prepare and preserve samples. Includes 3.5 hours every week of practical laboratory exercises.
This course will follow a system-by-system approach through the body, discussing common systemic diseases of small animals, horses, and ruminants. Each section will include a discussion of the disease, pathophysiology, diagnostic tests available, and treatment options. Special emphasis will be placed on the technician’s role in treatment and client education.
The veterinary technician student will learn about the principles of animal research and the regulatory bodies that govern research. The student will learn receiving, testing and quarantine procedures. As well, the student will learn how to perform physical examinations, basic care procedures, administer medications, and collect samples for testing on species such as rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, mice, rats, gerbils, hamsters, avian species, non- human primates, reptiles and wildlife.
In this course veterinary technician students will be able to demonstrate radiology safety measures, proper care and maintenance of radiographic equipment, patient positioning, and processing of radiographs. Students will be taught how to recognize common technical errors on processed radiographs and how to correct them. The student will gain experience and develop skills with both stationary small animal and mobile large animal x-ray equipment.
This course will examine common medications used in veterinary medicine, prescription dispensing, handling, storing and documentation of controlled substances, routes and methods of drug administration. Veterinary technician students will develop a working knowledge of veterinary medications, terminology, proper handling, administration and possible side effects of drugs and prescription dispensing protocol.
Through a combination of lectures and field trips, veterinary technician students will learn how to safely handle and work around cattle, horses and sheep. As well, methods for blood collection, parenteral injections and administering oral medications will be taught.
In this course, veterinary technician students will learn the basics of Mycology, Microbiology and Virology, as well as how to collect, store and culture various micro-organisms.
Veterinary technician students participate in real surgeries in our onsite veterinary clinic, allowing students to practice all their clinical skills before entering their practicum. This includes roles as an anesthetist, surgical assistant, and prep nurse.
The 6-week on the job training opportunity helps our students gain valuable hands-on experience directly in the field of education. To graduate from the Veterinary Technician Program, you must complete this practicum session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Veterinary Technician Do?
A Veterinary Technician is a trained animal-health professional who works under the direction of a veterinarian. Veterinary Technicians provide nursing care, collect diagnostic samples, support surgical and dental procedures, monitor anesthesia, maintain medical records and communicate with clients.
How long is Oulton College’s Veterinary Technician program?
The Veterinary Technician program is a full-time, two-year diploma. It combines classroom instruction, laboratory training, clinical experience and a required six-week practicum. The Veterinary Technician program is a full-time, two-year diploma. It combines classroom instruction, laboratory training, clinical experience and a required six-week practicum.
Where is the Veterinary Technician program offered?
The program is offered at Oulton College’s Flanders Court Campus in Moncton, New Brunswick.
When does the Veterinary Technician program start? When does the Veterinary Technician program start?
The program currently offers February and September start dates. Applicants should confirm the availability of their preferred intake with an Admissions Advisor.
Is Oulton College’s Veterinary Technician program accredited?
Yes. Oulton College’s Veterinary Technician program currently holds Full Accreditation from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and is the only CVMA-accredited Veterinary Technician program in New Brunswick.
Can graduates write the VTNE?
Yes. Graduates of the accredited program are eligible to write the Veterinary Technician National Examination. Passing the VTNE is an important step toward applying for registration as a Registered Veterinary Technician.
What clinical experience will I receive?
Students train through laboratory exercises, clinical simulations, activities in Oulton’s on-site licensed veterinary clinic and scheduled learning experiences at animal-care facilities. The program also includes a required six-week practicum in a professional veterinary setting.
What are the admission requirements? What are the admission requirements?
Applicants need a Grade 12 Diploma, Adult Diploma or GED, along with academic-level Grade 11 or 12 Biology, English and Math with a minimum average of 65% in each required subject. Applicants must also meet with an Admissions Advisor.
Can international students apply?
Yes. International students may apply but must meet Oulton College’s academic, documentation and English-language proficiency requirements. Applicants should review the current international application process before submitting an application.
What is the difference between a Veterinary Technician and a Veterinary Assistant?
Veterinary Technicians complete more extensive training in areas such as nursing, anesthesia, laboratory diagnostics, radiology and surgical support. Graduates of an accredited Veterinary Technician program may pursue the VTNE and RVT registration.
Veterinary Assistants support animals, clients and veterinary teams through responsibilities such as animal care, cleaning, preparation and administrative support. Their education and permitted responsibilities differ from those of Veterinary Technicians.
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Please Note: Content is subject to change by administration as required to meet program and profession standards.
