Veterinary Technician Assistant Diploma

The Veterinary Technician Assistant (VTA) Diploma Program at Granville College prepares students for front-line roles in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and a variety of animal-care settings. Students develop foundational knowledge in animal health, surgical assisting, laboratory procedures, veterinary software, client communication, and hands-on animal handling.

The program includes expanded training in:

• Fear Free® Veterinary Professional Certification
• Veterinary CPR (RECOVER BLS + ALS)
• Aseptic technique and sterilization
• Alternative and complementary therapies
• Wildlife care and rehabilitation
• Large and production animal husbandry

Upon successful completion of all academic components and the 120-hour practicum, students are awarded the Veterinary Technician Assistant Diploma.

Note: This program is not eligible for the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).

General Admission Requirements:

• High School graduation or equivalent
  OR

Mature Admission Requirements

• 19 years of age before starting class; and
• Entrance Evaluation (English and Math – A score of 60% on each component must be achieved for entry into the program).

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Students whose first language is not English, in addition to the admission requirements listed above, must also meet one or more of the following language proficiency requirements:

• Completion of grades 9-11, including English 11 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher from a country where English is one of the principal languages, OR
• Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction. See Appendix A for the list of approved countries. OR
• Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: overall score of 5.5 or higher.
  • Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test: overall score of 40 or higher
  • Duolingo English Test (DET): overall score of 95 or higher
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT: Minimum overall score of 46
  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Minimum overall score: Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5.
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Minimum overall score of 43
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE): Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
  • Cambridge Linguaskill: Minimum overall B2 level
  • LANGUAGECERT Academic: Minimum overall B2 level
  • The Michigan English Test (MET): Minimum overall B2 level
  • iTEP Academic: Minimum overall score of 3.5
  • EIKEN: Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1

APPENDIX A

THE LIST OF APPROVED COUNTRIES

Graduates of this diploma program will be able to:

Veterinary Assistant Fundamentals (VAF):

• Understand veterinary terminology, anatomy, and physiology
• Identify companion animals and understand species-specific behaviours
• Perform drug dosage and calculation functions
• Demonstrate animal handling and restraint
• Apply Fear Free® principles to minimize fear, anxiety, and stress
• Communicate safety and comfort strategies to clients

Small Animal Health Management (SAH)

• Understand nutrition, vaccination, and preventive healthcare
• Identify and manage small-animal diseases and conditions
• Understand exotic species handling
• Apply alternative therapies including acupuncture, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage, and herbal modalities
• Perform basic wildlife handling, stabilization, and care

Surgical Procedures Awareness (SPA)

• Understand surgical admission and discharge protocols
• Assist with patient preparation, surgical setup, and postoperative care
• Prioritize radiology, dentistry, and surgical cases
• Identify surgical instruments and maintain aseptic technique
• Perform sterilization and pack assembly
• Apply RECOVER CPR protocols and perform BLS/ALS procedures
• Function effectively during veterinary emergencies

Communications & Career Planning (COMM)

• Communicate effectively with clients and veterinary team members
• Demonstrate professionalism and workplace ethics
• Prepare résumés, cover letters, and interview presentations
• Use veterinary software systems, including EzyVet, Animal Intelligence, and Cornerstone
• Perform data entry, invoicing, scheduling, and medical record management

Veterinary Office Procedures (VOP)

• Perform reception and administrative procedures
• Understand euthanasia protocols and grief-support communication
• Manage invoicing, insurance forms, and medical-file workflows

Large & Production Animals (NEW MODULE)

• Understand physiology, nutrition, and behaviour of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and horses
• Identify common diseases in large and production animals
• Understand safe handling, restraint, and welfare considerations
• Identify production-industry practices and regulatory frameworks

Practicum

• Apply clinical knowledge in a real veterinary environment
• Demonstrate teamwork, communication, and professionalism
• Perform hands-on assistant duties under supervision

Method(s) of Evaluation

Each course within the program will evaluate students as follows:

• Quizzes
• Assignments
• Projects
• Practical and written exams (both mid-term and final)

Completion Requirements

• Achieve 70% or higher in every course
• Successfully complete:
  • Fear Free® Certification
  • RECOVER BLS + ALS Certification
• Complete all practical assessments
• Successfully complete the 120-hour practicum
• Submit all required practicum documentation
• Pay all tuition and fees in full

Program Duration

• 880 Hours (760 Instructional + 120 Practicum)
• 48 Weeks (Full-time)

Homework Hours

4-6 hours per course

Delivery Method(s)

• In-class instruction
• Combined delivery (both in-class and distance)

Synchronous, meaning students attend classes virtually in ‘real time ‘with instructors
and classmates.

Disclaimer

Completion of a program at Granville College does not guarantee employment, a work permit, or immigration status in Canada. Immigration decisions are made solely by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Apply Online

Take the Next Step Toward a Rewarding Career

Ready to get started? Complete the form below and a Granville College Admissions Advisor will contact you to discuss your career goals, program outlines and schedules, costs and any other questions you may have.

Congratulations on taking the next step to a fulfilling professional career!