DiplomaRecommended

Diploma of Veterinary Assistant

Northern College

Temiskaming Shores, Canada
1 year
English
On campus
Diploma

About the program

A one-year certificate preparing students to assist veterinarians and technicians at the Haileybury Campus.

Program highlights

Internship available: yes
Placement support: yes
Work during study: yes
Post-study work rights (1 year): yes
PR pathway friendly: yes

What you will learn

Develop subject knowledge in Veterinary Assistant and apply relevant care or professional frameworks
Communicate effectively
And evaluate evidence-based practice.

Career outcomes

Veterinary practices
Federal and provincial institutions
Universities
Humane societies
Pet food outlets
Veterinary companies
Grooming facilities
Kennels

Curriculum

Two semesters: animal structure and function
Clinical procedures
Surgery support
Animal behaviour
Large animal studies
Shelter medicine
Laboratory skills
Feeds and feeding
Basic animal procedures
Veterinary hospital management
Kennel duty and an 80-hour field placement in a veterinary clinic.

Entry requirements

Academic

Senior high school diploma or certificate
Grade 11 biology
English proficiency. A co-op work permit is required for the unpaid placement.

Accepted academic background

Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent senior high school diploma, With the programme's required subjects (Grade 12 English and, For many programmes, Math or sciences).

Language tests

IELTS 6.0
TOEFL iBT 79
PTE Academic 58
Duolingo 105

Documents you’ll need

Academic Transcripts
English Language Test Results.

How to apply

Check the entry requirements and the intake (apply at least 8 months before start
Apply until classes begin) through the designated application portal. Apply online through OCAS International and pay the 100 CAD application fee. Upload your senior high school diploma or certificate
Transcripts and English test results. Receive the offer (Fall offers from 1 February) and confirm your seat by 1 May. Use the Letter of Acceptance to apply for the Canadian study permit.

Other costs

Tuition per year	$15,716 CAD
Application fee	$100 CAD
Deposit	$1,000 CAD

Program details

Campus	Haileybury Campus
Faculty or school	Veterinary Sciences
Department	School of Veterinary Sciences
Teaching language	English
Credit value	30
Study pace	Fixed
Post-study stay	1 year
Scholarship note	Northern College publishes international scholarships including entrance and student-excellence awards, Eligibility and available intake cycles vary, And a Fall 2026 entrance award must not be assumed for Fall 2027.

Frequently asked questions

The program takes 1 year.