CONESTOGA COLLEGE
New Veterinary Technician program aims to address need in animal care

Animal care programs including the new two-year Veterinary Technician diploma are launching at Conestoga in fall 2025 in a completely renovated space at the Kitchener - Doon campus equipped with realistic animal models to practise skills essential for veterinary care.

Also launching this fall alongside the Veterinary Technician program are the one-year Pet Grooming and Veterinary Assistant programs.

A unique aspect of the program is the humane approach to veterinary technology education using simulation, advanced models and true-to-life scenarios to focus on skills development. This innovative approach enables students to learn, practise, master skills and apply their knowledge before working with live animals during their clinical placements.

"Conestoga has been a leader in developing simulation and scenario-based learning, particularly in its health programs. Our Veterinary Technician program will utilize these same techniques to teach animal-based scenarios using realistic veterinary models," said Andrea Steele, chair of Animal Care.

The realistic animal models, including a full-size horse with foal inside, will allow students to practise such procedures as checking pulse, drawing blood and placing catheters. Students will also be able to learn from state-of-the-art digital cadavers similar to those in Conestoga's School of Health & Life Sciences, displaying life-size digitized versions of animal bodies that provide an accurate representation and simulation of anatomy, physiology and pathology.

The renovated space in the former electrical trades building will include clinical skills rooms that can be reconfigured to suit the classroom lessons, diagnostic lab, two X-ray suites, a bathing area for pet grooming, and a bright, spacious student lounge.

The construction project costing $20.2 million and started in May 2024 includes a new mechanical room with electrified air-source heat pumps, replacing the previous natural gas heating and cooling system for more sustainable operation.

"It's quite a transformation from what it was," said Greg Poste, director, Architecture.

The building's design was created in consultation with experts in the field, and the program advisory committee includes grooming businesses, animal hospitals, the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians and Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) at the University of Guelph.

Students benefit from three work placements throughout the program and, once the program is accredited after its launch, can take the Veterinary Technician National Examination required to join the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians to become a Registered Veterinary Technician.

The association reports there is a shortage of Registered Veterinary Technicians in Ontario and across North America, and employers often share that they have difficulty filling open positions. The employment outlook will be good for veterinary technicians in Ontario for the 2024-2026 period, according to Job Bank, Canada's national employment service.

Conestoga's Veterinary Technician two-year program is designed for those passionate about animal care and dedicated to becoming Registered Veterinary Technicians. This challenging program equips students with the knowledge and skills for a rewarding career as a valued team member working alongside veterinarians, public health officers, research scientists and other veterinary industry partners.

The program is delivered through the School of Community Services.

The curriculum covers various subjects, including nutrition, clinical pathology, microbiology, diagnostic imaging, anatomy, physiology and genetics. These studies will provide a comprehensive understanding of critical large and small animal behaviours, veterinary nursing, and the care of many species.