Diploma in Technology Veterinary Technology
The Veterinary Technology (VT) Program prepares graduates with the skills and knowledge required to enter veterinary practice as technical assistants to veterinarians. Veterinary technicians have also made successful careers in a variety of other fields, including the management of animal shelters; research with animals in universities and for private companies; sales for veterinary supply companies; and employment with zoos and in wildlife rehabilitation.
The Veterinary Technology Program is a two-year program with four standard semesters and an intersession after the first year. In addition to on-campus learning there are off-campus externships at the Atlantic Veterinary College and in general veterinary practices. To reflect the major employment opportunities in Atlantic Canada, the program is oriented mainly towards companion animals. The modest large-animal content is appropriate for graduates entering mixed practice and for those who wish to further develop their livestock or equine competence. Under the supervision of veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the VT program’s Boulden Animal Clinic, students learn the skills and tasks required of them in companion animal practice.
Note: Students who are admitted to the program must provide proof of vaccination against rabies and tetanus to Dalhousie University prior to the start of their program. Students will not be permitted to begin the Veterinary Technology Program without these vaccinations.
The successful completion of all first year veterinary technology courses is required prior to entrance into the intersession (summer session - VTEC 0131.02: Internship in Veterinary Technology, VTEC 0224.02: Fundamentals in Veterinary Technology IV and VTEC 0133.02: Externship in General Veterinary Practice).
Successful completion of VTEC 0131.02 is required prior to entrance into VTEC 0133.02.
The successful completion of all first year veterinary technology program courses in addition to the summer intersession courses (VTEC 0131.02, VTEC 0133.02) is required prior to entrance into the second year courses in veterinary technology.
The Veterinary Technology Program is accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. The animal facilities are approved for teaching by the Canadian Council on Animal Care. The Animal Clinic is accredited by the Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association.
Required Courses
Year I Semester I
EGLA 0101.02: Writing for Business
VTEC 0111.02: Animal Medicine and Nursing I
VTEC 0112.02: Clinical Exercises I
VTEC 0113.02: Veterinary Clinical Pathology I
VTEC 0114.02: Fundamentals in Veterinary Technology I
VTEC 0115.02: Anatomy-Physiology-Pathophysiology I
Year I Semester II
ANSC 2003.03: Companion Animal Behaviour
VTEC 0121.02: Animal Medicine and Nursing II
VTEC 0122.02: Clinical Exercises II
VTEC 0123.02: Veterinary Clinical Pathology II
VTEC 0124.02: Fundamentals in Veterinary Technology II
VTEC 0125.02: Anatomy-Physiology-Pathophysiology II
Year I Semester III
VTEC 0131.02: Internship in Veterinary Technology
VTEC 0133.02: Externship in General Veterinary Practice
VTEC 0224.02: Fundamentals in Veterinary Technology IV
Year II Semester IV
VTEC 0211.02: Animal Medicine and Nursing III
VTEC 0212.02: Clinical Exercises III
VTEC 0213.02: Veterinary Clinical Pathology III
VTEC 0214.02: Fundamentals in Veterinary Technology III
VTEC 0215.02: Livestock and Equine Principles
Elective*
Year II Semester V
VTEC 0132.02: Externship at the Atlantic Veterinary College
VTEC 0221.02: Animal Medicine and Nursing IV
VTEC 0222.02: Clinical Exercises IV
VTEC 0223.02: Veterinary Clinical Pathology IV
VTEC 0225.02: Lab Animal & Alternative Pet Medicine
Elective*
* Electives are selected by approval of the Program Coordinator, from the Registry of Approved Continuing Education of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards.
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