Veterinary Technician

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Applying as a Canadian applicant

Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

Applying as an International applicant

International students should apply online.
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Admissions - May 2026

Admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older with mature student status (See Mature Student definition for details.)
  • Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1251), or equivalent with a minimum 65%
  • Grade 11 or 12 Biology, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Biology (SCIE1010) or (SCIE1011) with a minimum 65%
  • Grade 11 or 12 Math, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Mathematics (MATH1420) with a minimum 65%
  • Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College preparatory Chemistry (SCIE1030) with a minimum 65%
  • or completion of the Veterinary Assistant program with a minimum average of 75% minimum (3.0 GPA). Students who do not meet Chemistry and/Math admission requirements can start in level 2 in the bridging design and have to take an additional Math and Chemistry course)
  • For more information on preparatory programs, visit Academic Upgrading

Note re: admission requirements

  • Admission requirements for this program may be met by completing Conestoga's Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas with a 70%.
  • One of the following language proficiency tests:
    • IELTS overall band of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT 91
    • MELAB 81
    • CanTEST speaking – 4.5, Writing – 4.0, Reading – 4.5, Listening – 4.5
  • Note re: admission requirements; All international applicants, regardless of language of instruction, are required to demonstrate English language proficiency with a completed IELTS, TOEFL or PTE test.
  • Successful completion of an undergraduate university degree in Canada where the language of instruction was English.
  • Successful completion of the four final years of high school in Canada to become eligible to apply for university or college.
  • Admission requirements may be met by completing Conestoga's Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas OR Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees programs.

Canadian admissions contact

Admission procedures

  • An academic strength is calculated by averaging the submitted marks of required subjects. If more than one mark is received for a required subject, the highest mark will be used in the calculation.
  • Ten (10) additional marks are added to each Advanced level, OAC, U, U/C, and post-secondary course used in the calculation of academic strength.
  • A sound English background is important for success in this program and is considered during the admission selection process. Minimum cut-offs apply.

Program requirements

  • Proof of pre-exposure rabies and tetanus vaccination prior to start of the program. Students are required to obtain vaccinations at their own expense (approximately $800).
  • An annual Police Criminal Records Check (PCRC) in Canada, prior to start of the program, obtained at your own expense (approximately $40). An unclear criminal record may result in the inability to participate in work-integrated (WIL) learning experiences which will jeopardize progress in the program. Acceptance is at the discretion of the agency.
  • To succeed in the program, you must be capable of participating in physical activity, have good manual dexterity and strong fine motor skills, stand for long periods of time and be able to lift 25 kg.
  • To succeed in the field placement course, have flexible schedules and can perform shift work including early mornings, evenings, weekend and holidays.
    • Are comfortable working within a variety of clinical settings, managing large and small patients and handling biological materials.
    • Previous experience working with animals is recommended.
  • Students will be required to purchase a pet grooming kit. Details about this requirement will be communicated upon confirmation of enrolment.

Credit transfer

You might be eligible to enter a program at an advanced level, or be exempt from a course, if you have formal post-secondary education. Learn more about credit transfer opportunities.

Pathways

Some Conestoga programs have pathways for current students, including certificate-to-diploma, diploma-to-diploma and diploma-to-degree opportunities. Learn more about pathways at Conestoga.

Articulation agreements

Conestoga partners with other post-secondary institutions, allowing students the opportunity to study elsewhere, usually in pursuit or an academic credential. Learn more about articulation agreements.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Through PLAR, Conestoga may credit prior learning or skills acquired through employment, formal and informal education, or life experiences. Learn more about PLAR at Conestoga.

Disclaimer

The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College. Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.