Saskatchewan Polytechnic

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Veterinary Technology

Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Faculty:School of Animal and Biosciences: Saskatoon Campus
Degree:Diploma; University Transfer
Field of Study:Veterinary/Animal Health tech./Technician and Veterinary Assistant
Length:80 Week(s)
Cost per year:*
National: $10,150
International: $21,503

Cost shown is for Year 1 of the program.

Careers:Veterinary Assistants and Animal Health Technologists

Description:

It’s more than a love of animals that inspires people to become veterinary technologists – it’s also a keen interest in science and medicine. If you’re self-motivated and want to be part of a team working to make animals’ lives better, veterinary technology could be a great career fit. Veterinary technologists support veterinarians in vet clinics; work in livestock operations, animal shelters, zoos, diagnostic labs, the government in regulatory roles, such as food inspection and in the veterinary sales industry.

Sask Polytech's two-year Veterinary Technology diploma program is offered at the Saskatoon campus. Get hands-on training in animal nursing, animal care and management, as well as clinical laboratory procedures. You’ll build the knowledge and skills you need to: assist veterinarians in providing nursing care to patients; provide nursing assistance to veterinarians during surgery and anesthesia; perform diagnostic procedures including lab tests and imaging; perform animal care and husbandry in clinic, livestock and research settings; and assist in client education.

Prerequisites:

Grade for Entrance Previous Year (%)*70
These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.
  •  Grade12 Biology 
  •  Grade12 Chemistry 
  •  Grade12 Mathematics  or  Grade12 Precalculus 
  • 2 of  Grade12 English 
Applicants are required to have: Grade 12 with a minimum of 70% in each of the following subjects: Biology 30, Chemistry 30, and Foundations of Math 30 or Pre-Calculus 30; and a combined average of 70% in English Language Arts A30 and English Language Arts B30. A minimum of 70% in a 30 level math is also accepted.
Test Scores:
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet Based) [min. 81] or International English Language Testing System (academic or immigration) [min. 6.5] or Canadian Academic English Language Assessment [min. 60] or Test of English as a Foreign Language (Paper Based) [min. 550] or CanTEST [min. 4.5]
Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Work Experience
Applicants are required to have 60 hours documented veterinarian-supervised volunteer or work experience, and completion of mandatory orientation. Accepted applicants are also required to provide evidence of 2015 WHMIS Globally Harmonized System (GHS) certification upon admission into the program. Recertification will be required every three years to remain current. The cost of WHMIS certification is your responsibility.

Students must also be registered, as a student member, with the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association prior to practicum placement (VETR 183).

* The entrance grade may change from year to year. Please contact the school for further information.

* We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

Modified on June 10, 2022