Veterinary Technology Dalhousie University

Overview

Ready to play a key role in a veterinary medical team? Dalhousie University 's accredited Veterinary Technology programme will equip you with the skills to work alongside veterinarians, researchers, and other professionals working with animals in medical or scientific environments. You'll gain hands-on experience and expertise in areas like critical care and anesthesia, preparing you for a rewarding career in animal healthcare.

Areas of focus include medicine, disease, clinical exercises, clinical pathology (diagnostics), radiology, veterinary dentistry, pharmacology, nutrition and many more.

Programme enrolment is limited to 40 students, so you will benefit from small classes and close interactions with your teachers.

What you will learn

• In this two-year diploma programme, you’ll take a variety of courses in animal medicine and nursing, clinical exercises and pathology, anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. 

• To reflect the majority of employment opportunities in Atlantic Canada, the programme is oriented mainly towards companion animals. However, you'll also learn about large animal practice, lab animals and alternative pet medicine.

• You’ll gain practical experience by learning hands-on at our dedicated small animal veterinary teaching hospital and our campus farm, where you’ll have access to diverse animal units, excellent facilities and knowledgeable staff.  
• We’ll provide opportunities for you to learn outside the classroom through an off-campus externship at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown, P.E.I. and in general veterinary practices. You can also work in our on-campus animal clinic, where you’ll learn the skills required to be successful in a companion animal veterinary practice.

Careers

• Our programme will prepare you to enter a veterinary practice as a technical assistant. You'll be a core member of the veterinary medical team, impacting the lives of animals and their families each day. You’ll have diverse responsibilities depending on the type of practice you work in.

• You may also choose a rewarding career working in animal shelter management, animal research in universities and for private companies, veterinary teaching and sales for veterinary supply companies. You could also find employment with a zoo or in the wildlife rehabilitation field.

Possible careers include:

• Nursing

• Animal husbandry 

• Surgical assistant

• Laboratory diagnostics 

• Reception

• Client education 

Accreditation

 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association