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are online vet tech programs good
When working with animals, the good, the bad and, unfortunately, the sad, can all be a part of a normal work day. Veterinary assistants and technicians who work in veterinary facilities, from private practices to laboratories and research centers—even zoos—experience nearly every range of care during the course of their work day. Morning may start with the birth of a litter of puppies, adoring human parents present for every minute, while the afternoon can bring the sadness of an owner saying his or her final goodbyes to a much-loved companion. If you love animals and can comfort pet owners in their times of distress, then consider online vet tech programs for a booming career path.
Two career paths exist. When an animal requires care from a veterinary professional, whether it’s for a domestic pet or an exotic specimen, there are two categories of associates who work hand in hand with the veterinarian. Although both are often referred to as an assistant, there is a clear difference between what veterinary assistants and veterinary technicians do, as well as their long-term career prospects.
Veterinary Technician vs. Veterinary Assistant
| Veterinary Assistant | Veterinary Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Education | High school diploma or equivalencyMay earn a certificate to be more competitive in the job market | 2 year associate’s degree |
| Responsibilities | Pet owner interactionsOffice dutiesBasic pet careSanitation of pet areasAssisting veterinarian or technician with animal restraint | Veterinarian assistant dutiesWound careMedication administrationSurgery preparation and assistance |
| Median Yearly Salary | $25,250 | $32,490 |
How to Become a Vet Tech
There are three steps to becoming a certified veterinary technician:
- Earn your high school diploma or equivalency;
- Graduate from a two-year, associate’s degree;
- Pass the licensing exam required in your state.
Vet Tech Responsibilities
While there is some overlap in the responsibilities of a vet assistant and a vet technician, the tech has the formalized training and experience gained through a vet tech school education and onsite experiential guidance that allows them to fulfill a wider range of duties. A vet assistant education is largely completed on the job and therefore they will fulfill a lower level of animal care.
Veterinary assistant duties usually include:
- Office support including billing and scheduling appointments or surgeries.
- Understanding the common medical terms used, the most expected conditions and diseases, pertinent laboratory and surgical procedures, and overall operation of facility.
- Responding to client questions with appropriate information and generally managing the patient from admission to release.
- Caring for all patients, including feeding, providing fresh water, cage and kennel cleaning, exercise, grooming, and observing the animals for signs of illness and/or infection.
- Assisting the veterinarian and the veterinary technician with animal restraint when examinations and injections are performed, medication—either orally or topically—is administered, pre-surgery and wound care, and during testing, such as x-rays.
- Following and performing sanitation and sterilization protocols for all areas of the facility—exam rooms, kennel, laboratory, and surgical areas—as specified by the veterinarian or administrator.
On the other hand, due to their formal vet tech program education, vet techs are the “nurses” of the animal world. As such, in addition to the duties a veterinary assistant may execute, they are qualified to:
- Speak with pet owners to obtain the animal’s medical history, inclusive of the current complaint. Obtain and utilize medical reports, laboratory results, and other pertinent information as needed.
- Complete tasks related to patient surgery, i.e.., patient prep (shaving surgical area and anesthesia administration), care following surgery, including medical record updates, and helping the vet during surgery.
- Fill and dispense prescription medications as ordered by the veterinarian.
- Fulfill laboratory work including the collection and preparation of specimen(s) for blood work, urinalysis, and microbiological and parasitic identification.
- Act as an “animal nurse”. Assist during procedures—including pre-and-post operative preparation. Assist in diagnostics and the preparation of medical equipment and instruments for surgery and other procedures. Administer injections, medications, and other forms of treatment. Wound care (cleaning, medication application, bandaging).
Online Vet Tech Programs
One of the biggest difference between a veterinary assistant and a veterinary technician is the education required and the option to become licensed. A veterinary assistant will only need a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate. No higher education or licensing is required to enter this field but a certificate in veterinary science will make job applicants more competitive.
For the veterinary technician, a two year associate’s degree from an accredited online college or technical school is required. The online vet tech school should be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, like Penn Foster. After, the inspiring vet tech will need to take and pass a licensing exam according to their state laws.
Veterinary Assistant Certificate Programs
For those who are just starting out in the veterinary field, becoming a veterinary assistant can be a good first step. This is a position where on-the-job training definitely comes into play, however, as with pretty much every other starting position, bringing more to the hiring table benefits the employee. Although not required, completing a certificate or diploma program from a vet tech school can be what makes one candidate outshine another.
A veterinary assistant certificate will include coursework on:
- The basics of the medical terminology involved in the medical field of animal care.
- The basic role of a veterinary assistant, including appropriate care of the animals of different breeds.
- Sanitary and prophylactic procedures regarding the facility, kennel, surgery and examination rooms.
- Facility administration, such as computer program operation, scheduling, records maintenance, and patient information.
- Patient protocols, i.e. providing general animal care information, nutrition, medication, vaccination and other care-related specifics.
Associate Degree Programs for Veterinary Technicians
For those wanting to advance their education and become a veterinary technician, online courses allow the student to volunteer and/or work in their field as they get their degree. Completing a vet tech program takes approximately two years. Throughout four semesters, there will be an emphasis on the following areas:
- English, business, and technical writing, including history documentation and record keeping.
- Computer applications, mathematics and veterinary office management to allow the technician to facilitate the running of a veterinary practice, laboratory and research center.
- Animal genetics, reproduction, nutrition and aging encompassing of companion and domesticated animals, as well as farm animals.,
- Diagnostic imaging inclusive of radiation and ultrasound performance, development, and related protocols.
- Anesthesiology and surgical procedures to include preparation for, assistance during and proper sterilization techniques at all stages.
- Anatomy and physiology of animals, the mechanics of the animal body.
- Pharmacology as related to veterinary medicine.
- Animal diseases, including pathology, immunology, and parasitology, both an overview and breed specific.
As with many online degree programs, there will be practical experience required that must be compelted in person. Many vet tech schools offer placement assistance with this part of the course requirements. Because of the specific nature of online classes—basically the ability to take them according to the student’s schedule rather than the school’s schedule—an online student may find the practical part of the degree requirements is easier to accomplish, even with a work schedule.
Of course all the usual college bonuses are present, including assistance from instructors and advisors, online libraries, student led study groups, and course materials. Unlike regular college classes, students are not limited to normal class hours when seeking assistance. Instructors are an email away and, as many students are participating in their practicums, it’s not unusual to find online student groups at all hours of the day and night. For someone who is already working in a veterinary facility, online vet tech programs—with classwork after work—will help add practical experience to the material being studied.
Career Opportunities
With a U.S. pet population currently at 377 million and counting, both veterinary assistants and veterinary technicians are in a growing field.
With a projected a growth rate of 9% by 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that veterinary assistant job opportunities are “excellent”. Over 6,600 new jobs are expected by the year 2024. This is great news for those who are entering the animal care arena and considering online vet tech programs. The median yearly wage of $25,250 is a great start. The hourly wage, averaged at $12.14 per hour in 2016, will vary according to the area of the country and the size of the facility where the veterinary assistant works, along with years of experience. Without formalized training, assistants will be slightly limited in the scope of employment opportunities. They may find more success in private practice or group clinic settings, animal shelters, or large city facilities.
Veterinary technicians, on the other hand, can look forward to a 19% growth in employment. What this translates into is the addition of approximately 17,900 new jobs by 2024. The education that a veterinary technician receives increases their median yearly salary to $32,490 or roughly $15.62 per hour. As with vet assistants, technicians will experience differences in both hourly wage and yearly salary depending on where in the country they find employment. With an education geared toward animal care, technicians have a wide array of employment possibilities. From private practice clinics to laboratories to zoos, adding to their education only grows their career options.
Registered veterinary technicians/technologists (RVT) are highly trained professionals working as an integral part of the veterinary medical team.
A RVT has graduated from a Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) or an Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT) accredited program, successfully completed the Veterinary Technician National Examination and has met all the requirements identified by their provincial professional association.
The title of technician versus technologist is dependent on the province of registration. The term RVT is recognized across Canada.
A RVT works under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Their education provides them with the theory and practical skills essential to deliver a gold standard of veterinary care. As animal welfare advocates, some of the important tasks carried out by RVTs include:
- Obtaining and processing diagnostic radiographs and ultrasound
- Administration and dispensation of medications and treatments as prescribed by the attending veterinarian
- Providing optimum husbandry, restraint and handling
- Anaesthetic delivery and monitoring
- Prevention and control of zoonotic diseases
- Nutrition management
- Animal behaviour and welfare
- Breeding, reproduction, and neonatal care
- Professional practice administration, veterinary hospital management and client relations
- Diagnostic laboratory tests (hematology, clinical chemistry, cytology, and urinalysis)
- Emergency and first aid
- Professionalism and ethics training
- Routine, intensive and emergency care of animals
- Public education
- Exotic animal medicine
- Extensive anatomy and physiology training
- Sanitation, sterilization and disinfection controls and procedures
- In depth knowledge of dental structures, conditions and lesions, causes and stages of diseases
- Surgical preparation and assistance
- Microbiology, immunology, bacteriology, parasitology, zoonoses, and virology
- Training in best practices surrounding biosecurity
Training for a career as a RVT includes two to three years of college education at a CVMA or OAVT-accredited veterinary technician/technologist program. A listing of Canada’s accredited programs can be found here.
The CVMA’s AHT/VT Program Accreditation Committee (AHTVTPAC) identifies and certifies animal health technology and veterinary technician education programs whose graduates are considered to be competent to successfully complete the National Veterinary Technician Exam, and assist veterinarians in clinical practice. The Committee encourages further development of such programs in Canada.
Graduates may find employment in private veterinary practices, zoos, wildlife rehabilitation, government and research laboratories, as well as in industry.
The Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) is the national professional association representing registered veterinary technologists & technicians.
accredited online vet tech programs canada
The CVMA’s AHT/VT Program Accreditation Committee identifies and certifies animal health technology and veterinary technician education programs whose graduates are considered to be competent to successfully complete the National Veterinary Technician Exam, and assist veterinarians in clinical practice.
AHT/VT Programs Currently Accredited by the CVMA
- Algonquin College, Ottawa, ON
- Dalhousie University, Truro, NS
- Douglas College, New Westminster, BC
- Georgian College, Orillia, ON
- Grand Prairie Regional College, Fairview, AB
- Lakeland College, Vermilion, AB
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Edmonton, AB
- Northern College, Haileyburg, ON
- Olds College, Olds, AB
- Oulton College, Moncton, NB
- Red River College, Winnipeg, MB
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic College, Saskatoon, SK
- St. Clair College, Windsor, ON
- St. Lawrence College, Kingston, ON
- Seneca College, King City, ON
- Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC
- University of Guelph – Ridgetown Campus, Ridgetown, ON
- Vanier College, St-Laurent, QC
best vet tech programs in canada
If you are a pet lover and love helping them out, a veterinary school might be the best option for you. Earning from it is a bonus. But, can you land a high salary as a veterinarian? According to multiple surveys, the average base salary of a veterinarian in the US is $104,695. Thus, veterinary has become a viable career option for most. We know why you are here. Like every other person, you want to learn from the best and excel in your profession.
We get it because all of us have been there and have faced this adversity. We have brought to you this list of the best vet schools in Canada. Stop stressing and prepare to enter these schools. Now, without much beating around the bush, let us have a brief look at the prestigious vet schools on our list.
Here is the list of 10 Best Vet Schools in Canada:
The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC)
The Atlantic Veterinary College is undoubtedly the best vet school in Canada. The university is smaller compared to other universities. Thus, every student gets the personal care and attention they deserve. Unlike other colleges, AVC is an effort to collaborate with the aquaculture industry, technology, and veterinary medicine. Thus, students are up-to-date with technological equipment and research materials.
The college adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure that the students are ready to face. Simultaneously, AVC has a clinical faculty to help provide health management consultation and diagnostic services.
The management of the college takes pride in providing world-class facilities and opportunities to its students. AVC boasts of several graduates who are vetted, veterinary professionals. The school focuses on boosting innovation along with inculcating professionalism and empathy in its graduates.
AVC believes that educating future leaders in professional practices and educational services is important and works towards the same. For the fulfillment of the same, the college has a teaching hospital. AVC has a store offering extra resources and materials to help its students excel. The average tuition fee for an international student is $68,000 per year and $12,000 a year for Canadian students. It is one of the Best Vet Schools In Canada.
Faculté De Médecine Vétérinaire (FVM)
The Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire is located in an agro-industrial area and has a dedicated research and diagnosis wing. The University of Montreal heads the faculty working here. The FVM is accessible by public transportation and has several facilities. The extensive scientific department focuses on building and stimulating the scientific mind of its students. The area has restaurants and attractions in abundance.
Hence, its students have a fulfilling college life while learning from the best professors. FVM’s faculty encourages the students to learn and take care of animals. If you want to show your intellect and have like-minded people around you, FVM is the best vet school in Canada for the same.
Another factor to consider is that the FVM is the only university with a French-speaking staff. The prime objective of the veterinary courses at FVM is to educate the students on the subject, communicative, and ethical skills necessary for a successful professional life.
The Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
Learning from experienced faculties does help, but do you know what is better? Practicing and putting your knowledge to use. OVC has a hospital center with professional veterinaries wherein the students can put their knowledge to the test.
Don’t worry! A healthcare professional will keep you under supervision throughout the process. The students at OVC learn from real-world scenarios, making them ready to take on critical jobs after graduation.
The hospital allows final year students from OVC to attend consultations, operations, and critical procedures. The OVC assists the students and familiarizes them with veterinary technical procedures.
Students can pursue their interest in becoming animal care assistants and agricultural assistants at the OVC. The annual tuition fee for DVM for both international and US students is $42,404. The school offers on-campus housing facilities at an additional charge.
The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM)
The WCVM is a socially active veterinary college. It is the best vet school in Canada for people who want to build their professional network and learn and ideate.
WCVM has an active blog informing the students, guardians, and other interested people about recent updates or achievements. Webinars, seminars, and educational programs are frequently held at the school. Thus, students are in constant touch with like-minded professionals and experienced people.
Thus, students are in constant sync with their environment, growing to become the best in their field. The prime focus of the college is to transform into a prime center of veterinary education and research. The WCVM has specialists on board.
This prepares the students for a fulfilling and excelling professional life in the various clinical disciplines. Private practice, research, and academia are the targetted industries of most students. The WCVM faculty works and provides education for realizing the same.
The college includes master’s and Ph.D. programs and internships and residencies to help its graduates. WCVM commits to providing its students with a healthy and fulfilling academic experience.
The university receives public and private research fundings to make discoveries of international importance. Thus, WCVM is one of the most prestigious and best vet schools in Canada. The estimated annual tuition fees for IPA seats and non-IPA seats are $13,705 and $68,705 respectively.
University of Calgary
The FVM at the University of Calgary focuses its services to provide the best medical services to solve animal and public health needs. The college offers DVM and Graduate programs along with offering provisions for related research work. The university plans and organizes veterinary camps for high school students. This is a step taken to inculcate medicine, awareness, and interest in students.
Similarly, the university offers several programs for its students to help them become better professionals. An important point to keep in mind when applying at the University of Calgary for DVM is that you must complete at least two years of university education.
Additionally, you need to complete some specific courses for the same. This is why the DVM program at the University of Calgary is considered to be a highly competitive program.
The school offers several courses for undergraduates, graduates, open studies courses, and professionals continuing education. Thus, the FVM at the University of Calgary is a one-in-all and the best vet school in Canada. The annual tuition fee for Canadian or Permanent Residents is $6219. 21. However, the data for the same for international students are not available on the official website.
Georgian College
Do you want to start your journey into the veterinary world? Well, Georgian College is the best vet school in Canada for the same. The university offers degrees and trains students to become veterinary assistants and veterinary technicians.
Hands-on experience is an integral part of the course programs offered by the Georgian College. The university aims to develop its students into integral and vetted members of a veterinary health care team.
Activities about the same are widely encouraged. The Georgian College educates its students on the wide range of activities carried out in animal shelters, zoos, research, or wildlife facilities. The focus is on informing them about the simulations and theories and combining them with clinical experience.
During this on-hand experience, students learn to care for and provide relief to animals, understand the nitty-gritty of normal and abnormal life processes, and efficiently carry out routine laboratory and clinical procedures.
Collecting and analyzing samples, preparing the pet patients for clinical procedures, providing special medical attention, producing diagnostic test results, and performing dentistry are critical processes the university focuses on. The average yearly tuition fees for domestic and international students are $2030.50 and $7915.32, respectively.
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology offers animal health technology and veterinary medical assistant programs. The institute is the best vet school in Canada for those who want to help animals and have an inclination to technology.
The animal health technology program focuses on teaching the varied practical skills needed for small and large animal practices. These include lab work, x-rays, and medical and surgical nursing.
The students are trained in NAIT’s Animal Health Clinic. The clinic offers basic veterinary services for cats and dogs. The training is integral for hands-on experience in various procedures such as vaccination.
However, the program requires its students to travel for projects and handle several other animals. In case you opt for the veterinary medical assistant program, you will be required to provide support to clients, animal health technologists, and veterinarians.
Thus, you will act as a support in the critical procedures. That said, you will also be required to perform administrative, animal handling, and provide support with nutrition, and pharmaceutical products. The course offers a year of classroom teaching and a clinical placement after completion.
Some of these placements are based far from the college and require the student to travel. Simultaneously, the university requires you to regularly help out the animal health technologists at the NAIT Health Clinic. The average annual tuition fees for domestic and international students are $2015 and $7814, respectively. It is Also One of the Best Vet Schools In Canada.
Bow Valley College
The Bow Valley College offers a veterinary office assistant program spanning over 30 weeks. The college offers a provision for students to take fewer courses each term.
However, in this event, the complete program takes longer to complete. The full course load is 5 courses each term with two terms in the program. Moreover, the course is available online and can be opted for as per convenience.
For international students who do not have English as their first language, a proficiency test is compulsory. The program requires you to complete some courses for credits. The detailed list is available on the official website.
The college has an academic advising team that helps you plan your course completion schedule. The course trains students to survive and blossom in animal-related environments, such as veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or animal shelters.
The program also trains the enrolled students in administrative jobs such as computer skills, scheduling records, and financial management. The estimated book cost is $950 and average annual fees are $5073 and $12,996 for domestic and international students, respectively.
University of Lethbridge
The University of Lethbridge offers veterinary medicine programs. These courses are pre-professional ones. Hence, the university is the best vet school in Canada for those who want to enroll in various professional programs offered by other universities.
The objective of the program offered at the University of Lethbridge is to help students gain the necessary experience to apply for veterinary programs at reputed institutions like the University of Calgary.
The credits gained from this program can be used to major in agricultural biotechnology, biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, or neuroscience.
Generally, applicants to these courses have relevant fieldwork and course certificates. To compete and succeed in this highly competitive environment, enrolling in the pre-professional veterinary medicine transfer program is crucial.
St. Clair College
The St. Clair College offers a veterinary technician program to help students perform their assisting jobs exceptionally. The course targets teaching students about the critical duties involved in a veterinary clinic. These include radiography, nursing, dentistry, nutritional support, and medical procedures. The college offers clinical placement after the completion of the course and requires the candidate to have the required experience in a veterinary clinic.
This will help the shortlisted candidates to compete and excel in the program. The primary focus of the program is to provide training and make them capable of assisting practicing veterinarians. The program is a medical and scientific experience and helps students gain insight into the professional life of a veterinarian.
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