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 animal's lives better, veterinary technology could be a great career fit.
Start date
September
Length
79 weeks
Location(s)
SaskatoonOnline/Distance options availableLength and location notes
Some programs offered online or otherwise by distance (i.e., correspondence) include on-site labs, clinicals, practicums or work experiences. They may be offered course-by-course or full-time, or both, and deliveries may change over time.
Year 1 - 41 weeks; Year 2 - 38 weeks
The Veterinary Technology program is a two-year diploma that combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience with small and large animals. You'll learn how to support veterinarians in the diagnosis, treatment and care of animals. It combines medical knowledge, laboratory skills and hands-on animal care.
You’ll study:
- anatomy
- anesthesia and surgery
- animal behavior
- dentistry
- pharmacology and diseases
- physiology
- lab work and radiography
- veterinary nursing
Once you complete this accredited program, you’ll be ready to write the North American
Veterinary Technology Exam (VTNE)—your gateway to becoming a registered veterinary
technologist (RVT) in Saskatchewan and many other provinces across Canada.
The academic year runs from late August through June. This program has two learning options:
In-person delivery at Saskatoon campus
- The program includes traditional in-person labs in basic (anatomy, genetics and chemistry and clinical sciences) and clinical sciences (animal restraint, examination, diagnostic testing, nursing) and clinical rotations at local veterinary facilities.
- You will be working with live animals, including dogs, cats, horses, cattle, swine, sheep, poultry and rodents.
- Students may be scheduled for classes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. There may be some program requirements or tours that start prior to 8 a.m. or are scheduled on evenings or weekends.
- Students are expected to provide their own transportation to off-site training locations.
- Students are required to complete two off‑site practicums in semester five. Each practicum is four weeks in duration. In consultation with the program, students select locations that ensure experience in both small and large animal practice or mixed‑animal practice.
Blended distance delivery
- Applicants must find a mixed-animal veterinary practice or a small animal practice and a secondary large animal practice to support in-clinic learning for the duration of this 2-year program. Practices must be licensed and in good standing with their provincial veterinary regulatory body and provide access to dog, cat, horse, and cattle cases.
- The program includes:
- distance lectures available both real-time and asynchronous
- distance discussions in real-time time (approximately 2-5 hours per week)
- self-study labs
- host clinic learning
- student travel to Saskatoon campus six times throughout the program. There is a 3-5-day mid-term residency in semesters one through four, a 10-day residency in semester five, and a 6-week residency in semester six.
- Students should plan for a 40-hour week between on-line lectures and discussions, and a required 1-2 days per week spent in clinics.
- See the Applicant and Host Clinic Guide (pdf)
Veterinary technology requires physical ability, mental resilience and strong skills in math, science and literacy. You’ll train in fast‑paced environments requiring adaptability, compassion, professionalism and strong time management.
Before pursing a career in veterinary technology, please review the self‑assessment to ensure you can meet the essential Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)‑mandated skills needed for success in the program and career.
Self-assessment: essential physical, mental and cognitive requirements for a career in veterinary technology
Below is a non-comprehensive list outlining many of the physical, mental and emotional demands of the profession. Before pursuing a career in veterinary technology, please read through this self-assessment carefully. If you are unable to perform or tolerate the following requirements, it is unlikely that you will be successful in the program — even with accommodations — due to the essential skills mandated by Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) accreditation standards.
If you have any questions, please contact the program head, Dr. Suzanne Mund (suzanne.mund@saskpolytech.ca) or your Accessibility and Accommodations counsellor.
Physical requirements:
- Strength and mobility
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 kg (55 lbs) independently.
- Ability to get down and back up from the floor with ease, often when restraining or assisting animals.
- Ability to move quickly and confidently out of the way to ensure safety when working with large or unpredictable animals.
- Ability to stand, sit, walk, bend and crouch, for extended periods during patient care or laboratory work.
- Dexterity and fine motor skills
- Ability to perform precise tasks requiring fine motor coordination such as administering injections, placing catheters, drawing blood, preparing laboratory samples and performing surgical assistance.
- Adequate hand–eye coordination to use medical instruments, equipment and computers accurately.
- Sensory and perceptual abilities
- Adequate vision (near and far), depth perception and spatial awareness to read medical records, observe patients and perform technical procedures safely.
- Ability to hear and tolerate loud or persistent noises, such as monitoring alarms, barking animals and clinical equipment.
- Ability to work safely around moving equipment, sharp instruments and surgical tools.
- Ability to tolerate temperature changes (e.g., barns, kennels, fieldwork or surgical suites) and congested or busy workspaces.
- Tolerance for occupational exposure
- Ability to tolerate offensive smells (e.g., blood, urine, feces, infections or decay).
- Ability to tolerate offensive sights, including surgical procedures, animal tissues and traumatic injuries.
- Ability to maintain professional composure when exposed to these stimuli.
- Emotional resilience
- Ability to cope with stressful, unpredictable or emotionally challenging situations, including patient death, euthanasia or distressed clients.
- Ability to maintain empathy and professionalism when supporting clients and coworkers in difficult circumstances.
- Adaptability
- Ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities, emergencies and unpredictable animal behavior.
- Willingness to work in diverse settings (e.g., small animal clinics, livestock barns, shelters or research facilities).
- Stress management
- Ability to perform consistently in high-pressure or noisy environments.
- Capacity to manage long or irregular hours, including evenings, weekends or on-call work.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Ability to assess patient conditions, recognize changes and make quick, appropriate decisions under veterinary supervision.
- Capacity to follow detailed protocols and instructions while also adapting when unexpected issues arise.
- Proficiency in mathematics, sciences and literacy.
- Communication skills
- Ability to communicate effectively in person and via telephone, using clear and professional verbal communication with clients, colleagues and veterinarians.
- Ability to read, write, and interpret medical records, instructions and technical information accurately.
- Ability to educate and support clients in understanding treatment plans, preventive care and follow-up instructions.
- Attention to detail
- Ability to observe subtle changes in animal behavior, clinical signs and medical equipment readings.
- Ability to maintain accurate, detailed records and ensure proper labeling, documentation and medication administration.
Career and salary information
Your career
As a veterinary technologist, your skills are in demand at veterinary clinics and hospitals, livestock operations, animal shelters, diagnostic labs, research facilities, zoos and game farms. There are also job opportunities with government agencies and in sales. You might also use your skills as the owner/operator of your own kennel or training facility.
An average day as a registered veterinary technologist
A typical workday may include:
- Assisting with anesthesia, surgery, radiology and dentistry
- Running laboratory tests and preparing medications
- Monitoring and nursing sick or injured animals
- Communicating with clients about their pet’s health and care
- Maintaining patient records and ensuring a clean, organized clinic
Potential careers
| Sample job title | NOC classification |
|---|---|
| Registered veterinary technologist | Animal health technologists & veterinary technicians (32104) |
| Animal health technologist | Animal health technologists & veterinary technicians (32104) |
Admissions
Admission requirements
- 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*
- A combined average of 70% in English Language Arts A30 and English Language Arts B30
- 40 hours documented veterinarian-supervised volunteer or work experience
- English Language Requirement
Note
- The program offers eight distance education seats. These students will complete the program through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning via distance (80%) and in-person residencies (20%) at the start/end of terms.
- Applicants may apply to either the in-person or distance option.
- Application process for in-person option:
- Step 1: Submit application form and application fee. This holds your place in the admissions queue.
- Step 2: Submit final academic transcripts.
- Step 3: Complete required minimum of 40 clinic volunteer hours (or equivalent activities) and submit required Volunteer Hours Form by August 1.
- Application process for distance option:
- Complete Steps 1 to 3 as described for in-person option.
- It is the student's responsibility to secure a partnership with a qualified clinic.
- Submit the Host Clinic Form any time after Step 1 is completed. Submitting the Host Clinic Form moves your application to the distance delivery option.
- All steps must be completed prior to program start date.
- Veterinary Technology program-specific admissions forms:
- The Volunteer Hours Form describes the requirement for a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer/work experience in a veterinary clinic or equivalent experience. Hours must be completed within 5 years of expected entry to the program. The completed form is to be submitted by the veterinary practice upon completion of volunteer hours and must be received by August 1st of the year of expected entry to the program.
- The Host Clinic Form is an agreement between a mixed animal practice (Host Clinic), Clinic Mentor and applicant whereby the Host Clinic and Clinic Mentor agree to support the applicant through provision of space, clinical cases, direct supervision and mentorship for the duration of the distance program. This form can be submitted by the student.
- Students require proof of protective rabies titer in order to take part in live animal activities including clinical site placements. A rabies immunization clinic is arranged by the program.
- Students must be registered, as a student member, with the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA) in any term they are registered in the program. Registration is arranged by the program at the start of term; membership cost is paid directly by the student.
- Accepted applicants are 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 require travel in and around Saskatoon to attend labs and clinical placements. Students may be required to relocate to complete clinical practicums.
*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:
- Minimum of 70% in a 30-level math
Alternative admission
Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.
ACCUPLACER©
Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.
- 250 Arithmetic
- 252 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
- 256 Reading
- 250 Writing
- 4 Writeplacer
Post-secondary
Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.
Admission method
First Qualified/First Admitted
The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies.
Applications for all FQFA programs open September 1 each year.
Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.
See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.
Tuition and fees
Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.
2025-26 academic year
Year 1 - $11,440
Year 2 - $10,100
Courses
- Year 2; Semesters 5 and 6 - Most of these courses will be taken at the University of Saskatchewan's Western College of Veterinary Medicine.
- You must successfully complete all courses in Semesters 1 through 4 before enrolling in Semester 5. Semesters 5 and 6 courses cannot be taken on a partial load basis.
Get credit for what you know
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.
See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.
Transfer credit
Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.
| Institution | Details |
|---|---|
| University of Lethbridge | Graduates of this program with minimum 2.50 GPA may be admitted into the Post-Diploma B.Sc. (Agricultural Studies) or Post-Diploma B.A. (Agricultural Studies) at the University of Lethbridge. If admitted, the graduate will be 3rd year degree level student in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. |
| Athabasca University | Graduates of this program may be eligible for block transfer of 60 credit units into the Bachelor of Science Post Diploma program or 30 credit units toward BSc (PD) with Majors in Applied Mathematics, Computing Information Systems and/or Human Science. |
Accreditation
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
Our Veterinary Technology program is accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. This qualifies you to write the North American Veterinary Technology Exam (VTNE). To work as a registered veterinary technologist in Saskatchewan, you need a diploma from an accredited program and to pass the VTNE.
Live animal use
Animal use in teaching and research at Saskatchewan Polytechnic is subject to ethics approval and review. As part of this federal mandate, all incident reports are investigated in accordance with Canadian Council for Animal Care best practices. Access the Animal Welfare and Concern Reporting form to earn more about procedures for reporting animal welfare concerns.
