Veterinary Technology (DipTech)
Become a skilled veterinary technician with comprehensive training in animal care, clinical procedures, and lab techniques.
Why choose this program?
Do you want to become an integral part of a veterinary medical team? The Veterinary Technology program at our Agricultural Campus in Truro, N.S. will get you there. This program is accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, so you’ll be prepared to work as a technician with practicing veterinarians, researchers and other professionals who work with animals in medical or scientific environments. You will also gain the knowledge to provide critical care, including anesthesia.
Areas of focus include medicine, disease, clinical exercises, clinical pathology (diagnostics), radiology, veterinary dentistry, pharmacology, nutrition and many more.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
- Academic English 12
- Academic Math 12
- Biology 12
- Chemistry 12
- CASPer Test
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.
Program options
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.
Program enrolment is limited to 40 students, so you will benefit from small classes and close interactions with your teachers.
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.
The following Veterinary Technology program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:
Diploma in Veterinary Technology
What you will learn
In this two-year diploma program, 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 program is oriented mainly towards companion animals. However, you'll also learn about large animal practice, lab animals and alternative pet medicine.
Sample courses may include:
Animal Medicine and Nursing I to IV
Clinical Exercises I to IV
Companion Animal Behaviour
While our focus is on small animal private practice, you’ll be exposed to a variety of species including livestock, equine, exotics and lab animal species while you study here. This will give you entry-level skills wherever your career takes you.
Careers
Our program 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.
Upon completion of the Veterinary Technology Diploma program, you’ll have a strong knowledge base in a variety of areas. You may choose to pursue the Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) and later, a Master of Science (MSc).
