Veterinary Assistant

Prepare for a career in veterinary care in Surrey, BC. Develop practical skills in animal handling, patient care, clinic operations, grooming, and veterinary office support.

☰ Program Description

This Veterinary Assistant program in Surrey, BC introduces students to the essential skills and knowledge needed to work in a professional veterinary clinic. Gain practical animal care skills, learn veterinary terminology, and develop the confidence to pursue veterinary assistant jobs.

General Admission Requirements
  • Mature student status

  • Valid BC Driver’s Licence

English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements
  • English 10 or equivalent

  • College English interview

Upon completion of this program the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:

Upon completion of the Veterinary Assistant program at Apex Community College, successful students will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  • Perform and understand the duties of a veterinary team member in a small animal clinic or hospital, or related settings such as animal shelters and rescue organizations.

 

Veterinary Front Office Skills

  • Book appointments, perform receptionist and bookkeeping duties, operate veterinary software, and provide nutritional, patient care, and grief counselling.

 

Veterinary Examination, Treatment, Surgery & Kennel Skills

    • Make a basic assessment of a patient’s status during a wellness examination or emergency situation.
    • Identify common small animal breeds and safely handle and restrain animals.
    • Promote good animal health and hygiene by demonstrating appropriate grooming skills and knowledge of external parasite control.
Method(s) of Evaluation*

Assignments, practical examinations, and final exam.

Completion Requirements*

Must complete all assignments and final exam with a grade of 70% or above, must have a grade of 80% or above in practical assessment.

Delivery Method(s)

Indicate how the program is delivered:

In-class instruction: 100% hours of instruction delivered in a classroom or other setting, where instructors share the same physical space as students.

Distance education: 100% hours of instruction, excluding work experience hours, if applicable, delivered remotely from a BC location.

If distance or combined delivery is indicated, the online components are:

Synchronous, meaning students attend classes virtually in ‘real time’ with instructors and classmates.

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Key Information