Veterinary Technology Diploma: Thompson Rivers University

Program at a glance

Credential

Diploma

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Department

Veterinary Technology

Duration

2 Years

Program Delivery

On Campus & Online

Location

Kamloops, B.C.

Program overview

The Veterinary Technology program is designed to train individuals for employment as professionals in the field of veterinary medicine. A registered veterinary technologist works under the supervision of veterinarians and veterinary scientists in a variety of areas including:

Diagnostic testing
Radiography
Medical procedures
Office protocol
Animal nursing, anesthesia, and surgical assistance

Cat being checked by veterinary students at Knutsford Farm

A unique learning experience

Top 10 reasons to pursue an RVT diploma:

Innovative, knowledgeable, and experienced faculty
Daily opportunities to acquire practical skills
Onsite program animals (dogs, cats, rats, mice)
Access to our university farm for large animal experiences
Field trips and class work at the BC Wildlife Park
VTEC grads consistently score high in provincial exam
Low student-to-instructor ratio in laboratory sessions
Opportunity to adopt TRU animals open to students at the end of each semester
Option to access the National Laboratory Animal Examination for provisional status
Veterinary employers in British Columbia and Alberta specifically recruit and hire TRU VTEC graduates

Hands-On Animal Care

Most graduates are employed in private veterinary practices. Occasionally, positions may be obtained in the emerging biotechnical fields, animal shelters, zoological parks, and other animal-oriented areas in the public and private sectors. Graduates can expect a varied and satisfying career.

The Veterinary Technology program has a longstanding history at TRU. Since 1981, our program has offered small class sizes, quality coursework, and unique training opportunities. Our program is accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and combines classroom and laboratory instruction, field and clinical experience with small and large animals. Students have daily hands-on experiences with small animals in the teaching facility on campus. Large animal work is carried out in a separate facility where students develop hands-on experience with livestock, wildlife, and birds.

There are 30 hours a week of combined lecture and laboratory work. Students are also responsible for case study sessions and for providing routine daily care for the program animals. Animal care involves evening and weekend duty. Students' clinical practicums take place at veterinary facilities during the 1st year (2 weeks) and 2nd year (4 weeks) of the program.

Admission Requirements

Competition for admission to the Veterinary Technology program is extremely intensive and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to an orientation session or admission into the program.

Requirements details

Courses

Review the Veterinary Technology On-Site Diploma program curriculum.

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Program Costs

Learn more about the costs associated with this program.

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Tuition estimator

Estimated tuition for one semester:

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Tuition (CDN)

The tuition calculator provides an estimated amount for informational purposes only and excludes fees, textbooks and materials. Actual tuition may vary by program and courses. Rates are in Canadian dollars and subject to change. Courses are typically 3 credits. For a detailed breakdown of costs, please contact Enrolment Services.

Application deadlines

October 1 to February 1 for the following Fall intake.

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Program Animals

Cats and dogs are acquired from the pound and the SPCA in Kamloops and the surrounding area.

While in the program, these animals are health checked, spayed or neutered, fully immunized and receive a tattoo and microchip for identification purposes. As part of their behaviour classes, veterinary technology students work with the dogs developing basic obedience skills. Both cats and dogs receive lots of positive attention and are well socialized.

At the end of each semester, program animals are adopted into the community. Veterinary technology students take direct responsibility for:

Organizing adoption packages.
Meeting with prospective new owners.
Introducing prospective owners to the animals.
Organizing the final release of the animal to their new home.
Interested students also have the opportunity to adopt an animal from the program.

Orientation & Admission Procedures

The Veterinary Technology program uses a competitive admission process. Competition for admission to the program is extremely intensive and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to the orientation session or admission to the program.

Based on the information submitted with the application package, short-listed applicants will be invited to a mandatory, virtual orientation session which are typically held in March. The purpose of the orientation sessions is to ensure all short-listed applicants have a clear understanding about the Veterinary Technology program and the profession. Orientation sessions provide in-depth information about student workloads and responsibilities and offer the opportunity to meet the faculty and current students in the program. Applicants will also be required to take a math test during the orientation session.

At the discretion of the selection committee, a telephone conference call may take place.

Using the combination of academic pre-requisites, results of the math test, and information included in the written application package (including work experience and references) each applicant is given an overall score. Based on this score, each applicant will be classified as:

Accepted into the program
Waitlisted (alternate for acceptance)
Not accepted into the program

Applicants will be notified by telephone or in writing of their status after April 1st. Those who are offered seats will be required to pay a commitment fee within three weeks of official notification of acceptance. Applicants on the wait list will be notified of their status as soon as possible, and if admitted will be given three weeks after the date of notification to pay their commitment fee to confirm a seat.

All successful candidates must be in class the first day of the semester, or their seat will be forfeited and given to a wait listed applicant.

Applicants have the to appeal admission decisions. Appeal procedures are described in the Academic Information section of the TRU Calendar.