Veterinary Technology

Program Overview

---

St. Lawrence College's Veterinary Technology program is a three-year, accredited program that prepares graduates for careers in veterinary clinical settings and biomedical research. The program emphasizes practical skills development, ethical animal care practices, and scientific knowledge, equipping graduates for success in the veterinary field. Graduates are eligible for registration with professional organizations and have diverse career opportunities in veterinary clinics, research facilities, and other animal-related settings.

Program Outline

---

Veterinary Technology Program Analysis

---

Degree Overview

---

Overview:

This three-year program at St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario, boasts a strong reputation for producing highly skilled graduates prepared for careers in both biomedical research and veterinary clinical settings. The program equips graduates with in-depth scientific knowledge, practical laboratory skills, and the technical expertise needed to thrive in today's veterinary workplace.

---

Objectives:

• Graduates will be eligible for registration with the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT) and the Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS/ACSAL).
• Students have the opportunity to write the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) and relevant national registry examinations in their graduating year.
• The program fosters graduates who are capable, dedicated, and possess the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in a variety of veterinary-related careers.

---

Program Description:

The Veterinary Technology program at St. Lawrence College is:

• Accredited: by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians, and the College of Veterinarians of Ontario.
• Licensed: by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) under the Animals for Research Act (ARA).
• Certified: with Good Animal Practice (GAP) by the Canadian Council of Animal Care (CCAC).

---

Outline

---

Program Content:

• Mammalian behavior
• Small animal clinical procedures
• Ethics and critical thinking
• Biological mathematics
• Parasitology and mycology
• Medical terminology
• General laboratory techniques for veterinary technologists
• Veterinary anatomy and physiology
• Veterinary hospital management
• Laboratory animal welfare & techniques
• Clinical laboratory procedures
• Veterinary anesthesia
• Pharmacology
• Animal nutrition
• Veterinary microbiology
• Laboratory animal anesthesia and surgical techniques
• Surgical nursing
• Anesthesia and critical care
• Veterinary imaging and advanced clinical procedures
• Research techniques
• Veterinary immunology
• Wildlife and exotics
• Histology
• Work experience

---

Structure:

• Three-year program
• Full-time
• Five semesters of coursework followed by a semester of full-time work experience (two 5-week placements and one 4-week placement).

---

Course Schedule:

The program follows a structured course schedule with dedicated semesters for specific topics.

---

Individual Modules:

Each semester consists of various modules encompassing theoretical and practical aspects of veterinary technology.

---

Assessment

---

Assessment Methods:

• Written exams
• Laboratory practicals
• Clinical skill demonstrations
• Assignments and projects
• Work experience evaluations

---

Assessment Criteria:

• Knowledge and understanding of veterinary science principles
• Technical skills and proficiency
• Communication and critical thinking abilities
• Professionalism and ethical conduct
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Teamwork and collaboration abilities

---

Teaching

---

Teaching Methods:

• Interactive lectures
• Hands-on laboratory exercises
• Clinical rotations
• Guest speaker sessions
• Case studies and problem-based learning
• Online learning resources

---

Faculty:

The program boasts a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members with expertise in veterinary medicine, laboratory animal science, and veterinary technology.

---

Unique Approaches:

• Strong emphasis on practical skills development through hands-on laboratory experiences and clinical rotations.
• Focus on ethical and responsible animal care practices.
• Opportunities for research involvement and participation in professional conferences.
• Integration of online learning resources and technologies to enhance student learning.

---

Careers

---

Career Paths:

• Veterinary technician in a variety of settings, including:
• Small animal clinics
• Veterinary hospitals
• Research facilities
• Zoos and wildlife sanctuaries
• Animal shelters
• Laboratory animal technologist
• Pharmaceutical or pet food sales representative
• Research assistant
• Veterinary educator

---

Career Opportunities:

Graduates are highly sought-after in the veterinary field, with diverse career opportunities available across Canada and internationally. The program's emphasis on practical skills and scientific knowledge prepares graduates for success in these settings.

---

Career Outcomes:

St. Lawrence College's Veterinary Technology program boasts a high graduate employment rate.

• The program is highly competitive, and meeting minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission.
• Students are responsible for completing the required immunizations for clinical placements.

---

Additional Points:

• The program offers potential for further education and specialization through post-graduate studies.
• Graduates are encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities, such as continuing education courses and certifications.
• The program emphasizes ethical considerations and responsible animal care practices, preparing graduates to be leaders in the field.