Veterinary Office Assistant

Program Overview

Overview

This 12-week, fast-paced Veterinary Office Assistant program prepares students to work in the veterinary field supporting the administrative needs of veterinarians and technicians while interacting with clients and their pets.

Program Details

Outcome

Certificate

Length

1 term

Next Start Date

October 2025

Post-graduate Work Permit

No

What to Expect from the Program

In this program, students will develop their administrative skills with an emphasis on the veterinary and animal sciences discipline, including:

• Managing and organizing client and pet health information while providing excellent customer service
• Communicating effectively and professionally with pets, clients, teams, co-workers, and the community
• Performing standard office administrative duties
• Demonstrating safety in the workplace
• Using current tools and technology, including veterinary-specific software
• Applying and demonstrating basic knowledge of veterinary practice

Graduate with Experience

NorQuest College believes in the importance of on-the-job experience that provides an enriched learning opportunity.

Students will graduate with 150 hours of work experience from a practicum.

Their practicum may be in their community or close by, with a schedule that includes day, evening, or night shifts any day of the week, including weekends and holidays.

Students will work full-time during the practicum and provide their own transportation to the facility.

Flexible Learning

This program is designed to be accessible and meet students where they are at in their lives, regardless of background.

It offers flexible delivery options, including blended or online anytime, full-time or part-time, frequent start dates, compressed learning to an in-demand credential in 12 weeks, and multiple admission pathways, even for those without traditional academic qualifications.

Recommended Qualifications

Students are more likely to be successful in this program if they:

• Have access to a PC computer with a stable Internet connection
• Have keyboarding and basic computer skills
• Can type 40 words per minute before the program starts
• Are able to dedicate 40-50 hours per week for full-time studies

This program is not suitable for international students as the work permit needed for the practicum may not arrive in time.

Career Opportunities

Graduates have opportunities to work in veterinary practices and clinics, animal hospitals, related not-for-profit organizations, and veterinary supply companies.

What to Expect as a Veterinary Office Assistant

Students are more likely to be successful in this career if they:

• Have a genuine love for a variety of animals
• Are physically and emotionally able to manage workplace demands (e.g., lift up to 16 kg/35 lbs and push or pull 45 kg/100 lbs)
• Are able to work shift work, including evenings and weekends
• Work well in a team environment
• Enjoy administrative tasks and are committed to customer service

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