| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
Veterinary Office Assistant
About
Be the important member of the veterinary office team that has essential administrative skills. Learn the common health issues of companion animals. Topics covered include financial management, veterinary computer software, client care, and veterinary terminology. Students also learn clinical assisting skills in animal handling and surgical instrument preparation. Graduates have excellent employment prospects with a high rate of recruitment.
Time Commitment
This is a one-year (two term) certificate program. A standard course load is five courses per term. Students can maintain full time status with at least three courses. Taking less than five courses per term will take longer to complete the program.
Learning Options
Courses are available both in class and online. Please note that not all courses may be available online each semester. Consult with the Academic Advising Team to assist with your program planning.
Admission Requirements
- Credit in English Language Arts 30-1 or minimum 65% in English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalent
- Credit in a Grade 10 math (excluding Math 10-4 and Math 16 levels)
or
- Successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test that consists of five tests with a minimum score in the following sections:
- Language Arts: Reading and Writing: 520 minimum standard score
- Math Test: 450 minimum score
or
- Satisfactory results on the Bow Valley College Admission and Placement Test
You need one of the following options:
English Language Proficiency Requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, please review English language proficiency requirements.
Academic Upgrading
Enhance your previous education to meet the missing admissions requirements for one of the BVC programs.
Available Intakes
- September 2025
- January 2026
Tuition and Fees
Domestic Students
| Term | Tuition Fees | Additional Fees | Total Fees* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | $2,600 | $605 | $3,205 |
| Term 2 | $3,346 | $605 | $3,951 |
International Students
| Term | Tuition Fees | Additional Fees | Total Fees* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | $6,374 | $605 | $6,979 |
| Term 2 | $8,857 | $605 | $9,462 |
*All tuition and fees are subject to change. Program tuitions are estimates only. Your actual tuition and fees are calculated on actual course registrations and can be viewed under "Statement of Account" in MyBVC or by requesting a Statement of Account from Registrar Services.
Courses
Term 1
| Code | Course | Credit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUCL1101 | Role Concepts in Health Care | 3 | picturepdf |
| HUCL1401 | Medical Terminology | 3 | picturepdf |
| VOAS1202 | Small Animal Health Management | 3 | picturepdf |
| VOAS1301 | Financial Management for the Veterinary Office | 3 | picturepdf |
| VOAS1100 | Introduction to the Veterinary Profession | 3 | picturepdf |
Term 2
| Code | Course | Credit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGMT1201 | Business Communication | 3 | picturepdf |
| MGMT1302 | Computer Applications | 3 | picturepdf |
| VOAS1401 | Clinical Skills for the Veterinary Office | 3 | picturepdf |
| VOAS1402 | Animal Behaviour and Handling | 3 | picturepdf |
| VOAS1601 | Common Health Issues & Diseases | 3 | picturepdf |
Electives
Earn at least 3 credits from the following courses:
| Code | Course | Credit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| VOAS1997 | Veterinary Office Assistant Applied Research and Capstone Project | 3 | picturepdf |
| VOAS1998 | Veterinary Office Assistant Service Learning | 3 | picturepdf |
| VOAS1999 | Field Placement for Veterinary Office Assistants | 3 | picturepdf |
