College Certificate – Veterinary Assistant (1548)

The Veterinary Assistant one-year (two-term) Ontario College Certificate program prepares students to support Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) and Veterinarians in clinical, hospital, shelter, and private animal care environments. The curriculum covers animal handling, grooming, laboratory diagnostics, surgical support, shelter management, and veterinary administration.

The program features a humane, simulation-based approach to training. Students master essential clinical procedures using advanced models and true-to-life scenarios before completing a hands-on work placement at an active animal care facility during their second semester. Qualified graduates can explore direct academic pathways into the Veterinary Technician Diploma program.

Academic Qualification: High School / Grade 12 completion. (Prior animal care experience through pet ownership, volunteering, or animal facility work is strongly recommended.)

Minimum GPA: 50.0%

Minimum Language Test Scores:

• IELTS: 6.0

• TOEFL: 80.0

• PTE: 53.0

• Duolingo: 110

Conditional Admission: Available for applicants who do not meet language proficiency score requirements by completing designated English pathway courses prior to full academic enrollment. Applicants seeking direct admission without language scores must submit valid test results before receiving a final offer letter.

Value: $1,500 – $2,500 CAD (automatically applied after Day 10 of the term).

Award Breakdown:

70% – 79% average: $1,500 CAD

80% – 89% average: $2,000 CAD

90% – 100% average: $2,500 CAD

Eligibility Criteria:

Open to all nationalities.

Must be enrolled in Year 1 of an eligible degree program across any Conestoga campus (Fall, Winter, or Spring terms).

Minimum 70% admission average required.

Exclusion: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) students are ineligible.

Maintenance Requirement: Continuing students must maintain a minimum 70% Program Weighted Average to retain funding.