Veterinary technology diploma
Facts checked 7 September 2026
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Part of the route toVeterinary Technologist·Diploma
A two-year CVMA-accredited polytechnic diploma preparing you for animal surgical nursing, anesthesia monitoring, and veterinary laboratory diagnostics.
Ways to get this paid for
Government money that can cover this course. Check who qualifies before you pay.
Free adult upgrading
FreeGrade 11 and 12 courses and English classes are free at public colleges and school districts. This covers the Grade 11 and 12 prerequisite courses, not the program itself.
Canada Training Credit
Half your tuition back, up to $5,000 in your lifeFederal tax credit. $250 a year builds up from age 26. Claim it on your tax return.
BC Access Grant
Up to $4,000 a yearFor low and middle income students in full-time programs under two years at public schools. Assessed when you apply through StudentAid BC.
THE ROUTE
How this program works, step by step
Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.
The route (8 steps)
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
Step 1 of 8
Grade 11
⏱ 1 school year- Chemistry 11 and Foundations of Math 11 / Pre-calculus 11
- Pre-Calculus 11. Requirement varies by school (Thompson Rivers University, Douglas College). Strictest requirement: C.
- Life Sciences 11. Requirement varies by school (Thompson Rivers University, Douglas College). Strictest requirement: B.
- Academic Prerequisites & Clinic Volunteer Experience
Step 2 of 8
Grade 12
⏱ 1 school year- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
- Grade 12 Biology (Anatomy & Physiology 12) with minimum C+ or B
- English Studies 12. Requirement varies by school (Thompson Rivers University, Douglas College). Strictest requirement: B.
Step 3 of 8
What you need to get in
- 40 to 80 hours of documented volunteer or paid work in a veterinary clinic
- Minimum 80 documented hours of practical veterinary clinic volunteer or work experience
- Admissions interview and reference letters
- Minimum 80 hours of paid or volunteer experience in a veterinary facility
- Candidate questionnaire and reference forms
Step 4 of 8
How to apply
- Apply online through EducationPlannerBC to TRU or Douglas College
- Submit official high school transcripts and documented veterinary clinic hours
- Complete institutional veterinary technology questionnaire and admissions assessment
- Receive competitive admission offer and confirm acceptance by deposit deadline for the September 2027 intake
Step 5 of 8
Veterinary technology diploma
⏱ 2 years- 2 years (4 full-time academic semesters, 75 credits)
- Veterinary pharmacology, anesthesia induction/maintenance, and surgical scrub nursing
- Clinical pathology diagnostic laboratory procedures (hematology, urinalysis, parasitology)
- Veterinary digital radiography, dental scaling/polishing, and emergency triage
- Supervised hospital clinical externship in companion animal or mixed animal practices
Step 6 of 8
Where to take it
⏱ 2 schools in BC- Douglas College — 2 years (About $4,800 per year)
- Thompson Rivers University — 2 years (About $1,700 per level)
Step 7 of 8
Exams and registration after
- Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) administered by AAVSB
- RVT professional registration with the BC Veterinary Technologists Association (BCVTA)
Step 8 of 8
Leads to: Veterinary Technologist
- Explore Veterinary Technologist wages, job outlook, and career pathways
SCHOOLS
Where you can take this(2 schools)
Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.
Tuition changes every year. Confirm on the school's page. Last checked 8 September 2026.