Why study Veterinary Technology at Dal?

Start your career caring for animals.

Do you want to become an integral part of a veterinary medical team? The Veterinary Technology program at our Agricultural Campus in Truro, N.S. will get you there. This program is accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association so you’ll be prepared to work as a technician with practicing veterinarians, researchers and other professionals who work with animals in medical or scientific environments. You will also gain the knowledge to provide critical care, including anesthesia.

While our focus is on small animal private practice, you’ll be exposed to a variety of species including livestock, equine, exotics and lab animal species while you study here. This will give you entry-level skills wherever your career takes you.

What will I learn?

In this two-year diploma program, you’ll take a variety of courses in animal medicine and nursing, clinical exercises and pathology, anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology. To reflect the majority of employment opportunities in Atlantic Canada, the program is oriented mainly towards companion animals. However, you'll also learn about large animal practice, lab animals and alternative pet medicine. 

We’ll provide opportunities for you to learn outside the classroom through an off-campus externship at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown, P.E. and in general veterinary practices. You can also work in our on-campus animal clinic, where you’ll learn the skills required to be successful in a companion animal veterinary practice.

Sample courses:

• Animal Medicine and Nursing I to IV
• Clinical Exercises I to IV
• Companion Animal Behaviour

Visit the Academic Calendar to view degree options and course details.

Download the Veterinary Technology Fact Sheet [PDF -1.5Mb]

Careers and future study

Our program will prepare you to enter a veterinary practice as a technical assistant. You'll be a core member of the veterinary medical team, impacting the lives of animals and their families each day. You’ll have diverse responsibilities depending on the type of practice you work in, which may include the following:

• nursing
• animal husbandry
• surgical assistant
• laboratory diagnostics
• reception
• client education
   

You may also choose a rewarding career working in animal shelter management, animal research in universities and for private companies, veterinary teaching and sales for veterinary supply companies. You could also find employment with a zoo or in the wildlife rehabilitation field. Future studies may include completing a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) or a Bachelor of Science in BioVeterinary Science

Admission requirements

Undergraduate admission requirements vary based on your previous education and your intended program of study at Dalhousie. Candidates who meet the academic requirements may be invited to write an aptitude test.

Learn about our admissions requirements, book a campus tour, or connect with an advisor if you have questions about your eligibility for admission.

View admission requirements

Ready to apply?