Veterinary Technology

Diploma

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A veterinary technologist is a valuable member of the animal health-care team who performs a large range of tasks, such as nursing, diagnostic procedures and client interactions, to assist veterinarians in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease in animals. The program focuses on practical skills used in both small and large animal practices, including lab work, x-rays, anesthesia and medical and surgical nursing.

Upcoming Intakes

Select your preferred intake to see relevant program information. Program details, including tuition and course information, may vary by intake.

Selection Start Date Delivery Mode Time Campus Length Domestic Status International Status
Sep. 02, 2025 (Fall) In-person Weekdays - Daytime Main 2 Years (Full-time) Closed Open
 
             
 

Swipe table to view more information for each intake.

Delivery Mode

  • In-person - All your class activity will be delivered in person, on campus.
  • Online - All your class activity will be delivered online.
  • Hybrid - Your classes will be a mixture of in person and online learning. You must be able to come to campus and participate remotely online.
  • Your choice - Your program offers a variety of class delivery options (in person, online, or a mixture of both) and you can select which type of classes to take. If you wish, you can complete your entire program either in-person or online.
  • HyFlex - All your classes are delivered for simultaneous participation in person and online. You can choose daily to attend your classes in person or join remotely online.

Time

  • Your choice - You can select class times and days that fit your schedule. There are a variety of class options for you to choose from including daytime, evening, weekdays or weekends.
  • No set time - No set class days or times, content is access on-demand. You can complete your studies on your own schedule within the scheduled class dates; may have set due dates and deadlines.
  • Evenings & Weekends - Classes are scheduled after 5 p.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends.
  • Weekdays - Daytime - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start before 6 p.m.
  • Weekdays - Evening - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start after 6 p.m.
  • Weekends - Classes are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.

Campus

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at this campus location.

View Campus Map

Length

  • Full-Time - This is the standard length to complete the program, with a full course load per term.
  • Part-Time - Students follow a structured schedule of classes so they can progress in their studies part-time while balancing everyday life.

Domestic Status

The program availability status for domestic applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

International Status

The program availability status for international applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Limited - For international applicants, the program intake is now only available if you already have a valid study permit.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

Credit programs that accept international applicants also meet the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, including programs with a Hybrid delivery mode. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

Hands-on, industry-relevant training

You can expect to spend, on average:

  • 30 hours per week attending classes over the course of a semester
  • 15 - 20 hours per week studying and completing class assignments

You’ll train in NAIT’s Animal Health Clinic, which provides basic veterinary services for dogs and cats owned by NAIT staff and students. It’s here where you’ll receive hands-on experience in procedures that include spays and neuters, vaccinations and teeth cleaning.

As a Veterinary Technology student, you must handle ill or injured animals of all shapes and sizes. You’ll travel to farms and animal hospitals and treat more than just dogs and cats. To be successful in this program – and career – having a genuine interest in the treatment of all animals is a must!

Work Experience/ Co-op Opportunities 

Students in good academic standing have the opportunity to participate in a 15-week paid co-op position. This allows our students to gain valuable hands-on experience in a real workplace while earning a salary. For more info on this program's work experience placements, please visit this page. 

Animal Health Student with a dog

Canine Animal Blood Bank

For more than 10 years, NAIT has helped provide necessary blood products for dogs in need of transfusions.

59 donors raised $3,280 to support this project.

This project ended on Oct 30, 2018.

NAIT animal health instructor takes skills to Cambridge Bay

Elaine Degrandpre joined 3 Edmonton-based veterinary professionals at Nunavut Arctic College, donating her time and talent to vaccinate, deworm and provide blood tests for northern pets.

Alumni Profile: Kristen King

NAIT alum Kristen King (Animal Health Technology '15) provides a glimpse into her role at Wild North and rehabilitating injured wildlife so they can be returned to their habitat.

Career Outcomes

The Veterinary Technology program is accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.

Graduates are eligible to write the Veterinary Technician National Exam. Graduates must successfully complete this examination and be members in good standing with the Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association (ABVTA) and the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) to gain employment in Alberta.

Job Opportunities

Industries

Private Veterinary Practices, Animal Research Facilities, Zoos

Median Starting Salary

The expected starting salary for individuals with a(n) Veterinary Technology Diploma is $43,680.
This salary information was based on graduate data from the past 3 years and reflects annual salaries for graduates who claimed they were working more than 30 hours per week. Graduates who quoted salaries below $10,000 and above $200,000 per year have been excluded. Note that NAIT publishes the median salary instead of the average to minimize the potential of outlying salaries distorting the mean. Data represented here may differ from other data sources due to differences in definition or differences in timing.

Grad Employment Rate

Employment rates are reported by NAIT alumni, are for information purposes, and do not guarantee future employment opportunities. Please note that data for newer programs may not be included within this report.

Download report

Take your career planning to the next level

This program can be used as a step toward earning higher credentials and/or certifications.

Further education at NAIT

Once you complete your credential, explore the programs below to specialize further or develop management skills.

Further education at other institutions

Graduates may receive transfer credits to the following programs:

  • Bachelor of Science - Human Science, Athabasca University
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Animal Science major, University of Alberta
  • Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, University of Lethbridge
  • Bachelor of Technology, Memorial University of Newfoundland
  • Bachelor of Applied Management, University of New Brunswick
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, St. Matthew's University School of Veterinary Medicine, Cayman Islands
Other Opportunities

Both the Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association (ABVTA) and the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) offer continuing education courses at different locations throughout Alberta.

Graduates may become members of the North American Association of Veterinary Technicians, which also hosts numerous continuing education events.

Post-secondary articulation agreements within Alberta are approved by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT). To view the details of specific agreements, please visit transferalberta.ca or contact articulations@nait.ca For questions regarding transfer agreements or to obtain a course description/outline that is no longer available on our website, please contact articulations@nait.ca.

Build your resume before you even graduate

Explore work experience opportunities that help grads get hired even sooner.

View Work Integrated Learning

Work Experience Placements

Students in this program gain valuable work experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with relevant work-based learning. The WIL placement in this program is a Clinical Placement.

Clinical Placement

A Clinical Placement involves work experience under the supervision of an experienced registered or licensed professional (e.g. preceptor) in any discipline that requires practice-based work experience for professional licensure or certification. Practica are generally unpaid and the work is done in a supervised setting.

Duration 6 weeks
Compensation No
International Students Co-op Work Permit required
Placement Identified By Program Staff - Students are placed with employers by the program.
Student Interview Required No
Benefits of a Clinical Placement
  • Understand more about career opportunities, expectations and requirements of the professional field
  • Gain the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world environment
  • Create networking opportunities in your chosen industry
  • Develop and improve communication, interpersonal and employment skills
  • Gain confidence in your professional skills
  • Practice job placement skills including job search, resume preparation, interviewing
  • Explore career options and program specialization within the industry
  • Improve application for future positions by gaining industry experience and increasing your employability
  • Possibility of employment after graduation
  • Potential financial benefits if the placement is paid
What you can expect during your Clinical Placement

Animal Health training will be continued at a veterinary site performing various procedures in accordance with the clinical outcomes. This clinical provides the students with an orientation to the profession and opportunity to apply concepts, procedures, and patient care while directly supervised by a registered veterinarian or registered veterinary technologist. Additionally, students acquire experience in professional behaviour and critical thinking skills.

Contact

Courses and Advanced Credit

Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.

Advanced Credit

You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).

Transfer Credit

In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:

  • You must have completed the course or program no more than 5 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
  • You must have a minimum mark of C in the course(s) or program

Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.

Tuition & Fees

This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.

The tuition and fee amounts are estimates based on current academic year's rates. For financial planning purposes, please use these totals as an approximate estimate of your costs. Actual fees may vary by term and enrolment activities. Please refer to the tuition and fees page for more detailed information.

Tuition

Cost Per Credit: $159.00

View international tuition for upcoming intakes

How much does first year cost?
Domestic cost estimate
International cost estimate

Mandatory Fees

View fee listing and breakdown

Pay Your Tuition & Fees

Books, Supplies & Program Fees (est.)

Level 1 Term 1: $1,150
Level 1 Term 2: $475
Level 2 Term 1: $525
Level 2 Term 2: $175


Scholarships & Awards

NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!

Learn how to apply for awards

Admission Requirements

This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.

Minimum entrance requirements

 

The specific academic requirements you must meet to be considered for admission. Where applicable, the minimum accepted Alberta high school courses are listed in round brackets ( ). Equivalent or higher-level courses are also accepted.

  • 63% in each of
    • Grade 12 Language Arts (English 30-2)
    • Grade 12 Mathematics (Math 30-2)
    • Grade 12 Biology (Biology 30)
    • Grade 12 Chemistry (Chemistry 30)
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency

Additional requirements & considerations

Post-admission requirements

 

Although not required for admission, you must meet the following requirement(s) in order to progress in your program.

  • Verification of Work-Related Hours and Experience - Requirement

The Verification of Work-Related Hours and Experience form showing 40 hours of related work experience is required prior to the program start date for students who have been admitted to the Veterinary Technology (VT) program. Forms should be completed and signed off by a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) working under the direction of a registered Veterinarian. Applicants may complete their work related hours at one or two veterinary clinics within 3 years of applying to the NAIT VT program. VMA graduates do not have to provide this.

  • Immunization - VMA/VT

It is recommended that students receive immunization against tetanus and diphtheria. Students are required to have rabies immunization prior to on-campus animal labs, which will be arranged through NAIT. Students will receive further information prior to the program start date.

  • Computer Literacy - Basic

Basic computer literacy is required for a successful progression in this course. This comprises, but is not limited to, possessing fluency in basic word processing, spreadsheet creation, and an understanding of email and web best practices.

  • Health Requirement - Physical Ailments

Any prospective students with back, arm, shoulder, wrist or neck problems or significant health challenges should consider their options carefully before applying and are advised to consult with the program.

  • Computer Requirement - General

Students are required to have laptop computers for the duration of their studies at NAIT. This is referred to as BYOD (bring your own device). Exact laptop specifications will be provided to the students upon acceptance.

NAIT provides a wireless environment for all students to use. NAIT students can also utilize the virtual environment (VDI) to access coursework and program-related software both on and off campus.

  • The following activities are encouraged to ensure an adequate understanding of the expectations and duties of the program and profession:
  1. Review of program website
  2. Open House information sessions
  3. Program Preview

Not sure if you meet the requirements?

Learn more about how NAIT evaluates applications, and find resources on how to satisfy admissions criteria.

How applications are evaluated Submitting required documents

Additional options

This program has courses that are available for Open Studies. Open Studies allows you to explore credit courses without applying to a program. It is an opportunity to get a feel for school and what program you want to be in.

Learn more about Open Studies

Dates & Deadlines

 
International
Applications Open:

Aug 01, 2024

 
International
Applications Deadline:

Once program is full

 
Domestic
Applications Open:
Oct 01, 2024
 
Application Deadline:
Once program is full
 
Term Start Date:
Sep 02, 2025

Seats are limited - Apply early! Applications will remain open for at least one month from the open date. If the program/waitlist fill after that date, applications will close.

International Applicants

This program accepts international students.

PGWP Eligibility

This program does not meet eligibility criteria for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) field of study requirement. Students who applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024, are not affected by the new field of study rule and may be eligible for a PGWP.

While graduates are currently ineligible to apply for a PGWP, NAIT still welcomes international students to this program to gain valuable knowledge and skills to pursue your career goals, whether in Canada under another type of permit or in your home country or other international markets.

Co-Op Work Permit

Mandatory Co-op: This program has a mandatory work-integrated learning component. International students must apply for a co-op work permit and have it approved before the start of their work placement.

Learn more about PGWP and explore eligible NAIT programs.

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions. If you are a current or recently admitted student you can find program and course information as well as contact details for your program on the My Program page on the MyNAIT Portal.








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