Location
Start Dates

  • January 09, 2025
  • September 02, 2025
Duration

2Terms

Course Delivery

  • Face to Face - Synchronous
  • Online - Synchronous
  • Online - Asynchronous
  • Blended - Synchronous
  • Blended - Asynchronous
  • Off-site
Tuition & Fees

Domestic: CAD $6,352
International: CAD $15,734
Estimated Book Costs: CAD $1,200

Not all courses may be offered in each delivery modality each semester.

The maximum course load for Fall or Winter semester is five (5) courses. Taking less than five courses for Fall or Winter term will take longer to complete the program. If taking condensed courses in the Spring/Summer term, the recommended maximum course load is two (2) condensed courses plus one (1) full-term (Spring/Summer) course. Students may elect to register in any combination as long as no more than two (2) condensed spring or summer courses are taken at the same time.

Note: Students can maintain full time status with at least three courses.

Program Description

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 Academic Advising Team to assist with your program planning. 
For courses with scheduled final exams, they are required to be completed in person or at an approved invigilation site.  

Course Listings Request More Information Applying FAQ
Domestic Applicants

Welcome Centre
South Campus – Main Floor
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-1402


International Learner Applicants

International Education
international@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-3476


Admission Requirements

Academic 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 Admissions Test
 
English Language Proficiency Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, please review English language proficiency requirements.

Related Links



Domestic Applicants

Welcome Centre
South Campus – Main Floor
info@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-1402


International Learner Applicants

International Education
South Campus – Main Floor
international@bowvalleycollege.ca
403-410-3476


Employment Rate

93%


Training Related Employment Rate

67%


Based on Bow Valley College's Graduate Outcome Survey 2024.

"This program helped me land my dream job! I had always wanted to work in a veterinary clinic and Bow Valley College helped me transition to this new career where I have a dual role as a surgery technician assistant and a customer service team member. "

Ashley Bell

Veterinary Office Assistant Graduate

Course Listing


Full course outlines are available here.

Curriculum subject to change.

Students may complete the courses in any order subject to prerequisites.

Term 1

Required CoursesCredit

Learners examine interdisciplinary roles and responsibilities needed to be successful in an administrative support role within healthcare. Through an exploration of wellness, resilience, communication, teamwork, diversity, and reconciliation, learners apply strategies to enhance self-awareness and workplace relationships.

In this course learners are introduced to Canadian health care system structure, legislation, and information systems. Learners explore how the principles of safety, confidentiality, privacy, and security apply to the health care setting.

Medical Terminology introduces learners to industry accepted language and conventions in health care. This course provides learners an opportunity to interpret and apply commonly used medical terms, symbols, and abbreviations.

This course is an introduction to the health management of canine and feline companion animals. Learners begin with an exploration of canine and feline anatomy and physiology. Nutrition, common health issues, and preventative strategies are examined across the different life stages. It is recommended that HUCL1401 is taken concurrently when enrolling in this course.

The administrative role of the veterinary office assistant includes several tasks that relate to finance in the veterinary clinic. Learners develop knowledge and skills related to payroll, inventory management, invoicing, pet insurance, and communicating with clients about financial matters. Learners use veterinary management software to demonstrate inventory management and financial transactions.

Term 2

Required CoursesCredit

This course enhances a learner's confidence in business communication skills, preparing them for a professional career. Learners use strategies and techniques to develop effective communication while using digital tools. Through practical exercises focused on real-world dynamics, learners also develop interpersonal skills essential for today's workforce. Learners are required to participate in groups for developing collaborative competence.

This course is aimed at providing a hands-on learning experience with a Windows operating system and computer applications (Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) used in a business environment. Learners will develop skills and gain experience to create business documents, navigate, consolidate, and analyze data across multiple worksheets, manage professional communications, and create electronic presentations.

Learners examine the scope of practice of the Veterinary Office Assistant (VOA) from a clinical skills perspective. Learners examine laboratory diagnostics, procedures, and tools. Preparation and maintenance of the clinical environment and the role of the VOA in preparing and caring for patients are demonstrated. Learners explore how to recognize emergency situations as they present at a veterinary clinic. The use of pharmaceuticals in the veterinary office is also discussed.

This course will introduce the learner to canine and feline body language, how animals may behave in different settings including, shelters, hospital exam rooms, hospital treatment rooms, and kennels. This course includes how to read and interpret body language in these stressful environments. The learner will practice how to handle these animals for a variety of procedures, minimizing stress and maximizing safety for patient and handler.

Learners explore the role and responsibilities of the Veterinary Office Assistant (VOA). The focus is on developing verbal and written communication, reception management, client care, and administrative skills. Additionally, learners examine the role of the VOA in scheduling and supporting clients during euthanasia appointments. Learners use veterinary management software to implement administrative tasks throughout the course.

EARN AT LEAST 3 CREDITS FROM THE FOLLOWING COURSES. CreditStudents must complete all program courses before completing a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Course. WIL courses are completed in a condensed format over 6 to 8 weeks starting at the end of the second term.

In this course, learners apply the skills learned throughout their program to develop potential solutions to real-world problems faced by industry and community. Learners have the opportunity to demonstrate applied research, critical reflection, communication, and presentation skills while providing a viable, evidence-based, practical response to an identified need.

In this course, learners have the opportunity to participate in meaningful community service along with instruction and critical reflection to enrich the learning experience and strengthen communities. Learners work in partnership with a community-based organization(s) to apply their disciplinary knowledge to a challenge identified by the community.

In this Field Placement course, learners in the veterinary office assistant program can transition from the academic to the professional world by applying knowledge and skills learned in previous courses to real-world projects and activities. Learners have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of being a professional and learn about current workplace expectations while connecting with community and industry partners.

Program FAQs

The Veterinary Office Assistant Certificate is a program that prepares graduates to provide effective office administration in animal-related environments such as veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, SPCA, veterinary supply companies, or animal shelters. This program focuses on competency in office administration including computer skills, scheduling, records, and financial management. Additional learning specific to veterinary and animal environments includes veterinary terminology and the day-to-day functioning of a veterinary office. This program includes training in select clinical skills to prepare graduates for additional tasks that may be carried out in the veterinary clinic, including the cleaning and sterilization of instruments, and animal handling. 

 

People entering this profession are expected to facilitate the smooth operation of the veterinary office including dealing with and addressing the concerns of the public. Veterinary Office Assistants must be able to work effectively as part of a team and work well under pressure. They also need to have excellent communication, multi-tasking, and time and task management skills. A genuine interest in animals and their well-being is also essential.

 

There are over 200,000 dogs and cats in Calgary and surrounding areas. These pets are served by many veterinary clinics and animal health related organizations that could offer potential employment to graduates. Veterinary Office Assistants typically find work in a variety of veterinary clinics, veterinary specialist and emergency centres, kenneling facilities, humane and rescue societies, pharmaceutical corporations, and pet insurance agencies.

 

The Alberta Government provides up-to-date information on Alberta’s occupational profiles including wage and salary information. Click on the link to find out more. 

Alberta Learning Information Services: Occupational Profile

 

Yes. The Chiu School of Business has many learners that return as adults and bring excellent life and work experience skills to their learning and new careers. Job opportunities for program graduates are significant regardless of age. Employers seek candidates who demonstrate maturity and sensibility.

 

 

Planning your course schedule according to availability and prerequisites requires some consideration.

Academic Advisors can assist with program planning once you are a registered student in a Chiu School of Business program.

Click on the link below to find out about Computer Requirements. 

Computer Requirements

Some courses might require additional software or applications packages. You will be given this information before starting the course.

 

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