Willis College
Veterinary Medical Assistant
Turn Your Love for Animals Into a Meaningful Career
Online (Remote Classes)
Program Length:
32 weeks
Program Hours:
710
Credentials:
- ON Diploma
Study Options:
- Online
Start Dates
Online
October 19, 2026
February 8, 2027
March 29, 2027
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Turn Your Love for Animals Into a Meaningful Career
The Veterinary Medical Assistant program prepares students for rewarding careers supporting veterinary teams in animal clinics, hospitals, and care facilities. Through a combination of flexible online learning and hands-on practicum experience, students develop the practical skills, medical knowledge, and professional confidence needed to succeed in a fast-paced veterinary environment.
Students will learn the fundamentals of veterinary anatomy and physiology; common medical conditions in cats and dogs; animal handling and restraint; veterinary pharmacy; nutrition; sanitation; and diagnostic procedures. The program also emphasizes veterinary office administration, client communication, appointment scheduling, medical records management, and compassionate client care — all essential skills in modern veterinary practice.
In addition to clinical and administrative training, students gain valuable experience using Microsoft Office applications and develop workplace-ready communication, organization, and customer service skills. A supervised practicum provides real-world exposure to veterinary clinic operations, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a professional setting while building industry experience and confidence.
Designed for animal lovers, career changers, and students seeking a meaningful and practical career path, this program helps graduates become job-ready professionals prepared to support both animals and the veterinary teams who care for them.
$23.00
Average Wage/HR$33.16
High Wage/HRNational Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 1414/14101, 6563/65220
Source: noc.esdc.gc.ca & www.jobbank.gc.ca
Program Outline
Please click on the course title to see the course description.
This course introduces restraint techniques used in veterinary practice to safely and effectively restrain domestic animals for common procedures. We will discuss categories of restraint and restraint choice, safe handling, and training methods.
This course will introduce proper care and husbandry of common species seen in companion veterinary practice, including dogs, cats, and exotics.
This course introduces the basics of animal nutrition and dental procedures for cats and dogs. Regulation of the pet food industry, toxic foods to avoid, dietary needs throughout the life stages, and how veterinary diets are used. Preventive dental care and common dental problems will be discussed.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have achieved a core-level competency in Microsoft Excel. Topics include creating worksheets, formulas, functions, charts, formatting, analysis, templates, and working with multiple worksheets and workbooks.
This course helps students develop the communication skills required to succeed in a professional business environment. It includes a review of grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation as they apply to business communication. Through targeted exercises and writing assignments, students will strengthen their foundational skills and apply them to a variety of practical tasks.
This course introduces common medical conditions seen in cats and dogs in veterinary medicine. Common conditions of the eye, ear, endocrine, and integumentary systems will be examined.
This course introduces basic administrative skills to provide excellent client care in a veterinary practice. Learners will practice basic administrative skills to prepare them to assist clients with inquiries in person, by phone, or by email. This will include learning how to properly maintain medical records, booking appointments with proper triaging, and handling difficult situations (euthanasia, angry clients, etc.).
This course will introduce common veterinary terminology and basic anatomy and physiology in cats and dogs. Students will learn about the digestive, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems.
This course will introduce common internal and external parasites of cats and dogs that are typically seen in veterinary practice. Topics will cover parasite classification, diagnosis, and treatment.
This course introduces common medical conditions seen in cats and dogs in veterinary medicine. Topics examined in this course include common urinary diseases, reproductive diseases, neurological diseases, tumors, and cancers.
Students will be introduced to word processing using Microsoft Word. Topics include creating, saving, printing, opening documents, using reveal codes, formatting, mail merge, file management, and tables.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have achieved a basic level of competency in the Microsoft PowerPoint application. Topics include creating slides, formatting slides, transitions, animations, and delivery.
This course will introduce common veterinary terminology and basic anatomy and physiology in cats and dogs. We will review special senses and body structure.
This course introduces the infectious diseases we vaccinate dogs and cats for and sanitary procedures to help prevent nosocomial infections in a veterinary practice.
This course introduces basic administrative skills to provide excellent client care in a veterinary practice. Learners will practice basic administrative skills that will help prepare them to assist clients with inquiries in person, over the phone, or by email. This will include learning how to properly maintain medical records, booking appointments with proper triaging, and handling difficult situations (euthanasia, angry clients, etc.).
This course introduces common medical conditions seen in cats and dogs in veterinary medicine. The class will discuss clinical signs, diagnosis, treatments, and common diseases of the various body systems.
This course will introduce common veterinary terminology, as well as basic anatomy and physiology in cats and dogs. Special focus in this course will be applied to the Urinary system, Nervous system, Reproductive system, and Musculoskeletal system.
This course introduces basic pharmacology, various drugs used in veterinary medicine, and accurately dispensing medications for patients. Filling prescriptions, refill requests, common medications including antibiotics and steroids will be discussed. Communication of medication instructions to owners is a key component of this course.
This course equips students with the tools and strategies to transition into the workforce effectively. It covers resume and cover letter development, job search strategies, interview preparation, professional networking, and the ethical use of AI tools to enhance employability. Students will learn to market themselves professionally and build confidence as they enter competitive job markets.
Students will complete their practicum in an animal care setting and can expect to be involved with clerical duties, record keeping, telephone reception, billing, assisting Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians with various duties. Client care, cleaning, and all daily tasks associated with an animal care facility.
Job Market
Successful graduates of this Veterinary Assistant program may choose from a wide variety of animal care and clinical work environments, such as
- Veterinary Offices
- Veterinary Surgical Clinics
- Veterinary Emergency Medical Clinics
- Pet Daycare Centers
- Animal Shelters
- Zoo or Wildlife Care
Salary Information
Average Wage ($/hr) – $23.00
High Wage ($/hr) – $33.16
National Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 1414/14101, 6563/65220
Source: noc.esdc.gc.ca & www.jobbank.gc.ca
Admissions Requirements
Academic Admission Requirements:
Canadian High School diploma or equivalent. Willis College’s Admissions Team uses the Wonderlic assessment tool.
For Mature Students
Applicants without a high school diploma may qualify under Mature Student Status by meeting the following criteria:
- Age: Must meet provincial minimums (18 in ON; 19 in the rest of Canada), verified via government photo ID.
- Assessment: Achieve minimum cut-off scores on the securely proctored Wonderlic test.
- Prerequisites: Satisfy all program-specific and language proficiency requirements.
For full details, see the Willis College Mature Student Admissions Policy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Many veterinary assistant programs cover the basics, but this program is built to prepare students for the pace and expectations of a modern veterinary practice. In addition to clinical support skills, students develop experience in workflow, records, sanitation, and client communication, giving them a broader understanding of how a clinic operates day to day.
Students often compare this diploma to vet tech programs in Canada when exploring their options. Vet tech programs typically lead to more advanced clinical responsibilities like anesthesia monitoring, diagnostic imaging, and surgical support.
This Veterinary Medical Assistant program focuses on patient handling, clinic support, and client communication, making it a strong option for those looking for a shorter, practical path into the veterinary field without the longer time commitment required for vet tech certification.
Yes. Many students looking into veterinary assistant programs want training that goes beyond classroom instruction. Hands-on learning is an important part of preparing for work in a veterinary environment. Students have the opportunity to build practical skills in a setting that reflects real clinic expectations, helping them become more familiar with workplace routines, team support, and the level of care required in day-to-day practice.
This program is an excellent fit for:
- Animal lovers who are looking for an entry-level career in veterinary care and want hands-on work with pets and animals.
- Veterinary clinic support staff (such as receptionists or kennel attendants) who are looking to expand into more clinical, hands-on responsibilities.
- Recent high school graduates who are looking for a practical, job-focused program that leads quickly to employment in the animal care field.
- Mature students seeking a rewarding second career with a balance of medical knowledge, office work, and animal care.
- Career changers who are looking to transition into a stable, hands-on healthcare-adjacent role without committing to long-term post-secondary education.
Why choose the Veterinary Medical Assistant program?
- Train for Both Clinical and Administrative Responsibilities: Graduate with the versatile skills to support animals, veterinary professionals, and front-office clinic operations.
- Study Online with Hands-On Experience: Complete your coursework online, then apply your skills during a four-week practicum in an animal care setting.
- Complete Your Diploma in 32 Weeks: Prepare to enter the veterinary care field through a focused, career-oriented program completed in less than a year.
- Develop Skills Veterinary Clinics Need: Learn animal handling, client service, medical terminology, pharmacy support, record keeping, and veterinary procedures.
- Prepare for a Range of Animal Care Roles: Pursue entry-level opportunities in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, shelters, kennels, and other animal care environments.
What You'll Learn
- Animal Handling & Patient Care: Learn to safely handle, restrain, and care for cats, dogs, and other companion animals during examinations, treatments, and routine procedures.
- Veterinary Anatomy & Medical Knowledge: Build foundational knowledge of animal anatomy, physiology, common diseases, parasites, vaccinations, nutrition, and medications.
- Clinical & Procedural Support: Develop skills to assist veterinary teams with dentistry, surgery, anesthesia, diagnostic imaging, laboratory procedures, and sanitation.
- Veterinary Pharmacy: Learn the basics of veterinary medications, prescription preparation, refill procedures, and communicating dosage instructions to pet owners.
- Veterinary Office Administration: Gain experience with appointment scheduling, medical records, billing, triage, client inquiries, and the daily operations of a veterinary clinic.
- Client Communication & Practical Experience: Build compassionate communication skills for supporting pet owners, including during difficult situations, and apply your training during a supervised practicum.
Why You'll Love Willis College
- Industry-Aligned Programs: Career-ready curricula designed alongside top employers to ensure your skills match current market demands.
- Instructor-Led, Applied Learning: Hands-on training taught by industry experts who bring real-world knowledge, mentorship, and practical insight into the classroom.
- Flexible Learning Pathways: Tailored study options—in-person, online, or hybrid—that fit your lifestyle and meet you where you are.
- Personalized Small-Class Support: Dedicated guidance and encouragement in smaller group settings where you are a person, not a number.
- Accessible Funding Assistance: Direct support navigating student loans, grants, scholarships, and flexible payment plans to make your education attainable.
- Lifetime Career Services: Continuous job-search support and career counseling to help you transition smoothly from the classroom to the workforce.
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What Our Graduates Are Saying
"Willis College is so flexible for students. My program allowed me to complete all my courses online. I got to choose when I wanted to attend my live lectures, which was incredibly helpful around my daily life. This program made it possible for me to pursue a career as a single mom."
Taylor McElroy
Veterinary Medical Assistant Graduate