Willis College
Veterinary Medical Assistant
Train for Your Diploma as a Veterinary Medical Assistant
Program Length:
32 weeks
Credential:
- ON Diploma
Program Hours:
710
Cost per Credit:
$
Online Learning:
Available
Start Dates
August 31, 2026
October 19, 2026
December 7, 2026
Job-Ready
April 23, 2027
June 11, 2027
July 30, 2027
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Train for Your Diploma as a Veterinary Medical Assistant
Start a career that loves you back with one of the most practical veterinary assistant programs in Canada. If you have a soft spot for animals and want a hands-on role in a clinical setting, this program gives you a clear, career-focused path forward.
The Veterinary Medical Assistant (VMA) diploma program combines theory and real-world training to help you build job-ready skills used every day in veterinary clinics. You’ll learn how to support veterinarians and technicians, assist with procedures, manage client communication, and handle the day-to-day flow of a busy practice. For students comparing veterinary assistant programs and vet tech programs, this diploma offers a faster, more direct entry point into the field while still delivering meaningful clinical exposure.
Graduate in less than a year with the confidence to step into a veterinary environment and contribute from day one.
Enroll today and be career-ready in less than a year!
Learn more about the opportunities available for graduates of the Veterinary Medical Assistant program!
$22.00
Average Wage/HR$33.04
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 provides students with the skills needed to work with the Microsoft Office operating system and Microsoft Windows. Students will learn to use the tools and options available in the Windows operating system, manage folders and files, and work with some built-in applications. The Microsoft Outlook portion will give students the skills to compose and send emails, schedule appointments, and meetings, manage contact information, and schedule tasks.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have achieved a core level competency in the Microsoft Excel application. Topics include creating worksheets, formulas, functions, charts, formatting, analysis, templates, and working with multiple worksheets and workbooks.
This course will help students develop the communication skills necessary to function in a professional business setting. There will be a review of grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation as they apply to business communication. Students will complete various exercises with an emphasis on improving basic skills in grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, and apply these skills to writing assignments and tasks.
This course introduces common medical conditions seen in cats and dogs in veterinary medicine. Common conditions of the eye, ear, endocrine, and integumentary system will be examined.
This course introduces the common tasks performed in assisting veterinary medical procedures. Students will learn about Dentistry, Surgery and Anesthesia, Diagnostic imaging, and Laboratory procedures.
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 will introduce proper care and husbandry of common species seen in companion veterinary practice including, dogs, cats, and exotics.
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.
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. Preventative dental care and common dental problems will be discussed.
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 introduces restraint techniques used in veterinary practice to restrain domestic animals safely and effectively for various common procedures. We will discuss categories of restraint and restraint choice, safe handling, and methods of training.
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.
Our Career Management program will introduce and allow students to apply the most effective strategies to achieve employment in the career of their choice. Topics that are covered; effective job search strategies, cover letter and strategic resume writing, effective interviewing skills and interview preparation.
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) – $20.00
High Wage ($/hr) – $30.00
National Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 1414/14101, 6563/65220
Source: noc.esdc.gc.ca & www.jobbank.gc.ca
Admissions Requirements
Admission Requirements:
Canadian High School diploma or equivalent. Willis College 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.
Related Programs
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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:
- Students exploring veterinary assistant programs in Canada need training that reflects the realities of modern veterinary practice. You will build practical skills in patient support, clinic operations, sanitation, communication, and diagnostic assistance. Here’s what you’ll actually learn inside this hands-on veterinary assistant training program:
- Front-Line Patient Support: Learn to recognize clinical signs, assess urgency, and support the veterinary team by helping identify patient needs early. With training in safe patient assessment and handling, you will be better prepared to support timely care.
- Records, Workflow, and Clinic Organization: Build the administrative skills that help clinics run smoothly, including medical records, scheduling, billing, and daily workflow. Accurate documentation and organized systems play an important role in quality care.
- Procedural Preparation and Safety: Train to prepare treatment and surgical areas, maintain sanitation standards, and support infection prevention practices. This work helps create a clean, safe environment for both patients and staff.
- Client Communication and Care Support: Develop the communication skills to guide pet owners through instructions, follow-up care, medications, and dietary changes. Clear communication helps support better care beyond the clinic.
- Diagnostic and Pharmacy Assistance: Gain practical support skills related to medication preparation, lab samples, and diagnostic procedures. These responsibilities help the veterinary team work more efficiently and keep patient care moving.
- For students comparing veterinary assistant programs, this kind of training reflects the day-to-day needs of modern veterinary workplaces.
Why choose the Veterinary Medical Assistant program?
- Start a career in an in-demand industry.
- Turn your love for animals into a rewarding career.
- Lifetime career services!
Save time & money
- Finish most programs and become job-ready in less than a year!
- Get the skills you need to get hired with programs that cut the extras and give you the skills you need to get hired.
- With career support for life with Willis College, our experts will help find you employment no matter how long ago you graduated.
- You don't need three to four years of school to enter the workforce with the skills to start a great paying career!
Exceptional flexibility
- Learn online with instructor-led programs that will prepare you for the career of your dreams.
- On-Campus program availability is also an option for select programs in Ottawa.
- Start school NOW with most program intakes happening every six weeks (no need to wait!)
- No waiting lists, even in our most-popular programs. We'll get you the job training you need to start your career ASAP.
Career-relevant education
- Our programs are programs aligned with real-world, in-demand occupations. We will get you job-ready!
- Most Willis College programs include practicum experience so you can hit the job search running with a great education AND experience.
- Willis College has 160 years of skills training excellence.
- We have real relationships with employers who are waiting to hire qualified Willis College graduates!
Is financing the only thing stopping you from attending school? We can help.
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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