Veterinary Sciences

Veterinary Sciences Centre

More animal training opportunities than any other college

Based at our beautiful Haileybury campus, Northern’s veterinary programs are designed to give you extensive real-world experience with domestic, laboratory, farm, and even wild animals.

Our sprawling 10,000-square-foot Veterinary Sciences Centre features state-of-the-art equipment and labs—including a surgery suite, exam and therapy rooms, a grooming salon, a dog run, kennels, and an underwater treadmill.

With a constant stream of animals arriving from local shelters and other facilities, students and staff work side-by-side to provide a full range of 24/7 veterinary services—and to ensure that every rescued animal gets a clean bill of health before heading off to its forever home.

What’s more, all of our programming options are layered, and that means you can earn multiple certificates and diplomas—including specialized qualifications offered exclusively at Northern. And all this within a two-minute walk from our vibrant campus residence.

Animal Grooming

When pet pampering is your guilty pleasure

At Northern, we get theopportunity to work hands-on with animals, and that gives us an advantage when looking for work after graduation. I already have some experience with animals which many employers are looking for. Amy N. -Student

Northern’s one-year Animal Grooming program will set you up with the knowledge and technical skills you need to thrive in a pet store, grooming centre, veterinary clinic—or even as the owner of your very own shop.

At our on-campus kennel, you’ll learn how to handle and care for companion animals of all sizes—and when to turn to a vet or trainer for backup.

You’ll hone your customer service skills—with pets and humans alike. And, from classic cuts to the latest trends, you’ll master every aspect of grooming.

What’s more, if you enrol in the Veterinary Assistant program, you’ll graduate with a double certificate that’s guaranteed to give you an edge in the field.

Companion Coinpanion Animal Rehabilitation

Help injured animals get back on their feet

As they age, our pets have the same needs we do. And whether they’re recovering from an injury, surgery or simply need to lose weight, rehabilitation is key.

This is an ever-growing branch of the animal health industry. And, once you’ve completed our two-year Veterinary Technology training, Northern’s Companion Animal Physical Rehabilitation program will give you the critical skills you need to dive in.

With its strong focus on specialized patient care, this one-year graduate certificate will prepare you to help dogs and cats live life to the fullest— with minimal pain and discomfort.

It will also give you a critical advantage in the workplace. After all, your sought-after skill-set will expand the range of services offered within a veterinary practice. And that will make a significant impact on a lot of lives – including those of well-loved pets.

Veterinary Assistant

Turn your love for animals into a career

If you dream of working with animals full-time, then your future starts here. Northern’s Veterinary Assistant program is a one-year certificate that lays the foundation for a great job—and it’s also the gateway to your continuing animal education.

You’ll learn to prepare medication, counsel clients on patient care, and assist with lab work and surgery prep. And—under the direction of a vet—you’ll learn how to safely handle animals, provide basic care, and use physical restraints, as required.

You’ll also become a pro in the office — answering calls, booking appointments and taking care of business. And that all adds up to you claiming your place as a valued team member at a kennel, shelter, grooming facility, municipality, veterinary company, and more.

Veterinary Technician

Animal lovers wanted for a lifetime of quality care

I completed the veterinary assistant program before doing the veterinary technician program. The professors are amazing! They want you to succeed, and want to watch you walk across the stage at graduation. Katrina S., Student

Northern’s Veterinary Technician program is a accredited two-year diploma that will set you up for a front-line job at a zoo, animal shelter, research facility, and more.

You’ll learn how to manage a veterinary practice. You’ll acquire the expertise to counsel clients about optimal pet nutrition. And you’ll become a pro at measuring vital signs, performing basic exams, and administering meds as prescribed by a vet.

Along the way, you’ll also learn to recognize the behavioural signs of small animals, and even explore triage, lab work, anesthesia, surgical assistance and prophylactic dental procedures.

Veterinary Technology - Wildlife Rehabilitation

On the front lines of critical care

I chose Northern because of the small class sizes, the placement opportunities and the large amount of bursary money available for students. Sarah L., Student

The only one of its kind in Canada, Northern’s Veterinary Technology Wildlife Rehabilitation program is an three-year advanced diploma that will transform your passion for animals into a career helping orphaned, injured and ailing wildlife.

After two years of the Veterinary Technician program, you’ll specialize in year three—honing your care, nutrition and technical skills.