Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What do veterinary technologists do?
A. VTs mostly work with animals in veterinary practices although some also do research or teach. Most graduates work with cats, dogs and other pets in companion-animal practice while others work with horses and livestock or in a non-practice setting.
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Q. What’s the difference between a veterinary technologist and a veterinarian?
A. The veterinarian makes the diagnosis, the prognosis and decisions about treatment. Veterinarians also perform the surgery and some other specialized procedures. The VT can do most other medical and technical things in a veterinary hospital.
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Q. How can I get an application form and where do I send it?
A. You can get an application from Registry through one of the following ways:

Please do not send your application documents to the co-ordinator.
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Q. When should I apply – is there a deadline?
A. The usual deadline for admissions is the last day of February. Your application will not be processed if it arrives much later then the given date, so apply early.
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Q. How can I improve my chances of being accepted into the VT Program?
A. Get some work experience by volunteering in a veterinary practice. A solid science background, computer literacy, good reading and writing skills are essential. Candidates for this program should also be great communicators.Veterinary technology is not just focused on the love of animals but also client service and true compassion for people. 
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Q. Will a Veterinary Technology Diploma help me get into veterinary college?
A. We do not recommend the Veterinary Technology Diploma as a stepping stone to veterinary college. The VT program does not fulfill the entrance requirements for a veterinary school application. If you are interested in becoming a veterinarian, find out about the Pre-Vet program at NSAC at nsac.ca/pas/programs
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Q. Is the Veterinary Technology Program hard – is there a lot of work?
A. Your day will be full of classes, labs and clinics. There are also extra duties outside of the regularly scheduled hours that include weekend and evening duties. We don't recommend that students work in part-time or full-time jobs during the school year. We also advise against a long commute to the NSAC campus.
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Q. What does a veterinary technologist do in a veterinary hospital?
A. Many of the duties are similar to those performed by nurses and laboratory technologists in human hospitals. VTs are anaesthetist-technicians, X-ray technicians and dental hygienists.
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Q. Do veterinary technologists help treat farm animals and horses?
A. Yes, but there are very few of them working exclusively with large animals in Atlantic Canada. Some work in mixed practices where both small and large animals are treated. In the western provinces there are more employment opportunities with livestock and horses.
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Q. What can veterinary technologists expect to earn in a practice?
A. A recent survey of graduates showed that most VT's start at about $12/hour. Salary increases vary after that. Visit caahtt-acttsa.ca/student_inquiry to view a Canadian salary-survey report.
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Q. Are there plenty of jobs for veterinary technologists in the Maritimes?
A. Job placement for our graduates has always been good. Most members of the graduating class will have jobs by graduation day. NSAC graduates have worked in all provinces and some states.
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Q. Will I be able to find a veterinary technologist job near my home?
A. Be prepared to move to another town or city. Graduates who are not working, are usually those who for some reason cannot move or perhaps don’t want to move.
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Q. Are the salaries in other areas better than in veterinary practice?
A. Salaries are much high In research and teaching. NSAC graduates who have jobs as sales representatives with large pharmaceutical companies or as inspectors with the Federal Government also do very well financially.
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Q. Who can tell me more about the profession?
A. Talk to veterinary technologists and working in veterinary practice. Contact local veterinary hospitals and ask if a graduate VT works there. Or, e-mail the program co-ordinator, Lori Parsons, at lparsons@nsac.ca
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Q. Is there a local association that represents veterinary technologists?
A. Yes, Eastern Veterinary Technician Association (EVTA). This organization represents and registers veterinary technologists in the Atlantic provinces. You can reach them at:
Bev Sutherland – EVTA
146 – East Street (902) 787 - 2531
Port Hood, NS. B0E 2W0
b.sutherland@ns.sympatico.ca
evta.ca
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Q. How will I know if a career as a veterinary technologist is right for me?
A. Find out about veterinary medicine and the veterinary technology profession. The more questions you ask before you apply, the more likely you are to make a decision that is right for you. Come and visit the campus and talk to our students and staf - they're always happy to help.
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Q. Are there high school credits that I must have to get into the VT Program?
A. Yes, at this time the minimum entrance requirements are as follows:
High school graduation with an average of at least 60% in:
Biology, Chemistry, English, Pre-Calculus Math, and one other course, at these levels: NB: 120, 121. NFL: Academic 3. NS: Academic 12 PEI: Academic XII
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Q. I graduated from high school many years ago; do I need all of those courses?
A. If you are over twenty-three years of age NSAC may classify you as a mature student. Your application will be reviewed on an individual basis and you may not need to have all of the usual required courses.
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Q. What happens in the selection process?
A. All applicants come to a mandatory one-day session at NSAC. There is a tour of our facilities to make sure that you are well-informed about the VT Program and the career.There will also be a questionnaire, a short interview and an online aptitude test. You can not study for this particular test.
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Q. What happens to the scores from the tests and the interviews?
A.The scores from the questionnaire, the interview, your academic background and the tests and a score for related work-experience are all used to form a ranked list. Applicants are offered places in the VT Program based on their standing in the list.
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Q. I already have two years at university; will I get credit for these courses?
A. It is unlikely that your degree credits will meet any of the transfer requirements.The courses in the Veterinary Technology program will be largely directed towards the career.
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Q. Can I transfer courses from another Veterinary Technology Program?
A. It will depend on what the courses were and what their content consisted of. You may be asked to take tests on the material to prove your competence. Please do not rely on transfer credit for courses you have already taken.
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Q. I’ve heard about shorter programs for Veterinary Assistants. What are they?
A. There are several programs in Canada that typically take about eight months.Their students usually learn more office skills and nursing procedures than a Veterinary Technologist. The graduates may work in veterinary practices as receptionists and assistants.
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Q. Will I get any credit for my certificate from a Veterinary Assistant program?
A. We will have to look at the course content and you may be asked to take tests before you are given credits. Again, please do not rely on transfer credit for courses you have already taken.
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