Nova Scotia SPCA College of Animal Welfare
The Nova Scotia SPCA College is committed to providing high quality education to raise standards in animal welfare. Students are taught academic excellence in balance with skills for overall wellness. Students will graduate job-ready with a passion for their industry.
Our programs are an extraordinary educational opportunity because we have optimal small class sizes, experienced and credentialed instructional team and staff, and the ultimate support of the SPCA community, staff, resources and facilities.
The Nova Scotia SPCA College responds to community and business needs to provide excellence in animal welfare education. We are active in supporting and creating a diverse and inclusive workforce in the animal welfare industry.
Veterinary Assistant
Our Veterinary Assistant Program prepares students for a career in the animal welfare industry as skilled Veterinary Assistants (VA). VAs provide outstanding business administration and customer experiences with their knowledge and passion for animal care. VAs skillfully contribute to good working relationships within an entire veterinary team. Their knowledge and skills are transferable to other industries as well as provide a foundation for future career opportunities in management roles.
In this program, you will learn:
- Business Administration
- Customer Services
- Animal Care Attendant
- Veterinary Hospital Reception
- Animal Handling Level 1 & 2
- Animal Nutrition
- Animal Nursing
- Exotic Animal Handling
- Large Animal handling
You will have hands-on experience with an internship (160 hours) at an approved animal welfare business of your choosing.
Start Date of Next Class: September 2023
Expected Graduation Date: August 2024
Length: One-Year Full-Time
Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent and an interview with the program instructor. Mathematics 12 or Mathematics at Work 12 is preferred.
Click here for printable/downloadable copy of the Veterinary Assistant Program Information.
Apply Now!Veterinary Technology
Our Veterinary Technology Program prepares students for a career in the animal welfare industry as Veterinary Technicians. Students will develop skills to assist Veterinarians with the treatment of animals by administering medications, testing blood and other samples, administering anesthesia and monitoring patients during and after surgery. Students will learn ways to work with, and educate, clients and pet owners on how to improve the health and welfare of their animals.
In this program, you will learn:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Animal Behaviour
- Introduction to Veterinary Technology
- Veterinary Sciences
- Clinical Pathology Level 1, 2 & 3
- Pharmacology
- Nursing Level 1 & 2
- Common Diseases
- Surgical Nursing
- Large Animal Nursing level 1 & 2
- Radiology and Advanced Imaging
- Exotics, Wildlife and Laboratory Animal Medicine
- Client Communications and Computer Skills
- Dentistry
- Emergency and Critical Care
- VTNE preparation
You will have hands-on experience with two clinical rotations and a clinical internship (240 hours) at an accredited veterinary hospital of your choosing.
Tuition scholarships are available. Students graduating from the inaugural class with a minimum cumulative average of 85% are guaranteed employment in an SPCA facility in Nova Scotia with a starting salary of $18/hour.
Anticipated Start Date of Inaugural Class: January 2024
Pending approval from the Department of Labour and Advanced Education.
Expected Graduation Date: June 2025
Length: Two-Year Full-Time Program
Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent, 20 hours of volunteering in an animal hospital, animal shelter or animal refuge, interview with the program director including PI cognitive and aptitude tests, three-dose series of rabies vaccines and proof of current tetanus vaccination during or before the first semester.
Click here for printable/downloadable copy of the Veterinary Technician Program Information.
Click here to be the first in line to formally apply!