July 15, 2025 | British Columbia

If you love animals and dream of making a real difference in their lives, starting out as a veterinary assistant can be a rewarding first step. But what if your goals reach even higher? What if you picture yourself someday becoming a veterinarian? You’re not alone in wondering, “Can a veterinary assistant become a vet?” The answer is a resounding yes, but there’s a journey involved. This blog explores how starting your career as a veterinary assistant, especially through programs like the Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma at CDI College in British Columbia, can set the stage for eventually becoming a fully licensed veterinarian in Canada. 

Understanding the Difference: Assistant vs Veterinarian 

Let’s clear up the roles first: 
 

• Veterinary Assistants help vets and vet techs with routine animal care, admin work, and facility upkeep. Their duties include feeding, bathing, restraining animals, and managing appointments. 
   
• Veterinarians are highly trained medical professionals who diagnose illnesses, perform surgeries, prescribe treatments, and oversee the full scope of animal care. 

Veterinary assistants are support staff, while veterinarians hold a medical license and often lead the animal care team. 

Why Start as a Veterinary Assistant? 

Starting as a veterinary assistant has a ton of benefits if your long-term goal is to become a vet: 
 

• Hands-on experience: You’ll learn animal handling, client communication, and basic clinical tasks. 
• Build professional connections: Get to know veterinary doctors, technicians, and clinic staff. 
• Discover your passion: Gain clarity on whether veterinary medicine is truly the path for you. 
• Strengthen your application: Vet schools often look for applicants with real-world experience in animal care settings. 
   

Many aspiring vets start out in entry-level roles and gradually build up their education and credentials. 

Bonus Read: How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Canada?   

Educational Pathway: From Assistant to Veterinarian 

Here’s a typical progression: 

1. Complete a Veterinary Assistant Program 

Enroll in a recognized program like CDI College’s Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma. In just 40 weeks, you’ll gain foundational skills in animal care, veterinary terminology, clinical procedures, and administrative support – plus a 6-week practicum in a real veterinary clinic. 

2. Work in the Field 

Start working in a clinic, animal hospital, or shelter. Use this time to: -  

• Gain experience  
• Shadow veterinarians  
• Observe surgeries and treatments  
• Learn more about the veterinary field in action 

3. Complete Prerequisite Courses 

Veterinary schools require specific undergraduate coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. You’ll likely need to:  

• Enroll in a university program (usually a Bachelor of Science)  
• Maintain a strong GPA  
• Continue gaining animal care experience 

4. Apply to Veterinary School 

Apply to Canadian veterinary university. Admission is competitive, so having a solid background as a veterinary assistant can be a real advantage. 

5. Complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) 

Veterinary school takes about 4 years. It includes academic coursework, lab training, clinical rotations, and sometimes internships or residencies. 

6. Pass Licensing Exams 

To practice as a veterinarian in Canada, you’ll need to:

• Pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE)
• Meet the provincial licensing requirements where you plan to work 

From Support Role to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 

Starting out as a veterinary assistant gives you a strong head start. You’ll already be familiar with clinic environments, animal behaviour, and common veterinary procedures. This practical knowledge makes the transition to formal education more manageable. And let’s not forget the connections you built. Many vet assistants form strong mentorships with veterinarians who can offer career guidance, references, and encouragement. 

CDI College: Your Launchpad into Animal Care 

The Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma at CDI College is designed to give students:  
 

• A well-rounded foundation in veterinary care  
• Certifications in WHMIS 2015, CPR-C/AED, and DOGSAFE® First Aid  
• A 120-hour practicum for hands-on learning  
• Flexible learning formats and expert instruction 

It’s an ideal starting point if you want to work in animal care now and possibly pursue more advanced veterinary education later. 

Final Thoughts 

So, can a veterinary assistant become a veterinarian? Absolutely. Many veterinarians begin their journey at the front desk or in the kennels before working their way up. If your dream is to don the white coat and make life-saving decisions for animals, starting as a veterinary assistant is one of the smartest, most strategic first steps you can take. You’ll gain knowledge, confidence, and clarity about the path ahead. And with programs like CDI College’s Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma, that first step is more accessible than ever. 

Ready to begin your journey toward veterinary medicine? Start with CDI College and take the first step into a future filled with purpose, passion, and paws.