July 22, 2025 | British Columbia

If you’re passionate about animals and ready to start a rewarding career in animal care, becoming a veterinary assistant is one of the fastest ways to get started. But before enrolling in a program, you’re probably wondering: how long is a veterinary assistant program in Canada? The answer depends on where you study and the type of training you pursue, but the good news is you can often be job-ready in less than a year. In this blog, we’ll explore the typical length of veterinary assistant programs, what’s included in the curriculum, and why the Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma at CDI College is one of the most efficient and effective ways to enter the field. 

Typical Length of Veterinary Assistant Programs in Canada 

Most veterinary assistant programs range from 6 months to 1 year. These programs are designed to give you the hands-on training and essential skills needed to work in veterinary clinics, shelters, and animal hospitals. The Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma at CDI College is a 40-week program, or approximately 10 months, including a practicum placement. This makes it one of the most comprehensive and career-focused options available. 

Why Program Duration Matters 

A well-structured veterinary assistant program should offer a balance of:  
 

• In-class theory and learning  
• Practical lab work  
• Industry certifications  
• Supervised practicum experience 
   

A program that is too short might not cover everything you need to know, while longer programs may be more than what’s necessary to enter the field. CDI College’s 40-week diploma strikes the perfect balance long enough to ensure you’re fully trained, but short enough to get you into the workforce quickly. 

What’s Covered in a 40-Week Program at CDI College? 

The Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma is structured into classroom terms and a final practicum. 

Topics include: 

• Animal Anatomy and Physiology 
• Veterinary Medical Terminology 
• Animal Behaviour and Restraint 
• Nutrition, Pathology, and Preventative Medicine 
• Surgical Preparation and Assisting 
• Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Procedures 
• Veterinary Office Reception and Client Communication 
   

Certifications: 

• WHMIS 2015 
• Standard First Aid with CPR-C and AED 
• DOGSAFE® Canine First Aid 

Practicum: 
 

• A 120-hour placement in a veterinary clinic or animal care setting 
• Supervised by experienced professionals 
• Real-world experience before graduation 
   

How Does This Compare to Other Animal Care Careers? 

To give some context: 
 

• Veterinary technicians must complete 2–3-year college programs and pass licensing exams  
• Veterinarians require 6–8 years of university education, including veterinary education.  
• By contrast, veterinary assistants can begin working in under a year, making it one of the most accessible careers in the animal health field. 

Can You Work While Studying? 

Some students continue part-time work while enrolled in full-time programs, especially during the in-class portions. CDI College also offers flexible delivery options at certain campuses to accommodate different schedules. However, the practicum component is usually full-time and may require daytime availability. 

Why Choose CDI College? 

CDI College’s Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma is a strong choice for students who want:  

• A focused, job-ready education in less than 1 year  
• Hands-on training from industry-experienced instructors  
• Real-world practicum experience  
• Industry-recognized certifications  
• Career services support to help find employment after graduation 

Whether you’re starting fresh or changing careers, it’s a time-efficient and practical way to enter the animal care industry. 

Final Thoughts 

So, how long is a veterinary assistant program? If you choose the right one, like the Veterinary Health Care Assistant Diploma at CDI College, you can complete your training in just 40 weeks and start working with animals shortly after. With real-world experience, certifications, and comprehensive instruction, you’ll graduate ready to thrive in a clinic, shelter, or animal care facility. If you’re ready to make your passion for animals your profession, reach out to CDI College and start your journey today.