Fleming College Launches Ontario’s First Immersive Veterinary Technician Program with Clinical Training Beginning Week One
Fleming College is expanding its School of Health and Community Services with the launch of a new accelerated Veterinary Technician (VT) program, designed to address Ontario’s growing shortage of veterinary professionals. The program is the first of its kind in the province to offer on-site clinical training starting in the first week of study, made possible through a strategic partnership with the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS).
Delivered in an accelerated format, the program allows students to complete four consecutive semesters, enabling graduates to enter the workforce significantly sooner than traditional veterinary technician programs.
“Our new Veterinary Technician program reflects Fleming’s commitment to innovative, career-ready education that responds directly to labour market needs,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Interim President of Fleming College. “Through our partnership with the Peterborough Humane Society, students gain immediate access to real clinical environments from day one. Combined with advanced simulation technologies and industry placements, graduates will leave Fleming highly skilled and ready to meet employer demand.”
Experiential learning is central to the curriculum, bridging foundational theory with immersive, hands-on practice. Students begin their clinical education at PHS during their first week and use Fleming’s state-of-the-art simulation technologies to safely develop and refine essential skills before working with live animals. The program also includes a 150-hour professional placement in an animal care setting, allowing students to broaden their experience and apply their skills in real-world environments.
Instruction is delivered by experienced faculty, including Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and Registered Veterinary Technicians, who bring current industry knowledge and mentorship into the classroom. The curriculum prepares students for diverse career paths across private practice, emergency and specialty hospitals, zoos, research laboratories, and animal shelters.
Students will build core competencies in patient assessment, anesthesia monitoring, surgical preparation, dentistry, diagnostic imaging, and pharmaceutical administration, supported by a strong foundation in animal anatomy, behavior, and nutrition. Graduates of the program will be well equipped to deliver safe, compassionate, and high-quality veterinary care.
Applications are now open for Fleming College’s inaugural Veterinary Technician cohort, beginning September 2026. Prospective students are encouraged to apply before the equal consideration deadline of February 1, 2026. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.
For more information or to apply, visit flemingcollege.ca/programs/veterinary-technician.
