- Level
- 1-Year Post Secondary Certificate
- CIP code
- 51.0808
- Duration
- 1 year college certificate including a clinical pl
- Open intake
-
Off-shoreSep 2027
- Field
- Health and Medical Sciences
- Institution
- Public College
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
Program overview
A one year certificate supporting veterinary practice, covering animal restraint and handling, clinic reception and records, basic laboratory procedure, surgical preparation and client communication.
College Certificate - Veterinary Medical Assistant is recorded at CAD 28,985, which is high for a one year certificate and higher per year than the two year Veterinary Technology diploma.
College Certificate - Veterinary Medical Assistant is taught at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton. NAIT is a PUBLIC polytechnic, which matters here: at a public institution the Canadian field of study requirement applies only to non degree credentials, and College Certificate - Veterinary Medical Assistant is a one year college certificate rather than a degree. Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility for College Certificate - Veterinary Medical Assistant therefore depends on the programme sitting in an eligible field when you apply, and that list is revised. Confirm it in writing before you pay a deposit. The study permit application for College Certificate - Veterinary Medical Assistant also requires an Alberta attestation letter.
Candidates for College Certificate - Veterinary Medical Assistant present Grade 12 or Class 12 at 50 percent. The English requirement is IELTS 6.0 with 6.0 in every band, and tuition for College Certificate - Veterinary Medical Assistant is recorded at CAD 28,985 a year with a CAD 150 application fee. No scholarship is recorded against College Certificate - Veterinary Medical Assistant. College Certificate - Veterinary Medical Assistant lists three September entry windows, in 2026, 2027 and 2028. Apply Study Visa manages the College Certificate - Veterinary Medical Assistant application, the deposit, the letter of acceptance and the Canadian study permit as one process.
What it costs per year · indicative
Living cost is an estimate; tuition is the institute's published international fee. We confirm exact, current figures before you pay anything.
Do you qualify?
These are the published minimums. Whether your profile fits — with your marks, gap and budget — is exactly what a free counsellor check confirms.
Admission requirements
Who can apply (guide for international students):
- Education: Grade 12 or Class 12 at the percentage stated for this programme.
- English: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with 6.0 in every band; TOEFL iBT 80 with at least 20 in every section; PTE Academic 58 overall with no component minimum; or the Duolingo English Test at 115.
- Application and deposit: An application fee of CAD 150 applies. Confirm the tuition deposit and its refundability in writing before any money is transferred.
- Scholarship: No scholarship is recorded against this programme. Budget the full tuition.
- Work permit: College Certificate - Veterinary Medical Assistant is a one year college certificate rather than a degree, so the Canadian field of study test applies and Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility must be confirmed in writing for your intake before you commit. No spousal open work permit arises, because that needs a master programme of 16 months or longer and NAIT awards none. An Alberta attestation letter is required with the study permit application.
- Study permit: Apply Study Visa handles the Alberta attestation letter, the study permit application and the biometrics appointment with you.
English requirements
Documents you'll need typical · we confirm yours
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets and certificates
- Bachelor's degree marksheets & final certificate
- English test scorecard (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) or MOI certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Updated CV / resume
- Financial proof — bank statement / loan sanction + GIC
- Passport-size photographs
- Study-gap affidavit or work-experience letter (if applicable)
Getting documents right is the #1 reason applications succeed or get refused — our team checks every file before submission.
Career opportunities
Typical destinations for graduates:
- Veterinary Medical Assistant: small animal and mixed practices
- Clinic Assistant: veterinary hospitals
- Animal Care Attendant: shelters and boarding facilities
- Reception and Records Officer: practice administration
- Practice Coordinator: after experience
- Further Study: the Veterinary Technology diploma at NAIT
Reality check: the two year Veterinary Technology diploma leads to a regulated technologist role while this certificate leads to an assistant one, so compare them directly before applying.
About Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
- Type
- College
- Ownership
- Public
- Rating
- ★ 4.5
- Established
- 1962
- Reference No.
- O18713200642
