Veterinary Technician Student Practicum

About the Role

This practicum placement is designed to give Veterinary Technician students a meaningful introduction to professional practice. You'll work alongside our licensed doctors and technicians, gaining practical exposure to the full scope of veterinary medicine—from routine patient care to advanced procedures in our emergency and specialty departments.

The program is structured around your school's learning requirements, so you'll develop skills at a pace that matches your curriculum. Whether you're rotating through primary care or gaining exposure to emergency medicine, critical care, anesthesia, and surgery, you'll see firsthand how veterinary teams make a real difference in animal health and client relationships.

What You'll Experience

• Hands-on technical skills including venipuncture, IV placement, catheter work, and pain management protocols
• Observation and participation in physical examinations and patient assessment
• Electronic patient record systems and medication tracking workflows
• Exposure to diverse cases that build your clinical knowledge across different animal presentations
• Specialty rotations (for ER/specialty placements): triage, ICU, critical care, anesthesia, and surgical procedures
• Direct mentorship from licensed professionals committed to your development

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a recognized Veterinary Technician program
• Strong client service skills and the ability to build trust with pet owners
• Compassionate approach to animal care
• Team player mentality with strong communication
• Ability to stay calm and focused under pressure
• Self-directed learning and willingness to take initiative

Benefits

• VTNE preparation support to help you succeed on your licensing exam
• Choice of Primary Care or Emergency Hospital placements
• Career development mentorship and exposure to different practice environments
• Career placement assistance upon program completion
• Access to VCA Canada's wellness and appreciation culture

About the Practice

Tri Lake Animal Hospital and Referral Centre is part of VCA Canada, a network committed to delivering exceptional veterinary medicine across multiple practice settings. The practice combines primary care and emergency/specialty services, giving practicum students exposure to the breadth of modern veterinary practice. Located in beautiful Kelowna, BC, you'll gain experience in a community known for outdoor recreation, wineries, and lakes—making it an ideal setting to develop your career while enjoying quality of life.

VCA Canada is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse workplace where people with different strengths contribute to excellence in veterinary medicine. The organization invests in its team's professional development and creates a supportive culture of wellness and appreciation.