By Diane Strandberg The Tri-City News
Apr 27 2007

Douglas College is committing $200,000 in set-up costs for a new Animal Health Technology program that will help B.C. veterinarians serve the growing pet population.

Faculty are interviewing now for 30 students to start in September at the David Lam campus in Coquitlam.

Animal health technologists are like nurses who assist veterinary doctors during surgery, administer anaesthesia, perform radiology, ultrasound and CT scans, as well as minor surgical procedures with supervision, said Dr. Pauline Chow, one of the instructors.

"It's more than an assistant. They are nurses, highly-trained paraprofessionals," Chow said.

The AHT program will be an intensive, full-time, two-year program offering lab and diagnostics experience with a state-of-the-art clinic and equipment. Once it is fully accredited, students will be eligible to write the Veterinary Technician National Examination and will be able to practise in Canada and many parts of the U.S. as registered veterinary technologists, Chow said.

The program will also provide much-needed vet services for animal rescue organizations that collaborate with the college, she said. Students working in the clinic will be able to treat small animals.

"We are hoping to engage organizations," she said. "We are interested in reaching out to those who are in need."

Students will also visit agricultural institutions and learn about treating larger animals as part of their training. Tuition is expected to be under $10,000 for the two-year program, including books and fees.

Chow said a trust fund is in the works to raise money to make improvements to the clinic while offering people a chance to memorialize animals that have died.

The application deadline is May 1 and more information is available at www.douglascollege.ca/programs/animal-health-tech.