The Diploma in Animal Health & Veterinary Sciences (Dip. AHVS) prepares students to be competent entry-level practitioners in veterinary support services and animal health care. A practice-oriented curriculum emphasizes technical skills, applied knowledge, and workplace readiness to meet the needs of agricultural and community-based animal health systems. Students gain hands-on experience through skills laboratories and supervised clinical practice, developing the ability to support veterinarians and contribute to animal welfare, hygiene, and biosecurity.
Graduates are prepared for employment as veterinary assistants, animal health technicians, and support staff in municipal services, farms, shelters, and local veterinary clinics. The diploma program also serves as a recognized pathway qualification, enabling graduates who meet progression requirements to apply for advanced standing into the Bachelor of Science in Animal Health & Veterinary Sciences. This progression route provides motivated learners with the opportunity to expand their academic and professional scope into more advanced veterinary and animal health roles.
Program Duration:
Accreditation:
NA
Admission Requirements:
- High school graduation certificate or equivalent approved by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education with a minimum average of 60%, plus one final year Mathematics, and successful completion of final year of two of three science courses (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) with a minimum grade of 60%.
- The required score on the University English Placement Test or a passing score from another approved internationally recognized English language test, as validated by the Admissions & Registration Directorate; OR
- A valid (within two years) IELTS Academic Test Report Form with an overall band of 5.0 with no individual band score (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) below 5.0; OR
- Successful completion of the Foundation Year in Health Sciences.
- A minimum of 60% on the University Math Placement Test; OR
- A valid SAT Report Form with minimum score of 480; OR
- Successful completion of the Foundation Year in Health Sciences.
- Admission is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked based on their overall final year (Grade 12 or equivalent) high school percentage, placement test rankings, and admission priority category.
2026-2027 Study Plan:
| COURSE NUMBER |
COURSE TITLE | REQUISITE | HOURS/WEEK | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-req | CO-req | CR | LEC | LAB | ||
| SEMESTER 1 | ||||||
| BIOL1100 | General Biology | - | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| BIOL1101 | General Biology (Lab) | - | BIOL1100 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| COMM1010 | English Communication I | - | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| HSVS1000 | Introduction to Veterinary Technology | - | - | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| HSVS1110 | Animal Production & Health Systems I | - | - | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| MATH1010 | Algebra & Trigonometry | FMAT1000 OR AMPI Score of 60% | - | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Semester 1 Total: | 14 | 12 | 7 | |||
| SEMESTER 2 | ||||||
| BIOL1030 | Biochemistry & Microbiology | - | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| BIOL1031 | Biochemistry & Microbiology (Lab) | - | - | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| BIOL1230 | Animal Anatomy & Physiology I | BIOL1100 | BIOL1231 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| BIOL1231 | Animal Anatomy & Physiology I (Lab) | BIOL1101 | BIOL1230 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| HSVS1200 | Animal Welfare & Ethics | HSVS1110 | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| HSVS1210 | Animal Production & Health Systems II | HSVS1110 | - | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| HSVS1220 | Laboratory Skills & Biosafety | - | - | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Semester 2 Total: | 16 | 12 | 12 | |||
| SEMESTER 3 | ||||||
| BIOL1330 | Animal Anatomy & Physiology II | BIOL1230 | BIOL1331 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| BIOL1331 | Animal Anatomy & Physiology II (Lab) | BIOL1231 | BIOL1330 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| HSVS1320 | Animal Nutrition & Pharmacology | HSVS1200 | - | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| HSVS1350 | Work Term I | HSVS1200 & HSVS1210 | - | 1 | 0 | 8 |
| Semester 3 Total: | 8 | 5 | 13 | |||
| Year 1 Total: | 38 | 29 | 32 | |||
| COURSE NUMBER |
COURSE TITLE | REQUISITE | HOURS/WEEK | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-req | CO-req | CR | LEC | LAB | ||
| SEMESTER 4 | ||||||
| HSVS2010 | Animal Behavior & Handling Techniques | HSVS1200 | - | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| HSVS2100 | Fundamentals of Disease in Animals | BIOL1330 & BIOL1331 | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| HSVS2110 | Animal Pathology - Foundations of Necropsy Procedures | BIOL1330 & BIOL1331 | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| HSVS2120 | Surgical Nursing for Veterinary Technicians | HSVS1200 | - | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| HSVS2130 | Veterinary Emergencies & First Aid | HSVS1200 | - | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| HSVS2140 | Exotic Animal Handling | HSVS1200 | - | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Semester 4 Total: | 16 | 12 | 11 | |||
| SEMESTER 5 | ||||||
| HSVS2210 | Principles of Anesthesia | HSVS2120 | - | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| HSVS2220 | Small & Large Animal Nursing | HSVS2120 | - | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| HSVS2230 | Animal Imaging | BIOL1330 & BIOL1331 | - | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| HSVS2240 | Animal Dentistry | - | - | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| HSVS2250 | Work Term II | HSVS1350 & HSVS2120 | - | 2 | 0 | 8 |
| Semester 5 Total: | 14 | 8 | 18 | |||
| SEMESTER 6 | ||||||
| HSVS2350 | Work Term III | HSVS2220 & HSVS2250 | - | 4 | 0 | 40 |
| Semester 6 Total: | 4 | 0 | 40 | |||
| Year 2 Total: | 34 | 20 | 69 | |||
| Program Total | 72 | 49 | 101 | |||
Graduate Future Pathways:
Graduates who meet progression requirements may apply for advanced standing into the Bachelor of Science in Animal Health & Veterinary Sciences
Graduate Career Opportunities:
The Animal Health & Veterinary Sciences programs are applied degree programs with learning outcomes closely linked to the labor market. A range of career opportunities in both the public and private sectors currently exist, including but not limited to:
- Veterinary Assistant
- Veterinary Technician
- Surgical Veterinary Technician
- Veterinary Nurse
- Animal Health & Welfare Officer
Program Contact:
