By: Sharon Burkhart, Manager, Corporate Communications, Georgian College

This article begins a new series of monthly columns focusing on the Orillia Campus of Georgian College. It seems fitting to begin with a visit to the Veterinary Technician program.

When I drop in, two second-year students have their hands full working with two very exuberant shepherd-mix puppies.

Since arriving from an animal shelter near North Bay, the puppies have undergone full physical examinations, including blood and urine tests, performed by the students. Today they are being taught to walk on a leash.

Nicole Shellswell of Oro-Medonte is with a puppy named Lulu.

“We try to socialize them more, exercise them, teach them basics like “sit” and “stay”, she explains, while at the same time trying to prevent Lulu from wriggling from her arms.

The partnership with independent animal shelters across central Ontario is a win-win for both the shelters and the College.

“During their three-week stay with us the animals receive complete physical exams and training,” says veterinary technician program co-ordinator Tine Curran. “Students put in practice everything they’ve been learning in the classroom, from animal husbandry skills, to lab-work, to record-keeping.”

At the same time, the work helps to make the animals more adoptable. When they return to their shelters, they’re more likely to find permanent homes.

Since its inception in 2003, the veterinary technician program has become one of Georgian’s most popular. The  new facility on the Orillia Campus has already undergone one major renovation and expansion, just a few years after opening. Every year, 60 new students are welcomed into the two-year program; only a fraction of the 600 who apply.

“There are a number of reasons for the popularity,” says Curran. “Certainly having the new modern facility and equipment is a draw. We also have fantastic and consistent staff – most have been here from the beginning. One of our faculty members is actually a graduate of our first class.”

It’s a measure of the programs success that its students have twice won Georgian’s Governor-General’s award. The award is presented annually to the full-time student with the highest grade average from all programs across all seven Georgian campuses.

Georgian’s Veterinary Technician program is also the only one in Canada promising two semesters of co-operative work experience.

“Often, the second co-op turns into a full-time job when the student graduates,” says faculty member Megan Harris. “The strength of our graduates is tied to their real experience and the co-op placements allow them to demonstrate their competencies.”

Working at the Orillia Campus clinic is also a mandatory part of the students’ education. Whenever there are animals in residence, there must be students to care for them, which means everyone takes turns on evening and weekend shifts to clean, exercise and care for the homeless pets.

The clinic can’t provide services to the public, but the veterinary care provided to the shelter animals operates under the same standards as a regular veterinary clinic. The on-campus clinic is also accredited as a “Good Animal Practice” facility by the Canadian Council on Animal Care.

For most students like Nicole, this program is also a labour of love.

“It’s always a learning experience and I do love the animals,” she says. “Right now, I want to take Lulu home with me. I know I can’t, of course, but I’m happy that my work with her means she’ll have a better chance of finding a home with someone who can care for her.”

PHOTO: (l to r) Veterinary Technician students Nicole Shellswell with Lulu and Rebecca Buck with Hopper.