The practice-oriented course is unique in that it emphasizes the training of students on how to:

• provide daily care requirements for small and medium sized animals in a humane and responsible way
• apply the standard operating procedures for maintenance of animal facility and animal’s immediate environment.

Students could also learn through collaborative training with the Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital.  Veterinary techniques that are commonly performed on small and medium sized companion animals like dogs and cats would be learnt through hands-on sessions and attachment in the veterinary clinics/hospitals. Other examples include anesthesia and surgery preparation or diagnostic tests. Technical training and knowledge in cell and molecular biology are also incorporated as part of the training programme so as to give versatility to those students who want to do animal-related research work. To give them the competitive edge, process skills like time and stress management and problem solving skills are incorporated into the curriculum. The overall training prepares students well for the workforce.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Applicants with complete Colour Appreciation Deficiency are not eligible to apply.

* SPM/UEC holders must have a minimum of Grade 6 for their Bahasa Inggeris (Paper 122/Paper 322)/ Communication English or English Language (for UEC holders).

See also the minimum entry requirements for:

• International Students

The cut-off point for the Veterinary Technology course in 2007 was 10. The cut-off point is to be used as a guide only as it may vary from year to year depending on the aggregate scores and number of students applying for the course. The cut-off point is the aggregate of the last student admitted to the course and is generated by the computer after it has completed allocating a course to all students who participated in the Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE).

All applicants will have to go through the Joint Admissions Exercise. Graduates from the Veterinary Technology diploma course have been granted exemptions of up to 2 years for the Degree in Veterinary Technology at the University of Queensland. Before the new Diploma in Veterinary Technology Course was offered, a Veterinary Science Option under the Diploma in Biotechnology Course was offered to students interested in animal care and management. Our graduates from the course have been admitted into second year of the degree programme in Biological Sciences at NTU. Others have gone into the second or third year of overseas degree programmes in Australia depending on the students’ overall diploma results. Examples of degree programmes offered include Biotechnology, Biomedical Science, Veterinary Science, Animal Biology/Science, Marine Biology and other science disciplines.

Graduates from this option would become veterinary technicians or animal technicians in the veterinary and biomedical science industry. However, you can apply for a degree in Veterinary Science with this diploma too. One of our graduates who applied for a Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science at Massey University, University of Sydney and University of Melbourne was offered places by all three universities. Two other diploma graduates have also been offered places for similar degree programme in veterinary science at the University of Melbourne and University of Queensland. Read about how a student's dream came true.

For a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology degree programme, the University of Queensland grants up to 2 years of exemption for our graduates provided that their overall diploma results is B+ and above. This means you could graduate with a degree in Veterinary Technology in 1 year if you are given 2 years of exemption. You could also apply for a degree in Animal Biology/Science at Murdoch University with exemptions or  animal or marine biology related programmes at other universities but the exemptions granted would be worked out by them on an individual basis.

Biomedical Science focuses on human healthcare. This includes clinical diagnostics, clinical research, pharmaceuticals (R&D, Manufacturing, QA / QC and Sales & Marketing) and pharmacy practice. Students are equipped with knowledge and skills in human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, immunology, pathology and pharmacology. Those who read the BMT option will focus on applied subjects like Haematology, Blood Banking, Clinical Chemistry, Histological Techniques, Molecular Genetics and Laboratory Management & Quality Assurance. Others who choose the PST option will read applied subjects such as Introduction to Pharmacotherapeutics, Good Dispensing Practice and Pharmacotherapy, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology, Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Pharmaceutical Analysis.

The Biotechnology course offers greater emphasis on preparing students for work in research. It equips students with skills and knowledge in cell and molecular biotechnology, genetic engineering, plant and animal cell technology, bioinformatics, analytical biochemistry, and laboratory animal science and technology - all of which are important for investigative research. Graduates usually proceed to work in various research / tertiary institutions, hospitals, speciality healthcare centres and biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Although our Veterinary Technology course also equips students with cell and molecular biotechnology for research, the emphasis of the course is more on animal care and management (including disease diagnosis and treatment) at animal facilities in tertiary and research institutions as well as pet shops, veterinary assistance for work in veterinary clinics/hospitals or pre-clinical trials in contract research organizations.

All three courses train students to do research but at different levels.

Both Biotechnology (BIO) and Biomedical Science (BMS) have subjects that deal with DNA, but BIO has more subjects that are related to DNA than BMS.

You do not need to have a diploma to be a zookeeper. However, if you are keen to learn about animal behavior, physiology, nutrition and other aspects of animal care and health, then the Diploma in Veterinary Technology would be the course to go for.

For our Diploma in Biotechnology, one would mainly learn knowledge and skill sets related to cell and molecular biotechnology as well as specialised areas of biotechnology for application in biomedical and other scientific research eg proteomics, gene cloning, tissue engineering, drug discovery and development. The course would also equip you with skills to handle and care for animal research models in a responsible way. You would also learn laboratory safety and management.

For the Diploma in Veterinary Technology, one would learn knowledge and skill sets for biomedical research, clinical diagnostics, animal care and management including animal health and diseases as well as laboratory / veterinary clinic management.

“I jumped at the chance to take this course at TP because it combined my two loves - biological research and animals. At the same time, it seemed to be the most practical course to take because Singapore has its own niche in veterinary and research science which means I can easily start a career here.”

Ethan Goh
Level 3 student

“I am attracted to the subjects on animal handling and care that the programme offers. This is the reason why I chose to come here.”

Desmond Tan
Level 1 student