How a Love of Animals Can Lead to a Career in the Veterinary Field

Meet Nicole Hodgson, Veterinary Medical Assistant Instructor

For Nicole Hodsgon, a career in the veterinary field began with a simple love of animals, but it quickly grew into something more. As she began working in the industry, her curiosity took hold. She wanted to understand not just how things were done, but why. That drive to learn more about veterinary medicine evolved into a passion for sharing knowledge and helping others discover how they, too, could build a meaningful future working with animals. 

With experience as a Veterinary Technician and prior college-level teaching experience, joining Willis College as an instructor for the Veterinary Medical Assistant program felt like a natural next step. For her, teaching is where curiosity, compassion, and real-world experience come together. 

A Classroom Where Curiosity Is Welcome

From day one, Nicole sets the tone for her classes: questions are encouraged, curiosity is valued, and learning is a shared process. She believes that asking questions is essential to becoming a confident veterinary professional, and she works intentionally to make sure that students feel comfortable speaking up. 

Even in an online environment, Nicole creates a classroom that feels welcoming and supportive. Students consistently describe her as approachable, patient, and genuinely invested in their success. 

“Nicole explains lessons in a clear, step-by-step way that makes even complex topics easier to understand,” one student shared. “She connected what we’re learning to real veterinary situations, and her patient, encouraging approach makes it feel comfortable to ask questions and learn with confidence.” 

From Uncertainty to Confidence

Many students enter the Veterinary Medical Assistant program feeling unsure or nervous, something Nicole reminds them is completely normal. As the weeks go on, routines become familiar, understanding deepens, and confidence begins to grow.

This transformation is one of Nicole’s favourite parts of teaching. She sees students start to trust their abilities and take pride in how far they’ve come. 

“Nicole has made me feel prepared for the real world by sharing practical skills and real-life experiences from the veterinary field,” one student shared. “She emphasizes professionalism, proper procedures, and teamwork, which helped me understand what’s expected in a real clinic and gave me confidence that I can succeed.” 

Making Online Learning Feel Personal

Nicole approaches online teaching with intention, knowing that meaningful learning happens when students feel seen, supported, and connected. 

A typical class often begins with a lighthearted animal video to break the ice, followed by a review of previous material and an in-depth discussion of the day’s topic. Nicole then walks students through the upcoming graded work, ensuring expectations are clear and questions can be addressed in real-time. 

Hands-on learning remains a priority. Through skills videos, presentations, client communication assignments, and scenario-based work, students gain practical experience that prepares them for real veterinary practice. This learning culminates in an in-person placement, where students apply their skills in real-world settings. 

“Even though the program is online, it never feels impersonal, “ one student noted. “Nicole makes sure everyone understands the material and feels comfortable participating.” 

Preparing Students for the Realities of the Field

Some of Nicole’s favourite courses to teach include Vaccination and Sanitation, as well as Animal Handling and Restraint. In these courses, students learn about common diseases, preventive care, low-stress handling, and proper restraint techniques across various species. Nicole considers these skills foundational and everyday essentials of being a successful Veterinary Medical Assistant. 

Throughout the program, students explore a wide range of topics including anatomy and physiology, medical conditions, parasites, nutrition, dentistry, and office procedures. Nicole helps students understand not just what to do, but why it matters. 

She also guides students through emotionally challenging topics such as euthanasia and compassion fatigue. While difficult, these discussions are deeply meaningful, helping students learn how to navigate the realities of the veterinary field with professionalism, empathy, and self-awareness. 

Support That Extends Beyond the Classroom

When Nicole reflects on what makes her proudest, it’s seeing students grow into confident professionals. “It’s watching students work hard throughout the program, then step into the workforce with confidence and purpose,” she says. Hearing from graduates who have landed roles they once dreamed about is one of the most rewarding parts of her work. 

Her support doesn’t end when class does. Nicole is known for being responsive, available, and willing to meet one-on-one with students who need extra guidance. Whether she’s clarifying an assignment, offering feedback, or supporting a student through a challenging placement experience, she shows up when it matters most. 

As one student put it simply, “No question is a dumb question, and Nicole makes sure you actually feel that way.”

Lessons That Last Beyond Graduation

If there is one thing Nicole hopes students carry with them long after graduation, it’s the confidence to ask questions and the commitment to always do their best. “The veterinary industry can be demanding,” she says, “but it’s also incredibly rewarding.”

By the time students graduate, many feel prepared for real clinic environments, confident in their skills, and supported by the knowledge that learning doesn’t stop once the program ends.

One student summed it up simply: “She made me feel like I was part of something.”

Join a Program That Supports You

For anyone considering a career in veterinary medicine, instructors like Nicole make all the difference. At Willis College, students are supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow into confident, capable professionals. As Nicole often reminds her students, “No question is a dumb question. I want you to feel confident and curious every step of the way.”

Ready to start your journey in veterinary care? The Veterinary Medical Assistant program at Willis College is designed to help you build real-world skills, gain confidence, and learn from instructors who truly care about your success.

Learn more about the VMA Program or apply today.