Veterinary Assisting
Program Length: 750 Hours
Program Objective:
The objective of the Veterinary Assisting program is to provide students with the education and hands-on training needed to prepare for employment as veterinary assistants and animal care professionals. The program develops technical skills in animal care, veterinary procedures, laboratory practices, safety, and workplace professionalism.
The program prepares students for employment in the veterinary assisting industry through classroom, laboratory, and hands-on learning experiences. Content includes animal care and husbandry, animal anatomy and physiology, animal behavior, handling and restraint, grooming, veterinary terminology, laboratory procedures, parasitology, preventive health care, sanitation and biosecurity, nutrition, safety, and employability skills.
Students learn to safely handle and care for animals while developing the technical, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professional skills necessary to work in veterinary and animal-care environments.
The program also emphasizes the safe and proper use of veterinary equipment, tools, supplies, and laboratory materials, as well as workplace safety, sanitation, infection control, and professional practices.
- 16 years of age or older
- Not currently enrolled in a K–12 program
- High School Diploma or GED from an accredited institution
- Occupational interest in veterinary assisting and animal care
The entire program consists of 750 hours and is divided into three Occupational Completion Points (OCPs):
| OCP | Course | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A | Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers 1 | 450 |
| B | Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers 2 | 150 |
| C | Veterinary Assistant | 150 |
| Total Hours | 750 |
Students progress through the program while developing skills in animal care, veterinary assisting, laboratory procedures, safety, and professional workplace practices.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates may pursue employment opportunities in a variety of animal-care settings, including:
- Veterinary Assistant
- Animal Care Assistant
- Veterinary Hospital Assistant
- Animal Shelter Assistant
- Kennel Assistant
- Laboratory Animal Caretaker
Veterinary assistants may work in veterinary hospitals and clinics, animal shelters, laboratories, animal care facilities, zoos, and other animal-care environments.
Employment Requirements
Veterinary assistants work under the supervision of veterinarians and other veterinary professionals. Employers may look for candidates who have completed an approved veterinary assisting program and demonstrated competency in animal care, safety, restraint, sanitation, and veterinary procedures.
Students may also have the opportunity to pursue Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) industry certification upon meeting applicable certification requirements.
Salary
Information is not available.
- 750 HOURS x $2.56= $1,920.00
- PLUS: Approved class fees: $621.00 (see cost breakdown below)
- FVMA Certified Veterinary Assisting (CVA) Certification Exam = $295.00
- Liability Insurance = $11.00
- Clinical Insurance = $75.00
- Health Requirements Tracking (Tetanus Immunization Verification and Clinical Compliance) = $18.00
- Lab Fee = $100.00
- Drug Test/Background Screening = $122.00
Tuesdays -Thursdays: 3:30 pm – 8:30 pm
