Veterinary Assistant Certificate
At a Glance
Our Veterinary Assistant certificate workforce training program is taught by experienced Veterinary Technicians, covering such topics as laboratory tests, drug therapy, radiology procedures and more.
Approx. Number of Hours/Months:
149 hours/5 months
Program Cost:**
$2,565
Est. Hourly Wage:*
$13-19 per hour
Min. Occupational Requirements:
None
Veterinary Assistant Job Overview
Veterinary assistants support veterinary technicians and veterinarians in a small animal hospital environment. Their duties may include providing customer service, processing lab specimens, prepping animals for surgery, monitoring medications and radiology logs, setting up and tearing down surgical suites, autoclaving instruments and communicating effectively between the vet and the pet owner.
Most veterinarian practices operate under normal business hours, but some are open weekends and require overnight hours.
Licensure/certification earned
None.
Financial Assistance
Curriculum
View all current course offerings. Not all courses are offered within every term schedule.
Begin your journey to become a veterinary assistant with this essential preparatory course. Required for all students entering the veterinary assistant program, this course covers key foundational skills including problem-solving, effective written and verbal communication, medication mathematics, confidentiality, professionalism and ethics. Gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in both the classroom and clinical setting.
Gain a comprehensive introduction to veterinary medicine. Explore the veterinary profession, focusing on office and client relations, client history taking, and exam room procedures. Key topics include animal handling techniques, basic anatomy and physiology, vaccines and immunizations, and physical examination procedures. Learn about various laboratory tests, the use of microscopes, common veterinary drugs, and radiology techniques. Prerequisite: Professional Preparation for the Veterinary Assistant.
Gain expertise in veterinary assistant inpatient care and clinical procedures. Topics covered include patient medication, animal nutrition, fluid therapy, and therapeutic techniques. Develop essential skills for surgery and emergency care, such as anesthesia, surgery preparation, first aid, emergency procedures, CPR, and critical care. Prerequisite: Veterinary Assistant Training I.
Observe and practice the skills you have learned in this hands-on, individually scheduled clinical externship. Receive practical training in preventive medicine, nutrition, husbandry, animal behavior, handling and restraint, medical management, and laboratory techniques under the direct supervision of veterinary staff. Reliable transportation is required, and availability on weekdays, weekends, and holidays may be necessary for successful completion. Prerequisite: Veterinary Assistant Training I and II.
Additional Information & Program Requirements
This course includes a clinical practicum component that is completed outside of classroom hours and may require a daytime and/or evening schedule.
Get Started Today
410-386-8100 | wbce@carrollcc.edu | Building A, Room 115
*Wages are based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are estimates only.
**Unless noted, cost does not include any required textbooks and related materials, applicable licensing fees, background check fees, testing fees or prerequisite courses.