Veterinary Assistant Certificate
At a Glance
Get a Paws-itive Start to Becoming a Vet Assistant
Carroll’s Veterinary Assistant training program, taught by experienced Veterinary Technicians, provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills essential for entry-level roles in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and other animal care facilities.
Approx. Number of Hours/Months:
149 hours/4-5 months
Schedule:
Program starts in October**
Program Cost:*
$2,565; Tuition Assistance Available
What You’ll Learn
This 4-course series provides an introduction to the veterinary profession, preparing you to enter the field of veterinary care to support veterinary technicians and veterinarians.
Participants gain essential skills in:
- Office & client relations
- Outpatient care
- Diagnostics & pharmacy
- Patient care and treatment
- Anesthesia & surgery
- Emergency care
Financial Assistance
Curriculum
The curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience. **NOTE: This program includes a clinical practicum component that is completed outside of classroom hours and may require a daytime and/or evening schedule.
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.
I would not have been able to rise to every challenge, achieve my dreams, and literally save lives had it not been for everything I learned at Carroll Community College.
Why Choose Carroll’s Veterinary Assistant Program?
- Fast & Affordable: Gain job-ready skills in just 5 months or fewer, without going into debt.
- Real-World Experience: Learn from instructors who have years of practice in the veterinary industry.
- Industry-Aligned Curriculum: Our program is shaped by industry experts, ensuring you learn the skills employers are looking for right now. View our Advisory Boards.
Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for veterinary assistants is projected to grow much faster than average over the next decade. Employment in this field is expected to increase by 19% between 2023 and 2033, compared to a 4% average growth rate across all occupations. This significant growth reflects the expanding role of veterinary services in today’s economy.
In terms of numbers, the profession is expected to grow from approximately 118,200 jobs in 2023 to about 141,100 jobs by 2033. This increase will generate an estimated 25,800 job openings each year, which include both new positions created by industry growth and replacement needs as workers change careers or retire.
For individuals interested in entering the field, these projections point to a strong and stable outlook. Veterinary assistants will continue to play a vital role in supporting animal health and well-being, making this a promising career choice for those who want to combine hands-on care with the growing demand for pet services.
- What is the difference between a Veterinary Assistant program and a Veterinary Technician program?
Our Veterinary Assistant program can be completed in five months, with students being awarded a Workforce Training Certificate. A Veterinary Technician program is a multi-year commitment resulting in a degree. Carroll Community College does not currently offer a degree in Veterinary Technology. - Which class should I register for first?
Students should register for all 4 courses at the same time: Preparation for the Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Assistant Training I, Veterinary Assistant Training II, and Veterinary Assistant Training III. - Where and when does the course meet?
Classes are held in-person at our campus in Westminster during daytime hours. During Veterinary Assistant Training III, externship hours will vary. - How does the externship work?
Students are responsible for securing their own clinical externship from a list of recommended sites. This 50-hour externship will be supervised by the clinical site and a dedicated clinical supervisor at the College. Hours will vary according to the site’s needs and may include evening, weekend, and holiday hours.
- What is the average salary for Veterinary Assistants?
The average wage for Certified Health Coaches is $17.94 per hour. (Wages are based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are estimates only.) - Is financial assistance available for this program?
Yes! This program is eligible for tuition assistance.
Get Started Today
410-386-8100 | wbce@carrollcc.edu | Building A, Room 115
*Unless noted, cost does not include any required textbooks and related materials, applicable licensing fees, background check fees, testing fees or prerequisite courses.