Skip to main content

Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary staff member examines a puppy's ear

ABOUT THE VETERINARY ASSISTANT PROGRAM

This Veterinary Assistant program prepares students for a new career in the field of veterinary medicine. Students will learn about the care of animals as well as how to recognize signs of illness and disease. This program also covers interpersonal communication, interaction with clients and their animals, as well as how to assist the veterinarian during examinations. Administrative duties, such as fee collection, banking, and accounts payable are also emphasized to provide the student with the skills necessary to maintaining an efficient front office.  Students will enjoy learning through didactic as well as hands on lab experiences.  This veterinary assisting course is a vital asset to the student who wishes to work in this exciting and rewarding career field.
 
NWCA National Certification:  This program meets the necessary requirements to take the National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Veterinary Assistant (VET) Exam. Exams will be proctored at the completion of the program.

Program Objectives

At the end of this course, students will be able to:
  • Explain how to dissect a medical term in terms of prefix, word root, combining forms, and suffixes
  • Define general medical terms and abbreviations used veterinary medicine
  • Define veterinary medical terms and abbreviations that apply to each body system including those for anatomy, physiology, diagnostic procedures, and pathological conditions
  • Define terms that describe body parts and anatomy specific to various species of animals
  • Define common terms that denote sex, age, birthing, grouping, and descriptions of animals
  • Define veterinary medical terms and abbreviations associated with examination, pharmacology, pathology, surgery, dissection, and laboratory procedures
  • Define specific veterinary terms and abbreviations used to describe canines, felines, equine, ruminants, swine, birds, and other species
  • Explain the foundations of veterinary practice in terms of ethical, legal, safety, practice management, and professional communication
  • Explain the concepts associated with veterinary diagnostics
  • Explain the concepts associated with veterinary therapeutics
  • Explain the concepts for animal nursing care and husbandry for different species

Pricing

Tuition: $2,299  -tuition will include cost of textbooks, lab supplies, and print materials
Exam Fee: $100, and is not included in the tuition.

Upcoming Schedule, click on the class to register:

June 10, 2024 - October 16, 2024 / Mondays and Wednesday 6pm-9pm / Elkhorn Valley Campus

Coming Soon: Registration Details for November/December 2024

If you are interested in funding, visit our GAP website for eligibility and information to apply for funding.  Please keep in mind you need to apply for funding at least 30 days before the start of a class, and there is additional coursework prior to the start date for the program you are looking to enroll in.  Community College GAP program

 

Audience

Individuals who aspire to work as a veterinary assistant in a veterinary practice, animal hospital, farm, animal shelter, kennel, animal daycare, or any other environment servicing animals.

Physical Standards:

Metropolitan Community College complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act and its amendments. If a prospective student who is otherwise qualified requires a reasonable accommodation, he/she should contact the Disability Support Services office at Metropolitan Community College (MCC).
 
In order for students to be successful in the Veterinary Assistant program, they must have a high school diploma or equivalent plus be able to perform the following technical standards.
General Standard Specific Example
Ability to use senses
  • Visual acuity to identify, read, and understand directions in English on equipment and other documents required in animal care such as laboratory procedures and administering medications, sharps, or equipment.
  • Ability to distinguish distance, colors, objects, and persons.
  • Ability to hear sounds and warning signals in training facility, which could lead to an emergency situation requiring some type of proactive or reactive response.
  • Ability to detect and tolerate smells that may unpleasant or indicate a possible danger.
Physical Ability
  • Ability to stand for long periods.
  • Ability to perform moderately physical labor, such as cleaning cages or kennels, restraining animals, and feeding, bathing, and exercising animals.
  • Ability to lift, move, carry, push, and pull at least 35 pounds.
  • Ability to stand and kneel.

Tuition Assistance

These classes and programs are eligible for following tuition assistance programs. Eligibility and funding availability are not guaranteed. For more information on these funding sources and eligibility criteria, visit:

Students and professionals:

Employers:

For more information on this program or to speak with a MCC staff member, submit an interest inquiry form.