Certificate of Achievement in Veterinary Assisting

Students completing this certificate will gain an understanding of the day-to-day of veterinary practice and basic skills that will make them valuable as a member of the veterinary medical or support team. Skills acquired will include basic animal handling, restraint, laboratory specimen collection and testing, pharmacy skills, recordkeeping, nursing care, and client communication. In addition, students will understand and practice sterility and veterinary medical language. This program will also provide a foundation of knowledge and skills for further veterinary education for students hoping to pursue licensure as a registered veterinary technician or veterinary school.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will be prepared for employment in the following jobs: veterinary receptionist, veterinary assistant, veterinary kennel attendant.

Further clinical hours outside the prescribed curriculum may allow students to sit for approved veterinary assistant (AVA) examination or registered veterinary technician (RVT) examination.

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge, practical skills and abilities in animal handling, restraint, nursing, and treatment.
• Identify and operate equipment and technology commonly used in the veterinary industry.
• Communicate professionally with clients, members of the veterinary community, and the local community in both written and oral formats.
• Describe and develop an understanding of the veterinary community, careers within the profession of veterinary medicine, and skills required to excel within the community and profession.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will be prepared for employment in the following jobs: veterinary receptionist, veterinary assistant, veterinary kennel attendant.

Further clinical hours outside the prescribed curriculum may allow students to sit for approved veterinary assistant (AVA) examination or registered veterinary technician (RVT) examination.

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge, practical skills and abilities in animal handling, restraint, nursing, and treatment.
• Identify and operate equipment and technology commonly used in the veterinary industry.
• Communicate professionally with clients, members of the veterinary community, and the local community in both written and oral formats.
• Describe and develop an understanding of the veterinary community, careers within the profession of veterinary medicine, and skills required to excel within the community and profession.

Students completing this certificate will gain an understanding of the day-to-day of veterinary practice and basic skills that will make them valuable as a member of the veterinary medical or support team. Skills acquired will include basic animal handling, restraint, laboratory specimen collection and testing, pharmacy skills, recordkeeping, nursing care, and client communication. In addition, students will understand and practice sterility and veterinary medical language. This program will also provide a foundation of knowledge and skills for further veterinary education for students hoping to pursue licensure as a registered veterinary technician or veterinary school.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will be prepared for employment in the following jobs: veterinary receptionist, veterinary assistant, veterinary kennel attendant.

Further clinical hours outside the prescribed curriculum may allow students to sit for approved veterinary assistant (AVA) examination or registered veterinary technician (RVT) examination.

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge, practical skills and abilities in animal handling, restraint, nursing, and treatment.
• Identify and operate equipment and technology commonly used in the veterinary industry.
• Communicate professionally with clients, members of the veterinary community, and the local community in both written and oral formats.
• Describe and develop an understanding of the veterinary community, careers within the profession of veterinary medicine, and skills required to excel within the community and profession.

The Certificate of Achievement requirements include completion of the certificate courses with a “C” or better grade in each course. Required and support courses may be substituted with the approval of the Agriculture Division Chair.