Skip to main content

Veterinary Assistant

COMMITMENT

6 months-1 year

MODE OF STUDY

On-Ground, Hybrid

TERMS OFFERED

Fall, Spring, Summer

CAREER FIELD(S)

Health Careers

COST

$2,299

Prices may vary and are subject to change at any time. Textbooks and exams included in price.

FUNDING

WIOA, SNAP

Learn more about funding options for Workforce Development courses.

CAMPUSES

Asnuntuck, Middlesex, Naugatuck Valley, Norwalk, Three Rivers, Tunxis

Love working with animals but not ready to commit to a veterinary technology degree? The Veterinary Assistant program will give you the skills to begin working in veterinary offices and hospitals caring directly for different types of animals now!

This program will teach you veterinary terminology, exam room procedures, pharmacology and inventory, as well as nursing skills, vaccine protocols, treatment, prevention of internal and external parasites and much more. You’ll gain an understanding of feline and canine behavior and restraint, husbandry of exotics and pocket pets, as well as common diseases and medical conditions seen in clinical practice. In addition, you’ll learn basic animal nursing skills, such as taking vitals, bandage application, ear/eye medicine administration, vaccine protocols, and treatment and prevention of internal and external parasites. Hospitalized patient care including cleaning, feeding, walking, fluid therapy and pain management as well as the importance of teamwork in veterinary practice, will be discussed. Finally, you will learn about the veterinary assistant’s role in surgical procedures including patient prep and recovery, surgical room conduct and surgical instrument and supply care.

In This Course You'll Learn To:

  • define roles and responsibilities of the veterinarian, veterinary technician and veterinary assistant

  • navigate the veterinary code of ethics per AVMA guidelines

  • schedule appointments and manage check-in, admission and discharge procedures, including invoicing and payment processing

  • apply directional terms related to body position and observe behaviors for a stress-free environment using proper handling techniques

  • assist with vaccinations, obtain patient history, identify anatomy, perform radiology procedures, apply and remove bandages, and conduct various lab procedures

Admission Requirements:

  • Must be at least 16 years of age

  • A high school or GED is not required

Next Steps

man smiles while working on his laptop

Find Your Course

Use our course finder to get info about upcoming classes including dates, times, locations, and more. (Select WFD/CE 2024-2025 for summer, fall and winter courses.)

Register

Registering for a course is easy and can be done in-person, online, or by mail.

Learn About Funding Options

Many of our courses have funding options available for qualifying students.