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Overview

Learning outcomes and skills gained:

  • Students will learn to analyze and dissect medical terms using prefixes, word roots, combining forms, and suffixes in veterinary contexts.
  • Define and apply veterinary medical terminology across body systems, including anatomy, physiology, diagnostics, and pathology.
  • Identify and describe anatomical terms specific to various animal species, including terms related to sex, age, birthing, and general descriptions.
  • Understand foundational aspects of veterinary practice, including ethics, legal considerations, safety protocols, and effective practice management.
  • Program includes 100 hours of in classroom instruction, skills-based labs and activities, and National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Veterinary Assistant Certification Exam is held at the conclusion of the course.

Types of Jobs: Veterinary Assistant, Animal Care Technician, Veterinary Receptionist, Animal Shelter Assistant, Laboratory Animal Caretaker, Pet Groomer's Assistant, Zoo or Wildlife Sanctuary Assistant.

Prerequisite: High school diploma or GED, 18 years or older, clear background check.

Time Requirement to Complete Credential: 100 hours of classroom instruction.

Leading Industry Employers: Henry Doorly Zoo.

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About the Veterinary Assistant Program
This program prepares participants to care for animals and to recognize signs of illness and disease. Interpersonal communication, interaction with clients and their animals, as well as how to assist the veterinarian during examinations are all covered, along with business front office skills. Upon completion participants will have met 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. 

Who is the Veterinary Assistant Program for?

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. 

Certification Pathway & Registration
Five-month program, in person.

Veterinary Assistant – prepares participants with the hands-on training to work alongside veterinarians, care for animals and recognize signs of illness and disease. 

We are currently transitioning software for our Community Education classes to ensure the best user experience. We appreciate your patience as we make this update.

See dates and details below:

June 1-Aug. 31

Sept. 1-Nov. 30

Cost

$2,299 includes textbooks, materials and lab supplies. Does not include a $100 exam fee. 

Eligibility
Eligible participants must: 
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent 

Physical Requirements & Accommodations
To be successful in the Phlebotomy Technician program, participants must be able to meet the following sensory and physical standards: 
 
General Standard Specific Example
Ability to use senses
  • Visual acuity to identify, read, and understand directions on equipment and other documents required in people care such as laboratory procedures and administering medications, sharps, or equipment
  • Ability to see objects closely, and distinguish distance, colors, objects, and persons
  • Ability to hear sounds and warning signals in training facility, which could lead to an emergency 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 and sit 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

Metropolitan Community College complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and its amendments. If a prospective student who is otherwise qualified requires a reasonable accommodation, they should contact the MCC Disability Support Services office.