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Veterinary Assistant
With more than 85 million households owning at least one pet, the veterinary field is a growing field! Veterinary Assistants are valued team members in veterinary practices, clinics, and hospitals. They work with veterinarians and veterinary technicians to provide quality care for healthy, sick, and injured animals. You will receive hands-on training on the correct handling and care of pets, learn proper examination procedures, and discover how to check for signs of illness and injury. Additional topics covered include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and acronyms, nutrition, legal, ethical, and professional standards, and maintenance and management of a veterinary practice. This class is entry level and specifically NOT a Veterinary Technician class, which requires a two-year degree program. Schedule
Class meets online either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday evenings. Upon successful completion of the online classroom training, students will participate in a 40-hour externship, where they will hone their practical skills.
See available classes
See available classes
Externship
Our training partner, Career Training Solutions, has an affiliation agreement with VCA Animal Hospitals. To guarantee externship placement and complete the required 40 hours, the student should be available two full-time business days each week.
Our training partner, Career Training Solutions, has an affiliation agreement with VCA Animal Hospitals. To guarantee externship placement and complete the required 40 hours, the student should be available two full-time business days each week.
Prerequisites
Students must be 18 or over and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Basic computer literacy and the ability to navigate one's own computer is strongly preferred.
Students must be 18 or over and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Basic computer literacy and the ability to navigate one's own computer is strongly preferred.
Fee
$1,499 due at the time of registration in the form of a Visa or MasterCard*.
$1,499 due at the time of registration in the form of a Visa or MasterCard*.
*Contact the program office if you are being sponsored by a third-party such as vocational rehabilitation, workers' compensation insurance, etc.
Textbooks
Elsevier’s Veterinary Assisting Textbook, 3rd Edition; ISBN-13: 978-0323681452 and Elsevier’s Veterinary Assisting Workbook, 3rd Edition; ISBN-13: 978-0323681636. Students are provided a link to order textbooks directly from the publisher.
Elsevier’s Veterinary Assisting Textbook, 3rd Edition; ISBN-13: 978-0323681452 and Elsevier’s Veterinary Assisting Workbook, 3rd Edition; ISBN-13: 978-0323681636. Students are provided a link to order textbooks directly from the publisher.
Technical Requirements
Students must have access to a computer, laptop, tablet or phone with internet capability and sound.
Students must have access to a computer, laptop, tablet or phone with internet capability and sound.
Completion/Certification
Students who successfully complete the 140 hours of training will receive a Certificate of Completion. This is a not-for-credit, vocational training program offered by Community Education at Sierra College and students will not earn any units towards a degree.
Students who successfully complete the 140 hours of training will receive a Certificate of Completion. This is a not-for-credit, vocational training program offered by Community Education at Sierra College and students will not earn any units towards a degree.
Refund Policy
If a student requests to withdraw from the class, it must be submitted in writing to Community Education (email is acceptable). A refund will be granted under the following conditions and less the appropriate fees:
- If received seven (7) business days prior to the starting date, the refund amount will be the course fee less a $250 administrative fee.
- If received prior to the third class meeting, the refund amount will be the course fee less a $400 administrative fee plus prorated consumable supplies up to $450.
- No refund will be granted after the third class meeting. Students who are dismissed from the program are not eligible for a refund. This is an intensive program and we make no guarantee of completion or passage.
Job Outlook
- Average wage in California is $20.50 hourly, $42,650 annually.
- Jobs for veterinary assistants are expected to grow 20% from 2022 to 2032.
Data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers (visited April 8, 2024).
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This program is offered by Sierra College Community Education in collaboration with Career Training Solutions, LLC. This is a not-for-credit, vocational training program and students will not earn any units towards a degree.
