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Veterinary Technician Assistant Certificate (VA11)

The Veterinary Technician Assistant technical certificate program provides educational opportunities to individuals that will enable them to obtain knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to succeed in an entry-level position in veterinary assisting. Graduates are able to assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians in providing quality animal healthcare including obtaining and recording patient information, preparing patients, instruments and equipment for surgery; collecting samples and performing certain laboratory procedures; dressing wounds; assisting in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures; exposing and developing diagnostic radiographs; communicating with animal owners; and feeding and caring for animals.

All students in the Veterinary Technology program are required to be vaccinated against Rabies.  Proof of vaccination must be shown by the beginning of VETT 1000 – Veterinary Technology and VETT 1010 – Introduction to Veterinary Technology. The rabies vaccine protocol consists of two injections, one injection on day 0, and one on day 7.  Previously vaccinated students must provide proof of a current rabies antibody titer. The vaccine can be obtained by a primary care physician, a participating county health department, and/or other vaccination clinic. The program faculty has a list of local rabies vaccine providers. Additional information can be found here.

 

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of the Veterinary Technician Assistant certificate program are prepared to work with veterinarians in a variety of settings as Veterinary Assistants.

Admissions Criteria

The Natural Sciences/Mathematic courses must be successfully completed before beginning the VETT courses. 

  • Submit a completed application and application fee;
  • Be at least 17 years of age and reach 18 before taking program courses utilizing radiology or anesthesia;
  • Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript;
  • Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
  • Completed 40 hours of volunteer service at a veterinary hospital (with documentation);
  • Meet the following assessment requirements:
Test Reading Writing Numerical Algebra
Accuplacer 64 70 NA 57
Accuplacer (Next Gen) 236 249 NA 245
Compass 79 62 NA 37
SAT 17 17 NA 21
SAT 290 290 NA 380
ACT 16 14 NA 17
ASSET 42 41 39 42
PSAT 17 17 NA 21
GED NA 145 NA 145

Veterinary Technician Assistant Curriculum

The curriculum for the Veterinary Technician Assistant certificate program is designed for the semester system. A student may enter the program at any time to take general core courses, but the program occupational courses are taken in sequence and begin each summer semester. The Natural Sciences/Mathematics courses must be successfully completed before beginning the VETT courses. To earn the certificate, students must earn a minimum of 28 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 600 contact hours and generally takes 3 semesters to complete.

Program Courses

General Education Core (11 Credits)

MATH 1111College Algebra

3
BIOL 1111Biology I

3
BIOL 1111LBiology Lab I

1
CHEM 1211Chemistry I

3
CHEM 1211LChemistry Lab I

1

Occupational Courses (17 Credits)

VETT 1000Veterinary Medical Terminology

2
VETT 1010Introduction to Veterinary Technology

1
VETT 1020Veterinary Clinic Pathology I

3
VETT 1030Veterinary Clinical Procedures I

4
VETT 1060Animal Anatomy and Physiology

4
VETT 1070Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

3

NOTE: “C” or higher grade is required for all the above courses.

Program Costs

Tuition ($100 per credit hour): $2,800

Fees ($370 per semester): $1,110

Books/Supplies: $900

Uniform Costs: Approximately $150

Liability Insurance: $10 per fiscal year

Physical Exam: $150*

Tetanus Vaccination: $40

Hepatitis B Series: $265

Rabies Vaccination Series: Approximately $900

Radiological Dosimeter Badges: $70

Course Supply Fees:

  • VETT 1020 Veterinary Clinical Pathology I: $50
  • VETT 1030 Veterinary Clinical Procedures I: $50
  • VETT 1060 Animal Anatomy & Physiology: $50
  • VETT 1070 Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging: $50

*Physical Exam (documenting adequate health including the ability to lift 50 pounds, to do prolonged standing, and to tolerate heat.), Tetanus, and Hepatitis B Series are required before entering Veterinary Technology program classes. (Costs are estimates and are subject to change.)