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.
Rabies Vaccination Policy
Rabies is a serious viral disease that is nearly 100% fatal. Approximately 60,000 people worldwide die each year from this disease. The disease is transmitted from a bite or scratch from an infected animal. Fortunately, rabies is a disease that can be prevented through careful handling of animals and vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends preexposure rabies vaccinations in high-risk groups, such as veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and animal handlers.
Based on the recommendation of the CDC, and with the guidance of the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (AVMA-CVTEA), Ogeechee Technical College is now requiring that all Veterinary Technology students be vaccinated against the rabies virus.
The rabies vaccine protocol consists of two injections, one injection per day, on day 0 and on day 7. 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.
Proof of vaccination must be shown by the beginning of VETT 1000 and VETT 1010, as animal handling will occur in the first semester of the program. Previously vaccinated students must provide proof of a current (within the past 3 years) rabies antibody titer.
More information about the risk of rabies and preexposure rabies prophylaxis can be found by visiting the following website https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/pre-exposure_vaccinations.html
If you have questions about cost or insurance coverage, please direct those questions to your healthcare provider or your insurance provider.
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)
Occupational Courses (17 Credits)
NOTE: “C” or higher grade is required for all the above courses.
Program Costs
Tuition ($100 per credit hour): $2,800
Fees ($385 per semester): $1,155
Books/Supplies: $900
Uniform Costs: Approximately $150
Liability Insurance: Liability Insurance (click to find your program)
Physical Exam: $150*
Tetanus Vaccination: $40*
Hepatitis B Series: $265*
Rabies Vaccination Series: Approximately $800*
Radiological Dosimeter Badges: $70
Course Supply Fees: Veterinary Technology (click to find individual course fees)
*Physical Exam (documenting adequate health including the ability to lift 50 pounds, to do prolonged standing, and to tolerate heat.), Tetanus, Rabies, and Hepatitis B Series are required before entering Veterinary Technology program classes. (Costs are estimates and are subject to change.)