Veterinary Assistant Certificate Program

Start your career in veterinary medicine.
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Program Type

Certificate

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Delivery Method

On Campus | Hybrid*

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Course Length

Approximately
9 Months

*Hybrid education options not available at all campuses

Program Objective

In this certificate program, you will gain the knowledge and training to work as a capable entry-level veterinary assistant. At Pima Medical Institute, courses address both clinical and administrative skills, including but not limited to animal nursing, surgical procedures, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging and in-office procedures. Graduates of the program will be able to proficiently assist veterinarians with caring for animals in a variety of settings.

This Program Now Offers a Hybrid Learning Option

Students interested in this program who are looking for additional flexibility for their schedules might find blended learning is the best fit.

As a Hybrid student, you will still benefit from the same support students enrolled in our on campus programs receive, including mental health resources, student services, career services, resume writing and more.

Interested in learning more about Pima Medical’s hybrid education and schedule? Our admissions teams are ready to discuss the schedule, expectations and interactive instruction provided during the program.

Careers as a Veterinary Assistant

When you’re a Pima Medical Institute student, you get access to our Career Services team—here for you when you need extra help with finding the right job opportunities, building a resume, strengthening your interview skills or just looking for general guidance.

Clinical Externships

At Pima Medical Institute, most programs allow students to work in their field through clinical externships—a chance to be mentored by full-time professionals and interface with real patients.

In addition to real-world experience, clinical externships offer students resume-worthy opportunities, letters of recommendation from supervisors, and sometimes job placement directly after graduation.

Program Outline

Learn more about the courses in this program.

Career Prep Sequence

CSK 100
Study Skills
CAT 150
Anatomy, Physiology and Terminology
CCB 100
Computer Basics
CMF 95
Math Fundamentals
CHS 100
CPR & First Aid

Professional Sequence I

VTA 115
Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology
VTA 120
Clinical Laboratory Procedures
VTA 135
Sequence I Clinical Applications

Professional Sequence II

VTA 140
Office Procedures
VTA 145
Animal Life Stages, Nutrition and Husbandry
VTA 155
Animal Nursing and Radiography
VTA 175
Sequence II Clinical Applications

Professional Sequence III

VTA 180
Pharmacology
VTA 190
Aseptic Technique and Surgical Assisting
VTA 195
Sequence III Clinical Applications

Externship

VTA 275
Externship

Interested In Starting This Program?

Find out more about our Admissions Requirements or view our How to Apply page.

Success Is Within Reach

We are truly invested in making sure our students succeed.

Carole Casner
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“After 25 years in a job that bored me, I was offered early retirement and took it. I’ve always had an interest in helping animals, so I arranged a tour of Pima Medical Institute and signed up for the Veterinary Assistant program. I hadn’t been in college in more than 30 years, but the instructors made it easy and the staff was so helpful and friendly. I received a quality education in a short amount of time.”

Carol Casner, Veterinary Assistant Graduate

Pima Medical Blog

Check out our blog posts on the Veterinary Assistant program. We provide insights, information, alumni spotlights, news and other valuable articles to keep you updated.

Disclosures And Accreditations

Start Your Future as a Veterinary Assistant