Veterinary Assistant Certificate Program
Classes Start December 4
Program Type
Certificate
Delivery Method
On Campus | Hybrid*
Course Length
Approximately
9 Months
*Hybrid education options not available at all campuses
Program Objective
Veterinary assistants work under the supervision of a veterinarian, assisting in the care and promotion of the well-being of animals. Clinical knowledge and a compassionate nature are vital to ensuring a positive, efficient environment.
The day-to-day responsibilities of veterinary assistants include a number of duties that ensure efficiency and high-quality care for animals. They directly assist in medical/surgical procedures, keep medical records, sterilize lab and surgical equipment, perform administrative duties and more.
Students in the Veterinary Assistant certificate program will learn an array of animal care skills and knowledge such as providing preventative healthcare, collecting/preparing laboratory samples, assisting with animal nursing, properly communicating with clients, administering medications, providing pre- and post-operative care, recognizing animal behavior norms and understanding pharmacology basics.
Classes at the school are taught by experienced instructors and hands-on training will ensure graduates are prepared and confident when they enter the workforce.
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.
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Careers as a Veterinary Assistant
What Are My Career Opportunities as a Veterinary Assistant?
What Are My Career Opportunities as a Veterinary Assistant?
This certificate program will prepare graduates to apply their skills in a number of different roles, such as:
- Veterinary assistant
- Laboratory animal caretaker
- Animal care or service worker
They can work in a variety of environments:
- Veterinary clinics
- Animal hospitals
- Animal shelters
- Zoos
Job Outlook
Job Outlook
The trend of increased consumer spending on pet-related expenditures is expected to continue throughout this time frame. If you’re interested in working with a veterinarian and animals, there will likely be many job opportunities for qualified candidates in the coming years.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is projected to grow significantly from 2020 to 2030.
Continued Education
Continued Education
If you’re interested in continuing your education in veterinary medicine, Pima Medical Institute offers a Veterinary Technician associate degree program. Get the skills and training needed to move up in the veterinary field by expanding your knowledge and responsibilities.
Veterinary Technician Program
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
Professional Sequence I
Professional Sequence II
Professional Sequence III
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.
“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
What are the Veterinary Assistant Courses in the Program?
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Disclosures And Accreditations
State Licensure Determination Disclosure
The Veterinary Assistant program is offered via on-ground and hybrid delivery methods. The program is available to residents of Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington. This program does not require licensure or certification to obtain employment in the field. While there may be online components, completion of this program requires on-ground attendance at the campus at which the student is enrolled and cannot be completed solely via distance education. Prospective students and enrolled students should understand that moving out of the state in which they enrolled may adversely impact a student’s ability to complete the program. If a student is planning to relocate outside of their state of enrollment he or she is required to discuss this with the Student Services Coordinator and/or Program Director.
In compliance with 34 CFR 668.43 Pima Medical Institute has made a reasonable effort to determine graduate eligibility for licensure in all states for programs designed and advertised as leading to licensure. The document below lists Pima Medical Institute programs and states where the curriculum meets licensure requirements, states where the curriculum does not meet licensure requirements, and states in which Pima Medical Institute has been unable to determine if the curriculum meets state licensure requirements. All consumers should be advised that due to the frequent changes to state statutes, rules, and regulations Pima Medical Institute cannot guarantee licensure based on the lists below.
State Licensure Determination Disclosure – Certificate Programs
Start Your Future as a Veterinary Assistant
Request more information below and our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Or give us a call at (800) 477-7462 to speak with someone right away.