The Veterinary Assistant Specialist

The Veterinary Assistant course prepares students for a new career in the field of veterinary medicine. Students will learn about the care of animals as well as how to recognize signs of illness and disease in a variety of animals from common pets to exotic species. This course also covers interpersonal communication, interaction with clients and their animals, as well as how to assist the veterinarian during examinations. Administrative duties, such as fee collection, banking, and accounts payable are also emphasized to provide the student with the skills necessary to maintain an efficient front office. This veterinary assisting course is a vital asset to the student who wishes to work in this exciting and rewarding career field.

The Veterinary Assistant Specialist Program

Employment of veterinary assistants and caretakers of laboratory animals is expected to grow 9 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than average for this occupation. As more and more Americans are adopting pets, the pet population continues to increase at a steady pace, Additionally, technological and medical advancements veterinary medicine are helping to boost the our level of care for pets at a cost that used to be out of reach, further contributing to the rising demand for veterinary medicine generally, and veterinary assistants in particular. The veterinary assistant can expect to obtain a position mainly in clinics, animal hospitals and research laboratories but grooming facilities, pet day cares and boarding facilities would be in need of individuals with these skills as well.

Education and National Certifications

• Students should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.
• There are no state approval and/or state requirements associated with this program.
• There is a National Certification exam available to students who successfully complete this program:
  • Medical Career Assessments (MedCA) Veterinary Assistant (VA1)
  • National Career Certification Board (NCCB) Certified Animal Care Worker (CACW) Exam
  • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification Exam.

After completing this course, you should be able to:

National Certification

Upon successful completion of the Tyler Junior College Veterinary Assistant course, students would be eligible to sit for Veterinary Assistant (VA1) from the Medical Career Assessments (MedCA) or Certified Animal Care Worker (CACW) from the National Career Certification Board (NCCB) Designation Exam as well as the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exam. Although there are no state approval, state registration or other state requirements for this program, students who complete this program at Tyler Junior College will be prepared and are eligible to sit for these national certification exams. Students who complete this program are encouraged to complete the externship option with their program. Students who complete this program can and do sit for the MedCA VA1, NCCB CACW and MOS national certification exams and are qualified, eligible and prepared to do so. Tyler Junior College works with each student to complete the exam application and register the student to take their national certification exam.

Externship / Hands on Training / Practicum

Although not a requirement, once students complete the program, they have the ability to participate in an externship and/or hands on practicum so as to practice the skills necessary to perform the job requirements of a professional in this field. Students will be assisted with completing a resume and/or other requirements necessary to work in this field. All students who complete this program are eligible to participate in an externship and will be placed with a participating organization near their location. Tyler Junior College works with national organizations and has the ability to place students in externship opportunities nationwide.

Technical Requirements

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