Certificate of Achievement in Veterinary Assisting
Students completing this certificate will gain an understanding of the day-to-day of veterinary practice and basic skills that will make them valuable as a member of the veterinary medical or support team. Skills acquired will include basic animal handling, restraint, laboratory specimen collection and testing, pharmacy skills, nursing care, and client communication. In addition, students will understand and practice sterility and veterinary medical language. This program will also provide a foundation of knowledge and skills for further veterinary education for students hoping to pursue licensure as a registered veterinary technician or veterinary school.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge, practical skills and abilities in animal handling, restraint, nursing, and treatment.
- Identify and operate equipment and technology commonly used in the veterinary industry, including microscopes, centrifuges, & refractometers.
- Communicate professionally with clients, members of the veterinary community, and the local community in both written and oral formats.
- Describe and develop an understanding of the veterinary community, careers within the profession of veterinary medicine, and skills required to excel within the community and profession.
Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will be prepared for employment in the following jobs: veterinary receptionist, veterinary assistant, veterinary kennel attendant.
Further clinical hours outside the prescribed curriculum may allow students to sit for approved veterinary assistant (AVA) examination or registered veterinary technician (RVT) examination.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED CERTIFICATE COURSES | 21 | |
| AGMT 108 | AG Business Computer Apps | 3 |
| ASCI 001 | Intro to Animal Science | 3 |
| ASCI 104 | Livestock Disease & Sanitation | 3 |
| ASCI 113 | Farm Animal Biology | 3 |
| ASCI 207 | Veterinary Terminology | 3 |
| VT 109 | Intro to Veterinary Technology | 3 |
| VT 216 | Veterinary Office Practices | 3 |
| + | ||
| RESTRICTED ELECTIVES | 3 | |
Select one of the following courses: | ||
| ASCI 110 | Swine Science | 3 |
| ASCI 111 | Beef Cattle Science | 3 |
| ASCI 112 | Small Ruminant Science | 3 |
| ASCI 118 | Introduction to Dairy Science | 3 |
| ASCI 119 | Breed/Select of Dairy Cattle | 3 |
| ASCI 123 | Horse Production | 3 |
| = | ||
| TOTAL | 24 | |
The Certificate of Achievement requirements include completion of the certificate courses with a “C” or better grade in each course. Required and support courses may be substituted with the approval of the Agriculture Division Chair.