Veterinary Assistant

Program Facts

Credential: Diploma
Program Length: 9 months
Start Date: Monthly
Campuses: Riverside, Santa Ana & Huntington Park Campus
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (888) 430-4224
* Note: For additional course details and campus locations see Program Outline.

The Veterinary Assistant program at the American College of Healthcare and Technology (ACHT) in Riverside, California, Santa Ana, California and Huntington Park, California gives students the skills needed to work in a veterinary office.

Veterinary Assistants play an important role as a member of the veterinary healthcare team that aids the veterinarian and veterinarian technician to perform daily tasks. Our Veterinary Assistant Training program is designed to provide graduates with the basic skills necessary to assist a veterinarian and veterinary technician.

Students are introduced to basic animal nursing and animal care. Students will also learn computer basics, veterinary anatomy & physiology and terminology, office and hospital procedures and billing, pharmacology and vaccinations.

Veterinary assistants are animal caretakers that work in a variety of environments such as veterinary hospitals and clinics, emergency and specialty hospitals, animal shelters, zoo and wildlife centers, animal control departments, diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical and supply distribution facilities and animal research agencies.

Along with caring for the well-being of the animals, veterinary assistants perform surgical preparations using aseptic techniques and how to aid the veterinarian or veterinary technician with physical monitoring of recovering surgical patients. Veterinary assistants also assist in laboratory procedures such as collecting samples and how to handle them safely. Students will learn laboratory record keeping, and stocking laboratory supplies.

  • Care for animals (Feed/Bathe/Exercise animals)
  • Make sure operation rooms, kennels, and kennels are clean and disinfected
  • Restrain animals during lab procedures and examinations
  • Make sure all surgical equipment and instruments are sterilized
  • Assist in performing surgical preparations
  • Monitor and care for animals after they have their surgical procedures
  • Assist in providing emergency first aid to animals who are sick or injured
  • Collect specimens for laboratory work and aid in the analysis process
  • Give medication or immunizations to animals as prescribed by veterinarians

Employment of veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2012 to 2022. High occupational turnover will result in good job opportunities as a veterinary assistant.

  • Be at least 18 years old. If younger than 18, the applicant must provide a valid high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Provide a valid high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Interview with an admissions representative and tour the campus.
  • Complete all requisite forms in the admissions packet.

1. Request Free Information

Fill out a short online form here to get your free info package.

2. Talk to Admissions at American College of Healthcare and Technology

Call 1-888-430-4224 to speak to a friendly admissions representative. They are standing by to answer all your questions.

3. Schedule a Free Tour

Want to check out our campus in Riverside or Huntington Park? Call 1-888-430-4224 to schedule a free, no obligation tour today.

Call us Today | 888-430-4224

Speak to an Admissions Representative to Start Your New Career

Other Healthcare Programs Offered