Veterinary Assistant, SC
Program Description
The Skills Certificate for the Veterinary Assistant Program will enable program completers to take a credentialing exam from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America to become an AVA (Approved Veterinary Assistant). Veterinary assistants are an integral part of the veterinary healthcare team, working under the supervision of a veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician. The program is comprised of two semesters of classroom and clinical instruction, where students will gain knowledge and experience in a variety of areas appropriate to the veterinary assistant.
This program is not eligible for financial aid. However, it may be eligible for scholarship funding if the student is awarded scholarships.
Recommended Course Schedule
| 1st semester | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| VETN 100 | Introduction to Veterinary Assisting | 4 |
| VETN 105 | Veterinary Medical Terminology | 1 |
| VETN 125 | Veterinary Office and Clinical Procedures | 1 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
| 2nd semester | ||
| VETN 120 | Advanced Veterinary Assisting | 4 |
| VETN 130 | Directed Veterinary Assisting Practical | 2 |
| Semester Total | 6 | |
| Total Units | 12 | |
Program Requirements
Skills Certificates can consist of a single course or a short set of courses that provide training for entry-level positions or career advancement. These short-term certificates may also prepare students to take state, national and/or industry-recognized certifications or licensing exams.
Skills certificates are awarded upon completion of coursework and marked on a student's transcripts at the end of the semester. Students cannot declare a skills certificate as one's major. Skills Certificates are not eligible for Financial Aid.
To earn a skills certificate, students must:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
- Have no financial or library obligation to the college.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| VETN 100 | Introduction to Veterinary Assisting | 4 |
| VETN 105 | Veterinary Medical Terminology | 1 |
| VETN 120 | Advanced Veterinary Assisting | 4 |
| VETN 125 | Veterinary Office and Clinical Procedures | 1 |
| VETN 130 | Directed Veterinary Assisting Practical | 2 |
| Total Units | 12 | |
Program Outcomes
Students completing the certificate will:
PSLO1: Demonstrate a foundational knowledge needed within the veterinary field on subjects including common tasks of the reception and office areas, breed identification for various species, sanitation practices including isolation and OSHA guidelines, maintenance of the surgery environment, approved practices for imaging, and collection and processing of samples for laboratory analysis.
PSLO2: Demonstrate competency in all essential job skills as outlined by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) and the guidelines that were created for the veterinary assistant. This includes understanding aspects of pharmacology, surgical nursing, clinical laboratory testing, animal nursing, diagnostic imaging, emergency & critical care, and anesthesiology & pain management. This also includes understanding the differences between the roles of the veterinary assistant and the veterinary technician/veterinary nurse.
PSLO3: Actively contribute as an integral member of a veterinary health care team while adhering to professional and ethical standards, including a strong work ethic, personal responsibility, and compassion for clients and animals.
PSLO4: Effectively communicate with veterinary health care team members and clients to maintain a work environment that ensures the safety of clients, animals, and staff and ensures the appropriate care for patients. Effective communication is also needed to convey topics to the client related to common husbandry needs of the patient (for example, dietary needs) and for the sensitive subject of euthanasia and after care.
