Breadcrumb
Veterinary Assistant
Begin a rewarding career in the pet healthcare field through our valuable program
Through the University of Central Missouri's Veterinary Assistant certificate course, students are prepared to begin a successful career in the rapidly growing pet care industry, valued at around $60 billion annually. The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for veterinary assistants will grow by 19 percent by 2026 with median salaries at $27,000. Students will learn animal safety and nutrition, computer fundamentals, client management, pharmacy and pharmacology, lab and surgical procedures. Through this program, students earn a certificate of completion and continuing education units which may not be applied to a degree program and are not eligible for federal financial aid.
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$3,799 |  |
Online, self-paced course |
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188 hours |  |
18 years of age or older, high school diploma or GED, basic use of computers |
Our flexible, online program allows students to study on a schedule that fits their
lives
Our comprehensive curriculum was developed by industry professionals with experience in the pet industry. Veterinary assistant duties include feeding, bathing and exercising animals; cleaning and disinfecting cages and clinic areas; restraining animals during exams and lab procedures; maintaining and sterilizing equipment and surgical instruments; monitoring and caring for animals after surgery; and helping with emergency first aid for sick and injured animals. To help you succeed, students have one-on-one access to three instructor support teams - student support, technical support and graduate support.
What you will learn
- Computer fundamentals
- Microsoft Word and Excel
- Duties of a veterinary assistant
- Business writing
- Animal safety and nutrition
- Client management
- Patient management
- Small and large animal care
- Pharmacy and Pharmacology
- Laboratory and surgical procedures