Become a Veterinary Assistant

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Ready to begin your career journey or have more questions? Connect with a Workforce Training Specialist today!
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4 Months

PROGRAM LENGTH

$2,000.00

Payment Plan Available

TOTAL TUITION

Payment Plan Details: Enrollment requires a minimum deposit of $500. Installment payments will begin 30 days after the course start date. Connect with an admissions counselor to explore the payment plan available to you.

What Does a Veterinary Assistant Do?

Veterinary Assistants play a crucial role in supporting veterinarians in providing quality care to animals. They perform a variety of tasks, including: 

  • Animal Care: Assisting with animal restraint, grooming, and basic nursing care. 
  • Client Communication: Greeting clients, answering phones, and scheduling appointments. 
  • Clinic Maintenance: Maintaining a clean and sanitized clinic environment. 
  • Laboratory Procedures: Preparing samples for laboratory testing and assisting with basic diagnostic procedures. 
  • Surgical Assistance: Assisting veterinarians during surgical procedures. 

This career offers a rewarding opportunity for animal lovers to contribute to the well-being of animals while gaining valuable skills in animal care and veterinary medicine.       

Where Can You Work?

Veterinary Assistants are employed in a variety of settings, including: 

  • Veterinary Clinics: Working in private veterinary practices, providing care to a wide range of animals. 
  • Animal Shelters and Humane Societies: Caring for animals in need of adoption and providing basic veterinary care. 
  • Research Facilities: Assisting with animal research studies. 
  • Zoos and Aquariums: Providing care for a variety of exotic animals. 

This diverse range of work environments allows Veterinary Assistants to find a setting that aligns with their career goals and interests.    

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED 

Web browser with internet connection 

Course registration & payment 

Oral and written English proficiency is a requirement for course participation and certificate examination.    

Training Materials Provided

Expert-led, video-based training 

Competency assessments 

Access to QuickBooks software for practice and learning. 

VETERINARY ASSISTANT

Outcomes

As a Veterinary Assistant, you’ll gain valuable skills and knowledge in: 

  • Animal Handling and Restraint: Safely and effectively handling a variety of animals. 
  • Animal Nursing: Providing basic nursing care, including monitoring vital signs and administering medications. 
  • Veterinary Procedures: Assisting with a variety of veterinary procedures, such as vaccinations, blood draws, and radiography. 
  • Client Communication: Providing excellent customer service to clients and answering their questions. 
  • Laboratory Techniques: Performing basic laboratory procedures, such as preparing samples for analysis. 

With this comprehensive training, you’ll be well-prepared to launch a rewarding career in veterinary medicine.    

Skills Learned

After completing this program, learners will be able to: 

  • Demonstrate proper animal handling and restraint techniques. 
  • Provide basic nursing care to animals, including monitoring vital signs and administering medications. 
  • Assist veterinarians with a variety of procedures, such as vaccinations and blood draws. 
  • Prepare and process laboratory samples. 
  • Maintain a clean and sanitized clinic environment. 
  • Communicate effectively with clients and other members of the veterinary team. 
  • Understand basic animal anatomy and physiology. 
  • Adhere to safety protocols and infection control procedures.      

VETERINARY ASSISTANT​ JOB POSSIBILITIES

Veterinary Technician 

Animal Shelter Worker 

CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

After completing this program, learners will have the option to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field: 

  • National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Veterinary Assistant (VET) 

ISSUING AUTHORITY

VET

Veterinary Assistant

The NWCA Veterinary Assistant (VET) certification shows you have the skills to assist veterinarians in caring for animals, including tasks like preparing exam rooms, restraining animals, and providing basic nursing care. 

VETERINARY ASSISTANT​ PAYMENT OPTIONS

In addition to the following payment options, we offer special corporate volume pricing. Visit the Corporate page for details.

Pay in full using any major credit card, PayPal, or Venmo. Select “credit card” as your payment option.

Apply for PayPal Credit and pay zero interest if your balance is paid in full within 6-months. Complete a quick application and you’ll receive a credit decision within seconds.

Pay for your training with an education loan through Sallie Mae or Meritize.

Complete the course registration process to reserve your seat using one of these options.

 

DO YOU NEED HELP PAYING FOR YOUR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM?​

Many employers offer education assistance programs with tuition reimbursement. Schedule a call with an enrollment advisor to learn more. 

PROGRAM COMPARISONS

PROFESSIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Community College
Program & Tuition Cost
$2,000 average
Up to $20,000
Exam Fees, Books & Materials
Included
Up to $750
Job Ready In
3–6 months
24–48 months
Schedule Flexibility
On-demand 24/7
Set class schedule
Travel Requirements
None: 100% online
On-campus classrooms
Student Support
Personal Advisors: text, call and email access
Professors: scheduled office hours
Career Coaching
Exam-tailor + soft-skill training to build well-rounded careers
Exam-based + prerequisites and electives to meet credit
Content Delivery
3D animations, immersive environments, interactive activities, game-based learning
Professor lectures

CONTACT YOUR WORKFORCE REPRESENTATIVE TO GET STARTED

April is your Workforce Training Specialist.  She is here to help you understand your program of interest, payment options and succeed!  Get in touch with April to learn more about your program, Walla Walla University and how to achieve your workforce development goals!

FAQ

Veterinary Technicians have completed a more advanced education and training program, allowing them to perform a wider range of medical procedures. 

Experienced Veterinary Assistants may advance to roles such as Veterinary Technician, Practice Manager, or Animal Shelter Supervisor. 

Interested In Another Program?

Walla Walla University located in College Place, Washington, provides the highest quality training in order to best serve students and surrounding communities. Our specialized career training programs provide up-to-date and in-demand skills, preparation and certification, ensuring that everyone who completes our programs is of the highest caliber.