Veterinary Assistant Certificate – Non-Credit

About Our Program

VA Approved Program

What is a Veterinary Assistant?

The veterinary assistant supports the veterinarian and/or the veterinary technician in their daily tasks. The assistant may be asked to perform kennel work, assist in the restraint and handling of animals, feed and exercise the animals, and spend time on clerical duties. There is no credentialing exam for the veterinary assistant. The ability to follow directions, listen and communicate efficiently, and handle multiple assignments are skills that a veterinary assistant should demonstrate. The essential skills you will learn in this program will help you keep animals healthy, care for them when they are ill, and assist veterinarians in their offices.

Our program will teach you how to:

Interact with animals and their owners.
Obtain animal health histories and records.
Understand veterinary medical terminology.
Recognize the major breeds of various animals.
Assist the veterinarian with caring for animals.
Assist with surgical and treatment procedures.
Recognize signs and symptoms of illness and disease.
Perform administrative duties in the veterinarians office.

This 60 hour, two course program must be taken in sequential order.

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New Student

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Active Student

[Within 2 years active]

Certificate of Completion

A certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of both courses. Courses must be taken in sequential order.

Department

Community Education

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Contact

Cheryl Powers, M.B.A.
cpowers19@massasoit.mass.edu
508-588-9100 x1305

Standout Student

Twenty years ago, Margarita Daley completed a veterinary assistant program at Norfolk County Agricultural School. Shortly thereafter, she pursued a career in the field, but had to put it on hold as one of her children had severe allergies and being around pets at work aggravated his condition. Once her children were grown, Margarita saw the opportunity to go back to the career she really loved. She registered for the Veterinary Assistant Certificate program at Massasoit Community College.

Margarita recalls that going back to school was intimidating. She had been away from the field for so long and was concerned that employers would not give her a chance. Veterinary Assistant instructor, Andrea Gouthro, encouraged her to have confidence based on what she learned in the program. Andrea also encouraged Margarita to apply for a job as a receptionist at Driftway Animal Hospital in Scituate. This encouragement, coupled with support from her husband and family, gave Margarita the confidence to secure the job that she started in February of 2019, just a month after starting the Veterinary Assistant program.

Margarita graduated from the Veterinary Assistant program in May 2019 and has already been given additional responsibilities at work. She plans to continue her education in the veterinary field, perhaps as a surgical technician. To students thinking about taking the Veterinary Assistant Certificate program, Margarita shares: “It’s well worth it. It gives you a look at the veterinary field as a whole. You come out of it with confidence and a clear vision of where you can go in terms of next steps.”

Margarita Daley

Student