Top 10 Veterinary Assistant Programs: Online & Campus

Veterinary assistants are entry-level roles in the veterinary field. They work alongside veterinarians, vet techs, and vet nurses to ensure the health and well-being of animals.

While formal education isn't a requirement, it can help you in many ways. Keep reading to discover accredited vet assistant programs.

How Can I Become a Veterinary Assistant?

Some veterinary assistants learn on the job, but many choose to earn a post-secondary certificate or associate degree. You can further your job options by obtaining an Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) professional certificate.

This certificate is offered through the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). To qualify, you must graduate from a NAVTA-approved vet assistant school or training program and take the AVA exam.

Note that certification is not a mandatory requirement to work as a vet assistant, but some employers may require it. It can also allow your resume to stand out and help you find jobs.

How Much Does a Veterinary Assistant Certification Cost?

The cost to earn professional veterinary assistant certification through NAVTA is $100. The cost of a post-secondary certificate can vary.

Are There Online Vet Assistant Schools?

There are a handful of vet assistant programs available online; NAVTA accredits seven online programs. However, these are all through online career schools, not through regionally-accredited colleges and universities.

These career schools can be a good option if you're sure that you want to go into vet assisting. However, if you're interested in possibly furthering your education one day, you'll want to choose a regionally-accredited college so that you can transfer your credits and put them toward a degree program.

Many colleges that offer vet med certificates allow students to take a few classes online, even if it has in-person requirements. These hybrid programs can be great for area students with busy schedules.

Best Vet Assistant Programs: Online & Campus

Veterinary assistant programs at accredited colleges and universities are available on campus and in hybrid formats, while career schools may offer them fully online. We've highlighted some top vet assistant programs below, all accredited by NAVTA.

1. Holyoke Community College

Holyoke Community College (Holyoke) is a public school in Holyoke, MA. It offers a veterinary assistant certificate in a hybrid format.

The 10-credit program offers online lectures and in-person labs and externships. Students learn to become effective, knowledgeable, and compassionate members of the veterinary medical team in various animal healthcare settings.

• Program length: Two terms
• Program cost: $2,926 total (in-state); $3,046 total (New England students); $4,986 total (out-of-state)
• Delivery format: Hybrid

2. Mesa Community College

At Mesa Community College (MCC), students can earn a certificate of completion in veterinary assisting. The program includes a handful of general education courses as well as courses that teach topics like animal care and management, veterinary medical care, and client communications and service.

MCC, a public community college, is located in Mesa, AZ. The certificate here is 18 credits, with some courses available online.

• Program length: Two terms
• Program cost: $1,746 total (in-state); $6,696 total (out-of-state)
• Delivery format: Hybrid

3. Pikes Peak State College

Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) offers a certificate in veterinary assisting. PPSC is a public college in Colorado Springs, CO.

This program includes courses on pharmacology, parasitology, surgical procedures, exotic and large animal care, radiology, and humane restraint techniques. It requires 17 credits, with some courses available online.

• Program length: Two terms
• Program cost: $2,975 per total (in-state); $12,211.95 total (out-of-state)
• Delivery format: Hybrid

4. Delgado Community College

The veterinary assistant certificate of technical studies at Delgado Community College (DCC) prepares students for entry-level positions in veterinary hospitals, including specialty hospitals. Courses cover animal nursing, husbandry, pharmacy, surgery, and radiology.

DCC, located in New Orleans, is a public community college. The program here starts in the fall and requires 20 credit hours.

• Program length: Two terms
• Program cost: $4,019.20 total
• Delivery format: On campus

5. Tidewater Community College

Tidewater Community College is a public school in Norfolk, VA. It offers a career studies certificate in veterinary assisting that prepares students to assist and support vet techs and veterinarians in the health and handling of animals.

Students learn how to do various tasks, including receptionist functions, setting up lab work, assisting with inventory, updating medical records, and more. This is a 17-credit program that begins each spring.

• Program length: Two terms
• Program cost: $3,406.80 total (in-state); $7,582 total (out-of-state)
• Delivery format: On campus

6. Truckee Meadows Community College

Students at Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) can complete a 12-credit veterinary assistant program that teaches them to assist veterinary nurses in providing hands-on care to animals in need.

TMCC, a public community college, is located in Reno, NV. Students have the option to transfer their credits from this certificate into the school's associate degree in veterinary nursing.

• Program length: Two terms
• Program cost: $1,638 total (in-state); $3,315 total (out-of-state)
• Delivery format: On campus

7. White Mountains Community College

White Mountains Community College (WMCC) offers a veterinary assistant certificate that provides training in veterinary health and the handling of a variety of animal species. WMCC is a public community college in Berlin, NH.

The 19-credit program covers essential knowledge and job skills for vet assistants, including diagnostics, nutrition, critical care, animal husbandry, surgical assistance, and monitoring. Students have the option to transfer their credits into a vet tech program.

• Program length: Three terms
• Program cost: $4,370 total (in-state); $9,595 total (out-of-state)
• Delivery format: On campus

8. York County Community College

The veterinary assistant program at York County Community College (YCCC) covers topics like comparative animal anatomy and physiology, nutrition, husbandry, hospital management, pharmaceuticals, behavior, laboratory procedures, and surgical nursing. It includes a 100-hour volunteer externship.

YCCC, located in Wells, ME, is a public community college. The certificate here requires 24 credits, with some classes available online.

• Program length: Two terms
• Program cost: $2,304 total (in-state); $4,608 total (out-of-state)
• Delivery format: Hybrid

9. Penn Foster Career School

Penn Foster Career School is a private, for-profit institution offering online career training. This includes an online vet assistant program.

This program includes 10 courses on topics like animal behavior, animal nursing, and radiology and surgery preparation. It's self-paced, with the average student able to complete it in 16 months.

• Program length: Self-paced
• Program cost: $1,089 total
• Delivery format: Online

10. VetMedTeam

Through VetMedTeam, students can complete a veterinary assistant program primarily online. The 12 online courses are flexible and self-paced, and students conclude the program with a 100-hour in-person clinical experience.

VetMedTeam provides continuing education for veterinary professionals as well as a few career programs. NAVDA uses VetMedTeam to administer the AVA exam.

• Program length: Maximum 12 months
• Program cost: $875 total
• Delivery format: Online with on-site practicum

How We Rank Programs

To choose the veterinary assistant schools listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All programs listed above are accredited by NAVDA, and all colleges and universities are regionally accredited.
• Program length: Most programs take a year or less to complete.
• Affordability: All options are less than $5,000 for in-state students, and many offer financial aid.

What To Expect From a Veterinary Assistant Program

Veterinary assistant programs typically require a mix of coursework and hands-on training. Most of the time, your courses will cover topics like:

• animal behavior and biology
• radiology prep
• safe restraint techniques
• surgery prep
• veterinary nursing
• veterinary office administration
• veterinary pharmacology

Some programs may include general education courses or courses on professionalism or career navigation. Most colleges offer a few courses online and the rest on campus.

The hands-on portion will often take place at a local animal health facility, which may include a veterinary office, animal shelter, or animal rescue. Some programs will assign you a location, while others expect you to find one yourself.

Most vet assistant programs take a year or less to complete. However, some take a little longer, while others are self-paced and allow you to work at your own schedule.

All the programs listed above qualify students to sit for the AVA exam through NAVTA. Again, certification isn't a requirement, but it can help you with your job search or to further your career.

Typical Job Duties for Veterinarian Assistants

Veterinarian assistants can have a variety of job duties depending on where they work. These duties may include:

• feeding, bathing, and exercising animals
• cleaning and disinfecting cages and kennels
• preparing the operating room and cleaning up after
• monitoring and caring for animals after surgery
• restraining animals during exams and procedures
• providing emergency first aid to animals
• administering medication or immunizations
• collecting lab samples

FAQs About Veterinary Assistant Programs

Below, we've answered some FAQs about how to become a vet assistant and the vet assistant career path.

Can I Train Fully Online To Be a Veterinary Assistant?

There are a handful of NAVTA-accredited organizations that offer online veterinary assistant training programs. However, some still require you to participate in hands-on clinical experiences at a site near you.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Veterinary Assistant?

The length of time it takes to become a veterinary assistant depends on the program you choose and how long it takes you to pass the AVA exam. Many students can become veterinary assistants in under a year.

Do I Need Certification for Entry-Level Jobs?

Certification is not necessary to work as a veterinary assistant, especially in entry-level roles. However, some employers may require job applicants to be certified, and certification can help boost your resume.

What Is the Average Salary for a Veterinary Assistant?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for veterinary assistants is $37,320. Salaries can vary by state, as well as the type of facility you work in.

Browse Veterinarian Programs

Start your journey toward a career in veterinary assisting by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.