The Veterinary Assistant certificate provides training in veterinary health and handling of a variety of domestic and exotic species. It focuses on tasks for assisting the Veterinary Technician and Veterinarian. Veterinary Assistants care for animals in veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, and laboratories. They help to maintain a clean and safe work environment and perform various tasks under the supervision of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and scientists. This certificate covers the essential knowledge and job skills a veterinary assistant needs, including lab tests, nutrition, critical care, animal husbandry, surgical assistance, and patient monitoring. Students experience hands-on learning in the classroom and during the required internship. Veterinary Assistants do not diagnose animal illnesses, prescribe treatment, or perform surgery. This certificate introduces students to the field of veterinary medicine; it is not a veterinary technician program, nor is it intended to provide admission to a college of veterinary medicine.
Admission Requirements
Students must:
- Submit an application for the program.
- Meet college requirements for admission.
- Possess a high school diploma or GED and submit official transcripts to WMCC.
- Attend a mandatory information session prior to the beginning of classes.
Applications are not complete until all the above-mentioned documents have been received. Seats for this certificate are limited, so it is recommended that students apply in the spring to increase the chance of securing a place in the program.
Upon admission, students receive a packet of program information with details regarding program requirements.
Once admitted, the following is required:
- Proof of a physical examination with current tetanus immunization
- Proof of health insurance
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Attendance at a program information session
- Attendance at college orientation
- Purchase of course materials
All students enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant program must maintain a C or above in all courses and have a 90% or better attendance record. They must also comply with the program's stated standard of professionalism.
Program Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be prepared to:
- Demonstrate effective client communication skills while demonstrating
professional conduct and using appropriate veterinary medical terminology. - Perform front desk duties such as using veterinary practice management
software to schedule appointments, answer basic client questions, create,
retrieve and file medical records, admit and discharge patients, properly obtain
and record consent forms and consistently demonstrate ethical conduct. - Identify the normal anatomy and common pathologies for each species and each
body system and incorporate critical thinking skills when collecting patient data
and performing patient care. - Identify potential zoonotic diseases and appropriate isolation and disinfection
procedures. - Demonstrate knowledge of hazardous waste handling and of OSHA regulations
and current drug enforcement laws. - Perform basic procedures such as recording of vital signs and basic grooming
techniques. - Prepare patients and assist the veterinary technician or veterinarian with proper
patient restraint for examination, procedures or diagnostic imaging. - Demonstrate knowledge of basic animal behavior and the Human-Animal bond
- Provide basic nursing to sick or surgical patients.
- Perform maintenance of hospital equipment such as radiology equipment,
surgical and sterilizing equipment, laboratory devices and treatment area
equipment. - Collect and prepare laboratory specimens, as well as perform basic laboratory
tests. - Prepare and administer parenteral and oral medications.
- Perform all duties within the Veterinary Assistant scope of practice.
- Appreciate diversity, differing beliefs, value systems, and individual opinions.