How long does it take to be a vet assistant?

Carrington College’s hands-on Veterinary Assisting program can be completed in as few as nine months.

What does a vet assistant do?

As stated by the BLS, veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers are responsible for the following tasks:2 Feeding, bathing, and exercising animals Cleaning and disinfecting cages, kennels, and examination and operating rooms Restraining animals during examination and laboratory procedures Maintaining and sterilizing surgical instruments and equipment Monitoring and care for animals after surgery Helping provide emergency first aid to sick and injured animals Giving medication or immunizations that veterinarians prescribe Assisting in collecting blood, urine, and tissue samples

What is the difference between a vet tech and a vet assistant?

Veterinary techs are qualified professionals that can perform higher-level clinical tasks to assist in diagnosing or treating animals, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.2 Vet techs also typically have between two and four years of higher-level education, including an associate or bachelor degree. They must pass a credentialing exam and perform continuing education. Vet assistants support veterinarians or veterinary technicians in their daily tasks and often perform clerical work. Some of their duties may include performing daily kennel functions, maintaining animals, or spending time on front-end tasks. A main difference between vet techs and vet assistants is that vet assistants complete clerical activities. Additionally, there are veterinary assisting training programs. Some others may learn training on the job, according to the AVMA.

Veterinary Programs

Veterinary Assisting / Veterinary Assistant

Prepare for a hands-on role in animal care with Carrington College’s Veterinary Assisting/Veterinary Assistant programs. Learn to assist Veterinarians and Veterinary Techs with a variety of exams and procedures, provide surgical support, lab diagnostics, and veterinary office administration. Earn your Certificate of Achievement in as few as 9 months while gaining real-world experience through a clinical externship.

Program Details

What Will I learn

Carrington College’s Veterinary Assisting program provides the clinical, laboratory, and administrative skills to support veterinarians in a variety of settings. Upon completion of the Veterinary Assisting program, graduates will be able to:

Complete appropriate veterinary assisting procedures related to animal husbandry, diagnostics, equipment maintenance and client care in a variety of settings.
Apply basic knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology of multiple species in relation to animal care.
Maintain a professional and safe work environment.

Upon completion of the Veterinary Assistant program, graduates will be able to:

Perform the duties pertaining to veterinary clinic reception, office management, and general computer skills.
Perform the various duties of a veterinary assistant, such as venipuncture, administering of injections, placing of IV catheters, and the monitoring of anesthesia in a surgical setting.
Perform dental prophylaxis, with capability to instruct and demonstrate in-home dental care, providing detailed explanation for future recommendations.
Perform and apply laboratory procedures, as well as radiographic film processing regarded as diagnostic contributions in animal healthcare.
Demonstrate confidence in the execution of exam room protocols, such as proper pet restraining techniques, obtaining vitals, accurate recording of patient history and client communication within the examination process.
Relate and apply concepts of communication, reasoning, critical analysis, ethical behavior and appropriate interpersonal interaction to situations in his or her career and personal life.
Demonstrate the social skills, professional appearance, attitudes and behavior that employers expect of graduates.

With comprehensive hands-on training and a strong foundation in veterinary care, this program prepares students for entry-level roles in veterinary clinics, hospitals, and animal care facilities.

Cost & Financial Aid

Your education is an investment in your future, and Carrington College is here to help. We offer a variety of financial aid options, including federal, state, and private programs, Sas well as student loans, grants, and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Each program has different requirements and application instructions. Our team is here to guide you through the options and application process.

Academic Cost

For complete information on current tuition costs, please see the Academic Catalog.

Location Availability

Carrington College’s Veterinary Assisting/Veterinary Assistant programs are available at multiple locations in Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington. Program availability varies by location. To learn more about each location, explore their location pages.

Accreditation & Approvals

Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234 an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at accjc.org.

For comprehensive information on Carrington College’s accreditation and approvals, visit carrington.edu/accreditation-and-approvals/.

Course Catalog

Program Specific Disclosures

Continuing Education For Graduates

Student Outcomes

Upon completion of the Veterinary Assisting program, graduates will be able to:

Complete appropriate veterinary assisting procedures related to animal husbandry, diagnostics, equipment maintenance and client care in a variety of settings.
Apply basic knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology of multiple species in relation to animal care.
Maintain a professional and safe work environment.

REAL WORLD SKILLS

With many classes to guide you, you’re certain to be prepared for your career.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS

Conveniently available at multiple locations in Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington. Blended program option available at some locations.

AFFORDABLE TUITION

Affordable tuition varies by program and location.

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Discover What It’s Like to Train to Become a Veterinary Assistant at Carrington College

It is a true honor to work with any kind of species of animal.

Milayna J.

2020 Veterinary Assisting Graduate

Veterinary Assistant Career Opportunities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, increases in consumers’ pet-related spending are expected to drive employment in the veterinary services industry.1 In clinics and other veterinary service establishments, assistants help with various procedures. Demand for veterinary assistants will continue as the demand for these procedures increases.

What Will I Learn?

Veterinary Surgical and Assisting Techniques

Veterinary Hospital Practices

Animal Nursing and Care

Check out our guide on becoming a Veterinary Assistant.

Have you always wanted to work in a veterinary setting, but don’t want to attend school for years? Then a job as a veterinary assistant might be a good career for you. Veterinary assistants work in a variety of roles in veterinary offices and clinical settings supporting the licensed staff with technical tasks.