Program Highlights

  • Experience the reward of saving and caring for animals.
  • Manage an animal wellness clinic delivering quality veterinary services including examinations, assisting in surgeries, and developing x-rays.
  • Work with animals such as dogs, cats, horses, and goats as part of a professional veterinary team.

Career Focus

  • The first step to earning your veterinary assistant and fear-free restraint certifications is to successfully complete the CAVIT two-year program. At the end of the program, it’s time to earn your certifications by passing the exams. Finally, it’s time to update your resume and apply for and land a veterinary assistant position and/or continue your post-secondary education by earning a Veterinary Technician or Veterinarian degree.

Listing of Instructional Topics

Year One:

  • Animal Handling and Experience
  • Intruction to Veterinary Science
  • Hospital Safety and OSHA
  • Animal Anatomy and Function
  • Veterinary Medical Records
  • Small Animal Nursing
  • Vaccination Protocols
  • Off-Site Clinical Experience

Year Two:

  • Front Office Procedures
  • Diagnostic Procedures
  • Laboratory Procedures
  • Radiology and Ultrasound
  • Pharmacy and Pharmacology
  • Patient Care
  • Surgical
  • NAVTA Skills and Exam Preparation

Veterinary Assistant Entry Level Salary Range*

  • Hourly: $12.90–$16.71
  • $26,840–$34,960

*Source – Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages

Related Career Pathways

  • Animal Control Officer
  • Animal Breeder
  • Certified Veterinary Assistant
  • Farm Manager
  • Pet Groomer
  • Research Scientist
  • Veterinarian
  • Wildlife Biologist
  • Zookeeper