Veterinary Assistant

This less-than-one-year certificate program provides prospective veterinary assistants with education and experience in commonly used medical and surgical techniques, as well as an understanding of common disease states of animals. The program also provides an introduction to animal hospital management, business procedures and job preparation skills. Students will be able to step into an entry-level position with the confidence and competence necessary to be a productive addition to the staff.

To accomplish these goals, the program combines classroom instruction with practicum experience. Guest speakers such as board-certified specialists and industry representatives, cover specific areas. The curriculum focuses primarily on small animal species, but information regarding large animal species is incorporated wherever possible.

A group of up to 24 students completes the training together and attends class for approximately 35 hours a week for the first 12 weeks of the program.  A 150-hour practicum work experience is part of the training and takes place at area veterinary practices the last 5 weeks of the program. The student is responsible for transportation to and from their practicum site.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete a certificate in Veterinary Assistant will be able to:

• Assist the veterinarian in patient care and practice management.
• Recognize and understand common veterinary disorders.
• Demonstrate effective communication with patients, family members, and colleagues using verbal, written, and information technology tools/devices.

Admission Requirements

The Veterinary Assistant Program Bulletin can be found online at the LBCC Short Term Training webpage (linnbenton.edu/veterinary-assistant) and contains all required Admission Requirements. The cost of this program varies. Applications are accepted on a first‐come, first‐serve basis with preference given to residents of Linn‐Benton Community College’s tax district and students with previous college experience. The program is Financial Aid eligible, but be aware that Financial Aid will be used to pay the total amount of the program cost first before the student receives any funds for living expenses.

Students are required to:

• Pay a non-refundable out of pocket deposit immediately after application submission.
• Attend a live program information session or complete the online information session.
• Complete WR 115 Introduction to College Writing with a grade of C or better.
• Complete MTH 060 “Introduction to Algebra” with a “C” grade or better. The math class or math CPT must have been completed in the last five years.
• Submit a Veterinary Clinic Observation checklist.
• Applicants must be in good academic and financial standing at LBCC in order to be admitted to this program.
• Submit a completed LBCC online admission application form.
• Submit supplemental application materials located in Program Bulletin.

Post-admission and prior to the start of classes, students are required to:

Total Credit Hours: 29