Workforce Solutions at SUNY Jefferson - Flipbook - Page 36
VETERINARY ASSISTANT
ONLINE
Cost: $1,899
Typical 昀椀nish time: 4-6 months
REGISTER
The Veterinary Assistant program prepares learners for a new career in the 昀椀eld of veterinary medicine.
Participants will learn about the care of animals as well as how to recognize signs of illness and disease
in a variety of animals from common pets to exotic species. This program also covers interpersonal
communication, interaction with clients and their animals, as well as how to assist the veterinarian during
examinations. Administrative duties, such as fee collection, banking, and accounts payable are also
emphasized to provide learners with the skills necessary to maintain an e昀케cient front o昀케ce. This veterinary
assisting course is a vital asset to learners who wish to work in this exciting and rewarding 昀椀eld.
Employment of veterinary assistants and caretakers of laboratory animals is expected to grow 9% through
2030, faster than average for this occupation. As more and more Americans are adopting pets, the pet
population continues to increase at a steady pace. Additionally, technological and medical advancements
veterinary medicine are helping to boost the level of care for pets at a cost that used to be out of reach, further
contributing to the rising demand for veterinary medicine generally, and veterinary assistants in particular.
The veterinary assistant can expect to obtain a position mainly in clinics, animal hospitals and research
laboratories but grooming facilities, pet day cares and boarding facilities would be in need of individuals with
these skills as well.
Certi昀椀cation Opportunities
After completing this program, learners will have the option to take the leading national/industry-recognized
certi昀椀cation exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing 昀椀eld. (Medical Career
Assessments (MedCA) and Veterinary Assistant (VA1).)
Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity
Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity
with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable
hands-on experience. As learners progress through their eLearning program, an Externship Coordinator will
reach out to coordinate placement.
Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be
required by the externship facility.
Traditional college 昀椀nancial aid is not applicable for non-credit courses at this time.
For the most current information, visit www.sunyjefferson.edu/workforce
36
