Veterinary Assistant

There's still time to register for the summer Veterinary Assistant program! Classes start Monday, May 7. Call (630) 942-2524.

 

With pet ownership on the rise, the need for skilled veterinary assistants is in great demand. Working with the doctors and veterinary technicians, vet assistants help provide medical care to sick and injured animals.

Topics of study in this 120-hour course include: client relations, office and hospital procedures, animal nursing, exam room procedures (hospital sanitation, weight/tpr, animal handling, restraint and preventive care protocols), surgical prep and assisting, laboratory procedures, radiology and pharmacology. This training prepares the student to work in facilities such as veterinarian clinics, animal hospitals, animal control facilities or pet adoption centers. This program is geared toward recent high school graduates, pet lovers, people looking to get back in to the workforce or anyone looking to change careers.

Clinical training is an essential part of health care training for any specialty, and especially for veterinary medicine. In this program, you will have the opportunity to complete an externship of 30 hours of hands-on training in an animal hospital, clinic or office (facility subject to availability).

The College of DuPage has partnered with MK Education to offer health care programs for more than 10 years.

Careers

The job outlook for veterinary assistants is excellent. Employment in this field is expected to increase up to 14 percent through the year 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salaries will vary depending on hours, certification, experience and location, but may range between $16,490 and $33,780.

Financing

This program is on the COD approved list for the Workforce Investment Act.

 

Upcoming Courses

 

Veterinary Assistant Program

Take your love of animals and turn it into a career. Learn to assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians as you provide medical care to sick and injured animals. This course includes 120 hours of study, 30 of which are in the clinical setting. Learn how to help in the office as well as with hospital procedures, examinations and customer relations.

Please note that externships most often take place during normal business hours and successful completion of the externship is required to graduate. Externship dates will be given in the beginning of class to ensure ample time to inform employers of your training, if needed, as time off from work may be required depending on your schedule.

Course Prerequisites and Special Notes:

A high school diploma or GED is required. Students must be able to speak English and have no prior criminal convictions.

In addition, because of the inherent requirements of the profession, students must have the following minimum abilities sufficient for safe and successful practice of veterinary duties: psychomotor skills (eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity); visual acuity (normal or corrected); and be able to pass a drug testing and criminal background check for licensure or employment.

The accelerated pace of this program may present an exceptional challenge that may not be well suited for special needs students. Please consult the College of DuPage Center for Access and Accommodations prior to registration.

Monday and Wednesday, May 7 to August 15, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Externship from August 1 to August 13 (no classes at that time).
PROED-0037-001, $1,999 (includes all textbook and material fees)

Addison Center, Room 110

 

Tuesday and Thursday, September 4 to December 20, 6 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
$1,999 (includes all textbook and material fees)

BIC, Rooms 1127 and 1125

 

Register today!

To register, call Continuing Education at (630) 942-2208 or email CE@cod.edu. For detailed program information, call Program Coordinator Gail McPike at (630) 942-2524 or email mcpike@cod.edu.