Veterinary Assistant

Turn your passion of caring for animals into a rewarding career with the Veterinary Assistant program at College of DuPage. Our hybrid program is designed to prepare you for a career with animals in laboratories, animal hospitals and clinics while performing surgical preparation to small animal nursing under the supervision of veterinarians, scientists, and veterinary technologists and technicians.

Fall 2026 Class

Classes are offered during the Fall and Spring semester. We are currently enrolling for the Fall 2026 semester. 

Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 14 to Nov. 25
6 to 7:30 p.m.
BVETA-0100-001, $1,499
Hybrid

Register Online

Sign up easily through Instant Enrollment. Be sure to provide a personal email address when registering and check your spam or junk folders regularly so you don't miss course updates.

• To participate in online or hybrid classes, you will need access to a computer, tablet (such as an iPad), or similar device with a camera and microphone. Classes are delivered via Zoom and/or the Blackboard learning platform.
• To ensure a smooth start, registration for online courses may close up to 48 business hours before the course begins.

Information Session

Students are required to attend this introduction before beginning the Veterinary Assistant Program. Topics covered include course logistics, expectations, as well as an overview of curriculum, mathematics used in the field, ethics and physical expectations. Register and attend the next information session.

Career Information

Prerequisites

• 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalency is required
• English proficiency

Due to the inherent requirements of the profession as a veterinary assistant, students must possess additional non-academic skills. Psychomotor skills (hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity), visual acuity (normal or corrected vision) sufficient for safe practice of veterinary assistant duties and communication skills (ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with patients, doctors and other personnel, and the ability to follow written and verbal directions).

Tuition and Financial Options

Tuition of $1,499 excludes externship.

A payment plan is available. Payment is due at registration. Explore financial options for Continuing Education programs.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers,
at bls.gov (visited Oct. 28, 2021).

This program had a tremendous impact on my career preparation. From patient handling and clinical procedures to professional communication, the skills and knowledge I gained gave me the confidence to step into the role feeling prepared and capable. The support, guidance, and practical training provided by the instructor created a strong foundation for my success. I am incredibly grateful for the positive impact this program has had on my journey and would highly recommend it to anyone pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.

Reesha Hasmi, Spring 2026