Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary assistants work closely with members of the veterinary staff. They are involved in patient care, customer relations and veterinary hospital office procedures. Responsibilities include holding animals during examinations, nail trimming, administering medications, sterilizing lab and surgical equipment and preparing samples for lab examination.
In our noncredit, short-term training veterinary assistant program, you will:
- Train with industry professionals to learn best practices in the field
- Learn the foundations of office, hospital and exam room procedures, communication and client relations, pharmacology, small animal nursing, surgical preparation and assisting, lab procedures, radiology and ultrasound
- Complete a 100-hour externship in a local vet office/clinic or animal hospital/clinic
Fall 2026 session
| Dates | Location | Materials | Course Code |
| July 21–Dec. 18 | Lectures — Tuesdays online, synchronous (7-10 pm) Lab — Thursdays in-person at Ashton Animal Clinic (5:30-8:30 pm) Clinical — Nov. 16-Dec. 18 (100 hours), in-person at a local animal hospital (schedule TBD) |
Lab supplies and textbooks provided | CE 084 3001 |
Program Details
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wages of veterinary assistants was $44,150 in May 2024.
The program cost is $2,250 including textbooks and supplies. Federal and state financial aid are not available to offset cost. A payment plan is available.
Interested applicants should fill out the form below. For additional questions, email program coordinator Melissa Gallagher at mgallagher1@kish.edu to schedule a time and day to discuss the program.