Veterinary Assistant, C.A.S.

Anna Romano, Veterinary Technology Program Coordinator
116 Hunt-Haught Hall / (304)367-4763
Locust Avenue Campus
Anna.Romano@pierpont.edu

Program Purpose

The Veterinary Assistant C.A.S is designed to prepare students for an entry-level position in the field of veterinary medicine. Veterinary assistants work under the supervision of veterinarians and/or veterinary technicians to perform routine tasks associated with a veterinary hospital and animal care. The program is not a pre-veterinary program.

Admission Requirements 

Admission into the Veterinary Assistant, C.A.S. program is based upon the following criteria[:

1. Apply to Pierpont Community and Technical College for the term you want to begin the program and meet the general admission requirements or be a current student
   1. First-time students should select “Health Sciences: Veterinary Assistant” as their educational goal on their application.
   2. Current students will need to complete a Change of Major form and select “Veterinary Assistant (Certificate)” as their requested major.

Qualified students are accepted into the program until capacity is met.

*Students can begin the program in the fall semester.

Program Requirements

• Students must pass a criminal background clearance check, meet health and immunization requirements, and drug testing.
• Students must be able to meet the essential functions of the program and classes, with or without accommodations.
• Students will need to provide their own transportation to assigned clinical sites.

Students must complete each course in the Veterinary Assistant program model schedule with a grade of “C” or higher and maintain an overall 2.0 GPA to remain in the program.  Students who receive a “D” or “F” in a course must repeat the course before continuing in the program’s course sequence.  If students receive two such grades in the same course, they will be removed from the program.   

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Veterinary Assistant C.A.S., graduates will be able to do the following:

• Demonstrate competency in the entry level communication skills required for a veterinary assistant
• Demonstrate competency in the entry level technical skills required for a veterinary assistant
• Exhibit conduct that reflects the professional, ethical, and legal standards established by the field of veterinary medicine

Opportunities

Graduates from the program can pursue career opportunities in animal hospitals, clinics, research laboratories, and universities as a veterinary assistant.