Most veterinary assistant programs don't have stringent admission requirements. Registering as a student by completing an admission application or enrollment form is generally the first step. For colleges that have prerequisite courses, students must submit transcripts showing proof these courses have been completed. The final part of the admission process is paying the cost of tuition and fees for the veterinarian assistant program.
The cost of attending a veterinarian assistant school varies by institution as each school sets their own price for tuition and fees. Penn Foster's veterinarian assistant program costs approximately $800, while California State University East Bay charges approximately $1,800. Most veterinarian assistant programs don't qualify for financial aid since they don't culminate in a degree.
Animal anatomy, nutrition and first aid are just some of the classes offered as part of the certification for veterinarian assistant schools. Some programs offer internships that give students practical experience working in a veterinary clinic or hospital. Once the curriculum has been completed, students are awarded a certificate in veterinary assisting by the school. Students who choose to take a few additional veterinary courses along with general education classes can earn an associate's degree and work as a veterinary technician.
Traditional, in-person veterinarian assistant programs take approximately nine months to complete. However, more and more programs are being offered online and allowing students to complete the program at their own pace. Students who are motivated to start their career as a veterinarian assistant can finish the courses in only a few months and begin working right away.