Veterinary Assistant, SC

Note: This degree/certificate leads to professional licensure. Licensing requirements vary by state/territory and relocating could impact whether you will meet eligibility requirements for licensure. Please visit our Professional Licensure Programs page for full details on State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement.

Program Description

The Skills Certificate for the Veterinary Assistant Program will allow completers of the program the opportunity to take a credentialing exam from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America to become an AVA (approved veterinary assistant).  Veterinary assistants are an integral part of the veterinary healthcare team working under the supervision of a veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician.  The program is comprised of two semesters of classroom and clinical instruction where students will gain knowledge and experience in a variety of areas appropriate to the veterinary assistant. 

This program is not eligible for financial aid. However, it may be eligible for scholarship funding if the student is awarded scholarships.

Veterinary Nursing Career Map

Recommended Course Schedule

Program Requirements

Skills Certificates can consist of a single course or a short set of courses that provide training for entry-level positions or career advancement. These short-term certificates may also prepare students to take state, national and/or industry-recognized certifications or licensing exams.

Skills certificates are awarded upon completion of coursework and marked on a student's transcripts at the end of the semester. Students cannot declare a skills certificate as one's major. Skills Certificates are not eligible for Financial Aid. 

To earn a skills certificate, students must:

1. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
2. Have no financial or library obligation to the college.

Program Outcomes

Students completing the certificate will:

PSLO1: Perform common tasks relating to the office/reception area of the veterinary hospital including client communication, appointment scheduling, and paperwork relating to admission and discharge of patients

PSLO2: Understand the roles and responsibilities of the veterinary health team including professional conduct and recognize common legal concerns

PSLO3: Recognize and explain proper response to veterinary medical emergencies

PSLO4: Explain the process of euthanasia, post mortem care, and understand the animal bond and grief

PSLO5: Utilize basic medical terminology and abbreviations and demonstrate a basic understanding of small animal anatomy

PSLO6: Explain common diseases and medical conditions and learn basic veterinary procedures including vaccination

PSLO7: Identify common animal behaviors and animal breeds and demonstrate common restraint methods and tools relating to these animals

PSLO8: Understand small animal nutritional requirements and animal diets

PSLO9: Explain and demonstrate basic sanitation practices of a veterinary facility including isolation procedures, OSHA safety standards, and recognition of zoonotic concerns

PSLO10: Demonstrate basic husbandry techniques including grooming

PSLO11: Explain and perform common veterinary nursing duties appropriate for the veterinary assistant

PSLO12: Assist in performing surgical preparations and understand surgical nursing including identification of common instruments and proper care and sterilization procedures

PSLO13: Explain and assist with monitoring of recovering surgical patients and understand post-operative end of day routines

PSLO14: Explain and demonstrate restraint, preparation, and positioning of patients for diagnostic imaging and handling of the radiographic record

PSLO15: Explain and demonstrate collection and preparation of various biological samples for laboratory analysis