Veterinary Assistant Program

Hybrid Veterinary Assistant Program w/ a Clinical Externship (NWCA Exam Voucher Included)

Description: This 100-hour Veterinary Assistant program introduces students to the exciting and growing field of veterinary medicine. Students will learn about the care of animals as well as how to recognize signs of illness and disease. This program also covers interpersonal communication, interaction with clients and their animals, as well as how to assist the veterinarian during examinations.

Veterinary AssistantAdministrative duties, such as fee collection, banking, and accounts payable are also emphasized to provide the student with the skills necessary to maintain an efficient front office.  

This course is asynchronous, self-paced. Although you will learn on your own through online learning and an e-book, you will have access to a course instructor and mentor to assist you in any course related questions should you need it.  You should plan to spend seven hours a week studying to ensure you will complete the online portion of the course in four months.  Anything less than seven hours per week will only lengthen the time to course completion.

  1. The online portion of this course is self-paced. Online course support is available to assist you with course content questions as needed.
  2. The tuition includes an e-book and The National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) test voucher, which enables you to take the career credentialing national exam. This highly desirable, portable credential enhances your resume and signifies that you have the skills employers demand.
  3. Although listed as Asynchronous (self-study), an instructor will be assigned to teach the class once enrollment reaches six or more students. Should this happen, classes will meet over Zoom Mondays and Wednesdays for an hour to an hour-and-a-half between 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. These Zoom sessions are not mandatory, but it will be beneficial to your studies if you want to participate. You will still maintain your self-study schedule and will need to complete the online quizzes and final to successfully complete the class. With six or more students, in-person labs will take place on campus near the end of the program. You will receive communication about in-person labs if they are going to be offered. NOTE: In-person labs may be cancelled if COVID-19 regulations restrict in-person learning.
  4. For the in-person lab experience at the main campus, students are responsible for buying a daily parking permit to park their vehicle on campus. The daily rate is $10. Students must only park in Lots 1 or 2. Go to the APP store using your mobile phone and search for ParkMobile. Download the free ParkMobile app and enter Zone # 5850 to buy the permit. Students must use their BHCC email to buy the permit. If your lab is held at the Chelsea campus, do not use the ParkMobile app. Specific parking instructions for the Chelsea campus will be emailed to you.
  5. Your course start-up instructions and e-book will be emailed to you within ten days of the course start date.
  6. Once you register and pay for the course, you will receive your course start-up instructions along with your e-book within 10 days of the course start date. As soon as you receive the materials by email, you may begin your course. Should there be an instructor assigned to your cohort, you will receive instructions and a link to join the Zoom sessions.
  7. Once you complete the program you can email learner support to let them know and they will give you the NWCA voucher along with directions on how to complete it.
  • National Certification: NWCA National Certification:  This program meets the necessary requirements to take the National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) Veterinary Technician (VET) Exam.
  • Clinical Externship: As part of this Veterinary Assistant program, you will be eligible to participate in a 40-hour clinical externship.
  • For more information, please view the Veterinary Assistant Program 2021 description and details (PDF)

Rapid Recovery & Reemployment (R3) Financial Assistance

Eligible for Financial Assistance under Rapid Recovery & Reemployment (R3) Short-term Training.

In order to determine your eligibility for tuition assistance, please complete the R3 application to learn how R3 may be able to support your career goals. If you have any questions beyond eligibility, please contact us at BHCC.R3@bhcc.edu.

Learn more about Rapid Recovery & Reemployment (R3) Short-term Training.

Frequently Asked Questions

To qualify for this program, you need to have earned your high school diploma or have an equivalent like a GED or HiSet. You should also possess a 10th grade English reading level.

Your tuition includes an e-book, course support, and the NWCA (VET) exam.

Yes. You may reach out to Learner Support to ask course content questions. Please visit the Learner Support center to look through Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that address the most common Learner issues. Here, you can also submit a Support Ticket that will be assigned to a Learner Support team member and we'll get in touch right away to help. If you need help immediately, please contact us at 877-261-1484 or info@edu2.com.

The online portion of the course is 100 hours and most students will complete their certification in 8-16 weeks. If you want to finish the online portion of your studies in 8 weeks, be prepared to spend a minimum of 6.25 hours per week persisting in the course. If you want to complete it in 16 weeks, then you will spend about three hours per week studying. The more hours you spend studying in the course per week, the sooner you will finish. This does not account for in-person lab times.

While the in-person lab is not required, it is highly beneficial. We highly encourage taking advantage of the in-person labs.

There are three lab sessions with each being 3.5 hours in duration. Each session runs from 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

  • Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians when asked and as directed in animal care and management
  • Feed, bathe, and exercise all types of animals
  • Clean and disinfect cages, kennels, stalls, examination and operating rooms, and other areas
  • Restrain animals during examination and laboratory procedures
  • Maintain and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment
  • Maintain supply and retail inventories
  • Monitor and care for animals before and after surgery or other medical procedures
  • Help provide emergency first aid to sick and injured animals and wildlife
  • Give medication or immunizations prescribed by the veterinarian and under a veterinarian’s direct supervision
  • Assist in collection of blood, urine, and tissue samples
  • Take vital signs of animals
  • Transport animals to and from treatment areas

A credential from National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of an entire content area, industry or area of expertise. An NWCA credential indicates to prospective or current employers that an earner has passed an extensive, rigorous exam which thoroughly tests the competency and skills of the earner. The Veterinary Assistant Certification credential documents the essential competencies for general front office, clinical, nursing care, and animal management procedures required of the veterinary assistant. This credential is appropriate for a veterinary assistant in the daily operations of a veterinary practice, research laboratory where animals are kept, animal hospital, equine barn, farm or ranch, animal shelter, kennel or animal day care, or other environment where animals are kept and cared for.

Veterinary assistants support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in many tasks. They may be involved in overall veterinary practice office operations, procedures related to diagnostic imaging and treatment of animals, procedures involving animal care and husbandry, and procedures for veterinary nursing and emergency care. Most workers enter the occupation have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Though veterinary assistants can be trained on the job, many employers prefer that they have completed a formal training program and have experience working with animals. Successful veterinary assistant demonstrate compassion to both animals and their owners, are detailed oriented, and have physical strength and dexterity. Though they may not be allowed to complete all of the procedures independently, they must understand many anatomy, physiology, and veterinary medicine concepts and be able to assist when asked in a safe and competent manner. Depending upon the specific work environment, veterinary assistants must understand animal care for dogs, cats, equine, livestock, companion birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, orphaned or injured wildlife, and laboratory animals.

You will need to contact Learner Support. Please visit the Learner Support center to look through Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that address the most common Learner issues. Here, you can also submit a Support Ticket that will be assigned to a Learner Support team member and we'll get in touch right away to help. If you need help immediately, please contact us at 877-261-1484 or info@edu2.com

Exam Structure Overview

Number of Questions in Exam: 400
Time Limit for Exam Parts:
Veterinary Medical Terminology: 176 items
Veterinary Practice and Nursing Care: 224 items
Total Time: 220 minutes
Overall Passing Score: 70%
(All sections require an individual passing score of 70%)

HYBRID Veterinary Assistant Program w/Clinical Externship (NWCA Exam included)NON-901E

Online Course: This 100-hour Veterinary Assistant program introduces students to the exciting and growing field of veterinary medicine. Students will learn about the care of animals as well as how to recognize signs of illness and disease. This program also covers interpersonal communication, interaction with clients and their animals, how to assist the veterinarian during examinations, and much more!

Your course start-up instructions and e-book will be emailed to you within ten days of the course start date. You will have access to online course support, if needed. The tuition includes an e-book, course support, and a voucher to take the National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) exam. For more details, please visit https://www.bhcc.edu/ce/careerlifelonglearning/veterinaryassistantprogram/

SectionDatesDays and TimesInstructorFeeRegister
NON-901E-01Apr 22 - Aug 5
Monday, Wednesday at 6-9:30 p.m.
TBA$2,219