Dvm Continuing Education Austin Community College

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A Rewarding Career

If you love animals, then consider the emerging need for Veterinary Assistants in the Greater Austin area. As the population continues to expand, the number of pets is growing and creating an urgent need for caring and qualified veterinary clinical assistants.

Your Building Blocks to Success

The Austin Community College Veterinary Assistant Program is 504 hours that can be completed in approximately one year. By combining hands-on learning with clinical experiences, this program will prepare you to launch a new career as a Certified Veterinary Assistant. The veterinary assistant program qualifies graduates to take the Texas Veterinary Medical Association CVA Level One exam and also articulates with the Veterinary Technology program at ACC. Contact the program coordinator for details.

Prerequisite

• VTHT-1008: Orientation to Vet Medicine

Semester I

• VTHT-1001: Intro to Vet Technology
• VTHT-1013: Vet Anatomy & Physiology
• VTHT-1009: Vet Nutrition
• VTHT-1049: Vet Pharmacology

Semester II

• VTHT-2023: Vet Clinical Pathology I
• VTHT-1041: Anesthesia/Surgical Assistance
• VTHT-2001: Canine/Feline Clinical Mgmnt.

Semester III

• VTHT-1066 Practicum: Vet Assistant

This Program Requires An Application!

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Get Started Now

The program starts in the Fall and Spring of each year. Get your application in now as seats are limited. Please download the program application for information about the application and orientation process.

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Veterinary Clinical Assistant Course Listings

2023 Spring Semester

Jan 3rd, 2023 - May 29th, 2023

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Frequently Asked Questions

? What is the Veterinary Assistant Program?

This program is a 504-contact-hour, basic certification course that combines classroom lecture with hands-on learning in clinical and laboratory settings. It can be completed in three semesters by students attending classes 10-20 hours per week. Training will focus on the skills required of back-office assistants.

The course sequence is as follows:

Semester 1 (192 hours)

• VTHT-1001: Intro to Veterinary Technology
• VTHT-1013: Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology
• VTHT-1009: Veterinary Nutrition
• VTHT-1049: Veterinary Pharmacology

Semester 2 (192 hours)

• VTHT-2023: Clinical Pathology
• VTHT-2001: Canine & Feline Clinical Management
• VTHT-1041: Anesthesia & Surgical Assistance

Semester 3 (112 hours)

• VTHT-1066: Practicum-Veterinary Assistant

? How long does it take to complete the program?

It will take three semesters, if you take all of the required courses each semester. If you start in the fall, then you will finish the following summer. If you start in the spring, then you will finish in the fall of the same year. Taking all of the required courses each semester isn't mandatory, you can take as many as you like, but you must complete Semester 1 classes before progressing to Semester 2, and complete all Semester 2 classes before registering for Practicum, which is the final (Capstone) course in the program.

? What is the admission process?

You can find the application here. Basically, you take an online orientation course, complete the application packet, and meet with the program coordinator to review your application and receive counseling about the program and your career path in veterinary medicine. At this time, we want you to ask questions to be sure that you are fully prepared to enter the veterinary assistant program.

? When and where are classes held?

Semester 1 lecture classes are held at the ACC Riverside campus (RVS). VTHT-1001 also has a clinical component, which is held at Texas Humane Heroes in Leander, except for a few site visits during the semester to other facilities TBA. These classes may be held in the evenings during the week and on Saturdays. The clinical meeting will take place on a weekday during regular business hours for 2 hours each week. Please see the course schedule for details.

Semester 2 lecture classes are held at the Riverside campus (RVS) and Eastview Campus (EVC). Clinicals are at veterinary facilities in the Austin area TBA. These classes usually have scheduled meetings during the day and/or evening on Monday-Friday, plus a Saturday meeting.

Please see the Courses by Semester files for specific details.

? What about the Practicum?

The Veterinary Assistant Program practicum is a 112 hour internship experience. There are no scheduled class meetings, and the days/times that you complete your hours at your Practicum site are determined by you and your Preceptor (supervisor at the clinical site). We will help find you a placement, or you can request a facility, and we'll try to secure an affiliation agreement if we don't have one already.

? What is the attendance policy?

We require attendance in 90% of class hours in order to earn the certificate of completion and progress in the program.

? How are grades determined?

This varies by class, but you can expect to do homework assignments (including assigned readings), complete written quizzes and exams, do lab work or group projects in class, and perform skills for practical exams (Semester 2 classes). A grade of "C" or better is required for progression in the program. The Practicum is a pass/fail course. When all classes and the Practicum are complete, students earn a certificate of completion for the program and are eligible to take the Certified Veterinary Assistant Level One exam.

? What if I don't want to take all of the classes in the program?

That's fine! But you must complete all of the Semester 1 classes and be accepted into the program before you can take Semester 2 or 3 classes.

? What is the process for becoming certified as a Veterinary Assistant?

The Texas Veterinary Medical Association offers voluntary certification for veterinary assistants at three different levels. ACC VAP graduates are eligible to take the Level One exam upon completion of the program, and the Level Two exam after 500 hours on the job.

? Do you offer job placement?

We don't have a formal job placement program, but students who successfully complete our program are in high demand and generally do not have a problem finding a job! We do pass on information about job openings to current and former students via our program Facebook page.

? What is the job market like for veterinary assistants in the Austin area?

There has never been a better time to be a veterinary assistant in Central Texas! There are hundreds of job openings each year, and only a small fraction of those applying for these jobs are Certified Veterinary Assistants. You can probably get a job without certification (depending on previous experience), but you may be stuck working in the kennels. Certification gives you an advantage in the hiring process and puts you on a faster track to career advancement. Several of our former students are now in supervisory and management positions!

? How much do classes cost?

Tuition varies depending on number of hours in the class and cost of materials used. For the entire program, tuition is $3839.

? Is financial aid available?

Yes, we do have financial aid options available. Please see our Financial Aid web page for further details.

Additionally, if you are already working in this field, your employer may qualify for a small business grant to help pay for your education.

? Are courses taken in a particular order?

Courses in the Veterinary Clinical Assistant program are broken down into three semesters.

Prerequisite

• VTHT-1008: Orientation to Vet Medicine

Semester I

• VTHT-1001: Intro to Vet Technology
• VTHT-1013: Vet Anatomy & Physiology
• VTHT-1009: Vet Nutrition
• VTHT-1049: Vet Pharmacology

Semester II

• VTHT-2023: Vet Clinical Pathology I
• VTHT-1041: Anesthesia/Surgical Assistance
• VTHT-2001: Canine/Feline Clinical Mgmnt.

Semester III

• VTHT-1066 Practicum: Vet Assistant

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What Our Students Are Saying

I know I probably haven't said it enough but thank you again for the knowledge and training you instilled in my brain. I had an opportunity to scrub in on a surgery today for the first time and without your training, would not have had a clue what to do! I still needed a little prompting since it's been a bit since our surgery and anesthesia class, but I have no doubt that the knowledge I gained in the VCA program at ACC was the key reason I was given this opportunity.

I completed the Veterinary Assistant Certificate in December of 2014. The program is very well structured and organized (shout-out to Elizabeth Warren!). English is my second language and although it was very challenging at times; I learned that hard work, dedication and patience will get you through the end!

As a class, we went to several sites to get hands on experience. My favorite site was Veterinary Surgical Solutions. I learned through the program that they were hiring. Shortly after, I became a part of the VSS team.

Going through the program helped me understand and be more knowledgeable of diseases/injuries and the science behind the different treatment options and how/why they are implemented in real practice. At VSS I'm able to apply my education as a Veterinary Assistant in a variety of ways: providing customer care, handling patient intake, conducting rechecks, consults, assisting with patient care and recovery, filling medications, obtaining laboratory specimens, taking radiographs, managing medical records, discharging patients after surgery, etc.

I highly recommend this certificate for anyone interested in the veterinary field. It provided me with invaluable skills and education that help me every day in my professional life. It helped me set the path for a job I love and where I get to make a difference in the lives of many!

Marian R.

This is a great program to get you started in the Veterinary Field. You will learn all the essentials from some wonderful LVT's to allow you to walk in any clinic and get a job. It's not just about puppy and kitten hugging, there is work involved but it's completely worth it, coming from someone who wanted to give up more than once, it's completely worth it. If this is something you want to do and you are serious about check it out.

D'via Martin

I've been in the field of veterinary medicine for almost 3 years and completed the ACC veterinary assistant program in 2013. This program has offered me a substantial amount of animal education that is very useful in my everyday field of work. These individual courses are very well planned and offer plenty of hands-on experience. The training I received from ACC in combination with my current position, I have been able to work/assist with a variety of animals including coatis, wolves, horses, goats, dogs, and cats etc. I'm very satisfied that I made the decision to join ACC VAP, because with the skills I've acquired I am now working as a small/large animal veterinary technician. I highly suggest anyone wanting to gain the knowledge of veterinary assisting to go through this program. I can't say enough how much I love my job, many thanks to the ACC veterinary assistant program.

Diana Murillo

I've been in the field of veterinary medicine for almost 5 years and I completed the ACC veterinary assistant program in 2014. My education has had a significant impact on my career and my current place of employment. The classes are well taught and I have had the chance to apply everything I've learned. I've had the opportunity to help open a practice with a wonderful doctor and staff in Pflugerville. Due to my educational background and dedication I am now working as a surgical technician and excel in client education. I've had the chance to connect with other professionals in the field and I've had opportunities to attend many events and seminars to further my education. I am so glad I made the decision to be apart of this program and I strongly encourage others with an interest in the veterinary field to pursue their education with ACC.

Stephanie Chaney

I have been working in the veterinary field for about 5 years and completed the veterinary assistant program In 2012. The veterinary assistant program has influenced my career a lot; I learned hands-on how to better my technical skills and client care specialist skills. I can't imagine doing anything else--becoming a veterinary assistant is the best choice I've made!

Vanessa Martinez

As a professional in the animal health and welfare field, I feel lucky to have gone through the ACC Veterinary Assistant Program. The classes are well rounded, challenging and impeccably taught. The importance of hands-on learning in this field is huge, and this program offered up many opportunities to learn things by jumping in and doing them. I could not have asked for better preparation for my career as a veterinary assistant and clinic supervisor. As part of the program, I was able to make connections with veterinary professionals in the Austin area which have been instrumental in my professional development. The ACC VAP has been a great benefit to me and is a great asset to our veterinary community. I am proud to have been a part of it.

Elsa Kohlbus

Contact A Program Coordinator

Questions or Comments About This Program?

Do you see yourself being a good fit for this program? Perhaps you have some additional questions you would like answered? Well, know that we are there for you to assist in any way we can. Please fill out the following form and our Veterinary Clinical Assistant program coordinator will contact you directly.

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Source: https://continue.austincc.edu/veterinary

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