Online Veterinary Assistant Programs

Apart from its popularity, one of the highlights of Penn Foster’s vet assistant program is that candidates can participate in an 8-week externship to acquire further knowledge and hands-on training. Additionally, students will be well-positioned to take the AVA (Approved Veterinary Assistant) examination thanks to an array of training materials, all available online.

Penn Foster also boasts strong connections with some of the largest and most recognized veterinary clinics and hospitals nationwide, including BluePearl, Banfield, and VCA. This makes it easy for students to develop a strong professional network and secure employment immediately after completing the program.

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) approved the program.

The first nine stages are designed to introduce students to the foundational concept of veterinary assisting. They include surgical assisting, radiology, small animal nursing, animal restraint, and examination room procedures.

Candidates will also learn to perform administrative duties in an animal clinic through medical record-keeping, inventory analysis, teamwork, and communication.

Once they have completed the first nine stages, they will be allowed to proceed to the 10th real-world training stage. At the Animal Behavior College, real-world training for aspiring veterinary assistants is done through externships.

Students can complete their externships in around 20 weeks by securing positions with the school's partner facilities nationwide. After completing the 10th stage, candidates move to the final stage, where they must pass a final exam showcasing expertise in all the topics they have been taught.

Along with learning how to carry out office duties such as client relations, record keeping, inventory management, and equipment management, students will also learn about core vet assistant clinical duties such as tool sterilization, surgical assisting, patient prep, x-rays, and diagnostic lab procedures.

After completing the theoretical parts of their training, candidates may participate in an externship for real-world experience. Externships for vet assistants at Ross College take six weeks to complete.

In combination with the online and hybrid training programs, the school offers on-campus training for candidates in Huntsville, Erlanger, North Canton, Kalamazoo, and Warren.

As expected, Ross College’s distance vet assistant program is approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

According to the program website, the course is perfect for candidates seeking training to secure employment, candidates already working as vet assistants who wish to deepen their skill set, and candidates who wish to obtain professional credentials from NAVTA.

Interested individuals may apply for admission into this program regardless of their geographical location. Individuals may also apply without proof of high school graduation.

VetMedTeam is known for its strong partnership with the NAVTA, which accredits veterinary assistant programs. VetMedTeam issues the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certification examinations.

The exam requires registration with VetMedTeam and incurs an examination fee of $100.

It also includes additional skills useful for a veterinary assistant, such as animal grooming, medical calculations, and medical record keeping. Those who complete their 5 training modules may move on to the hands-on training aspect of this program.

This is achieved by participating in a six-week externship that includes a minimum of 120 hours of training on the job in a full-service veterinary clinic or hospital. The externship is supposed to help veterinary assistants practice what they have been taught in virtual classes while picking up valuable experience under the supervision of experienced professionals.

VetBloom is also notable for providing flexible payment plans. Candidates can also have their tuition reimbursed by employers, including those who are partners of the school.

The program gives candidates 24/7 access to the training materials, meaning they can learn only when convenient. It also includes real-time support so students who need help can easily reach out through phone, chat, or email and have a professional answer their queries.

Other highlights include hands-on training in a real-world veterinary setting through externships and the self-paced arrangement with an 8-month full access guideline.

Focus topics include animal pathology, animal physiology, nutrition and diet care, surgical assisting, an introduction to animal nursing, record keeping, pharmacology and radiology, and exam room caregiving.

Students will also learn veterinary terminology, discover how to properly relate to clients, and handle testing situations that may arise on the job.