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Veterinary Assistant Technical Certificate

For more information, contact the Math and Science division at 615-230-3261 or at [email protected].

This technical certificate is a two semester program designed to prepare students to enter the workforce as animal handlers/veterinary assistants or laboratory animal caregivers.  This certificate is the first step for many students to become Certified Assistant Laboratory Animal Technicians (ALAT) or Certified Veterinary Practice Managers (CVPM).

A formal application is not required for admission to this program. Enrollment for all VTA courses is managed by the Program Director.  Interested students should schedule an advising appointment to plan a course of study.

Enrollment in Veterinary Assistant Certificate courses requires the following:

  1. Admission to the college
  2. Acceptable placement scores or completion of all Learning Support Competencies in Reading and Writing or concurrent enrollment in ENGL 0810 and READ 0810 as determined by placement
  3. Advising meeting with Veterinary Technology advisors prior to registration
  4. Students who wish to complete the certificate program in two sequential semesters must submit a graduation application packet to the college at the beginning of the first semester in which they are enrolled.

The Veterinary Assistant Technical Certificate is embedded within the Associate of Arts, and the Associate of Science, General Studies area of emphasis.  Courses in this certificate may be used to award these areas of emphasis.

Program​ Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the graduate will have developed the skills, knowledge and abilities to accomplish the following:

  1. Demonstrate interpersonal and interprofessional communication skills with the clients and veterinary team.

  2. Demonstrate knowledge of office and hospital procedures appropriate to the veterinary assistant. 

  3. Properly assess and evaluate needs of patients as they relate to animal care. 

  4. Demonstrate ability to assist with common veterinary procedures involving companion animals. 

CIP Code: (01) 01.0504.00

Certificate Requirements - Credits (22)

  • AHC 115 - *Medical Terminology Credits: (3)
  • BUSN 1305 - *Introduction to Business Credits: (3)

  • OR INFS 1010 - Computer Applications  Credits: (3)

  • VTA 100 - *Introduction to Veterinary Anatomy Credits: (3)
  • VTA 120 - *Veterinary Assistant Nursing Credits: (3)
  • VTA 130 - *Veterinary Economics Credits: (3)
  • VTA 140 - *Clinical Procedures Credits: (3)
  • VTA 145 - *Assistant Clinical Practicum Credits: (1)
  • VTA 151 - *Veterinary Assistant Seminar Credits: (3)

Total Certificate Requirements - Credits (22)

Recommended Schedule

This is a recommended schedule. Learning Support, pre-requisites and other academic factors may impact this schedule.  See your advisor to create a degree plan.

DegreeWorks, along with the correct catalog, should be utilized by students for all of their educational planning.  Students can monitor their progress toward a degree or certificate and view missing requirements with the DegreeWorks audit, which is accessible through My Volstate.

First Year - Spring Semester - Credits (12)

  • VTA 100 - *Introduction to Veterinary Anatomy Credits: (3)
  • VTA 140 - *Clinical Procedures Credits: (3)
  • AHC 115 - *Medical Terminology Credits: (3)
  • BUSN 1305 - *Introduction to Business Credits: (3)

  • OR INFS 1010 - Computer Applications  Credits: (3) 

First Year - Fall Semester - Credits (10)

  • VTA 120 - *Veterinary Assistant Nursing Credits: (3)
  • VTA 130 - *Veterinary Economics Credits: (3)
  • VTA 145 - *Assistant Clinical Practicum Credits: (1)
  • VTA 151 - *Veterinary Assistant Seminar Credits: (3)