Veterinary Assistant Technical Certificate

Department: Veterinary Technology
CIP Code: (01) 01.0504.00

For more information, visit the Veterinary Technology webpage or contact the Math and Science division at 615.230.3261 or mathscience@volstate.edu.

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.

Embedded Certificate
Courses in this certificate may be used to award the following:

• Associate of Arts, General Studies
• Associate of Science, General Studies 

Program​ Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, 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.