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Veterinary Assistant

Transform your love of animals into a rewarding career by completing the Veterinary Assistant certification program at Harford Community College.

Learn the skills needed to work side-by-side with veterinarians and vet technicians. Veterinary assistants provide support in delivering a range of services, such as diagnosis, nutrition, emergency care, surgery, and more. You'll receive high-quality, hands-on training—including a 100-hour externship— to prepare you to work in clinics, animal shelters, or laboratories, making a difference in the lives of animals and their owners.

To begin this program, students must be 18 years or older, have a HS diploma or GED® and pass the Reading (NGR) and Math (NGA) assessments (available free of charge through the Testing Center).

PREREQUISITE COURSES: (to be completed prior to VAC II)
VT 1008 Animal First Aid & CPR 
VT 1009 Animal Massage Therapy

COURSE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE PROGRAM:
VT 1017 Veterinary Assistant Certification I:
Introduction to Veterinary Assisting
VT 1018 Veterinary Assistant Certification II:
Anatomy, Physiology, Disease, & Nutrition
VT 1019 Veterinary Assistant Certification III: Diagnostic & Therapeutic Techniques
VT 1020 Veterinary Assistant Certification IV:
Surgery & Emergency Care
VT 1015 Veterinary Assistant Certification V:
Large & Exotic Animals
VT 1021 Small Animal Externship

» VIEW COURSE START TIMES 

TIME NEEDED TO COMPLETE PROGRAM:
7 months + 100 hr externship

CREDENTIAL(S) OFFERED:
Approved Veterinary Assistant, as designated by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).*

*Upon successful completion of the national NAVTA exam

LOCATION:
Harford Community College campus

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
If you would like further information or wish to be added to our mailing list, complete a Workforce Inquiry Form and a member of our team will contact you.

CONTACT:
training@harford.edu  |  443.412.2376

What's Next?

Upon completion of this program, students are prepared to sit for the national certification exam administered by NAVTA. After passing the exam, certified veterinary assistants are prepared to enter the workforce.