Veterinary assistants are key members of a veterinary team.
Whether they work at a large animal hospital or a private veterinary practice, they take on many important responsibilities to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
They provide basic animal care, maintain the cleanliness of the facility and equipment, and assist veterinarians in procedures.
They also perform front office duties.
If you are in the Phoenix & Mesa, AZ area and interested in working as one, you have to enroll in a veterinary assistant program first.
You might want to check out the veterinary assistant schools in Phoenix & Mesa, AZ listed below.
Pima Medical Institute – Phoenix
About the School
Pima Medical Institute is a private medical career college that offers programs that prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry.
Established in 1972, they provide quality instruction and training in various medical, dental, and veterinary professions.
Their curriculum includes associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs.
They also have certificate programs.
Whether on-campus or online, they are dedicated to delivering healthcare education that propels their students to success.
Their instructors and staff strive to educate using hands-on experiences so that their students can become the best healthcare professionals they can and thrive in their chosen professions.
Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, they have campus locations in:
- Arizona – East Valley, Mesa, Phoenix, and Tucson
- California – Chula Vista and San Marcos
- Colorado – Aurora, Colorado Springs, and Denver
- Montana – Dillon
- Nevada – Las Vegas
- New Mexico – Albuquerque
- Texas – El Paso, Houston, and San Antonio
- Washington – Renton and Seattle
Courses Offered
The Veterinary Assistant Certificate Program is designed to provide the knowledge and training to work as an entry-level veterinary assistant.
It addresses clinical skills, such as animal nursing, laboratory testing, surgical procedures, and diagnostic imaging.
It also teaches administrative skills, such as keeping medical records and fee collection.
It aims to make students become proficient in assisting veterinarians with caring for dogs, cats, and other animals in a variety of settings upon graduation.
The program outline consists of five courses.
1. Career Prep Sequence
- Study Skills
- Anatomy, Physiology and Terminology
- Computer Basics
- Math Fundamentals
- CPR and First Aid
2. Professional Sequence I
- Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology
- Clinical Laboratory Procedures
- Sequence I Clinical Applications
3. Professional Sequence II
- Office Procedures
- Animal Life Stages, Nutrition, and Husbandry
- Animal Nursing and Radiography
- Sequence II Clinical Applications
4. Professional Sequence III
- Pharmacology
- Aseptic Technique and Surgical Assisting
- Sequence III Clinical Applications
5. Externship
Classes are held on campus and the full program takes approximately 9 months to complete.
Address: 13610 N Black Cyn Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85029, United States
Carrington College
About the School
Carrington College is a private college that provides healthcare education for students who want to pursue careers in the healthcare field.
They have a broad range of bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs taught by experienced instructors who bring practical working experience from their field of expertise into the classroom.
With the use of the latest technologies and processes, they deliver hands-on training that allows their students to learn by doing and build confidence.
They strive to develop career-focused programs in the healthcare, trade, and industrial fields so that students achieve their highest potential and attain their career goals.
Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, they have multiple locations in Arizona, California, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.
Courses Offered
The Veterinary Assisting Program features the clinical, laboratory, and administrative duties required to work as an entry-level veterinary assistant.
It aims to teach real-world skills to prepare students for a career in veterinary assisting.
It covers the following topics:
- Veterinary Surgical and Assisting Techniques
- Veterinary Hospital Practices
- Animal Nursing and Care
The program is available on-campus or as a blended course.
It requires 270 lecture hours, 240 laboratory hours, and 180 externship hours.
Address: 1001 W Southern Ave Ste 130, Mesa, AZ 85210, United States
Mesa Community College
About the School
Mesa Community College (MCC) is a public community college and the largest of the 10 community colleges that make up the Maricopa County Community College District.
Established in 1965, they are committed to innovating and enhancing their instruction and services to help their students achieve success.
Their degree and certificate programs range from Business and Education to Arts and Science.
They also offer Career and Technical Education programs in Construction Trades, IT, Healthcare, and more.
They strive to create an inclusive and vibrant learning community, whether in-classroom or online, that is supportive of everyone.
They want to inspire, ensure access, and empower action.
Their core values are Community, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Leadership, Continuous Improvement, and Integrity.
They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and have two comprehensive campuses, MCC at Southern and Dobson and MCC at Red Mountain.
Courses Offered
The Certificate of Completion in Veterinary Assisting aims to prepare students for introductory careers in the veterinary medicine and animal health field.
It teaches the necessary basic knowledge and skills involved in animal care and management, veterinary medical care, and client communication and service.
The program pathway maps cover the following areas:
Business and facility management
- Creating and maintaining patient/client records, financial records, appointment schedules, and inventory records
- Effective client communication skills
Medical terminology
- Accurate use of medical terminology in verbal and written communication
- Principles of ethics and legal issues in veterinary technology
Assist in collecting clinical laboratory specimens for analysis
- Hematology, blood chemistry, urinalysis, parasitology, serology, necropsy, and cytology
Common veterinary techniques and exam room procedures
- Restraint and handling
- Basic husbandry
- Small animal nursing
Equipment and facilities
- Use and maintenance of veterinary diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical equipment
- Sanitize and prepare operating and exam rooms
Prescriptions and medications
- Identify and administer therapeutic drugs, vaccinations, and supplements used in veterinary medicine
- Knowledge of their common uses, mechanisms, regulatory considerations, and side effects
The full program takes 2 terms to complete and includes a Veterinary Assisting Internship.
Address: 1833 W Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85202, United States
Veterinary Assistant Schools by City in Arizona