Veterinary assistants play a key role in the day-to-day operations of veterinary facilities.
Whether in animal hospitals or in private veterinarian offices, they take on important responsibilities for the well-being of the animals under their care.
They are in charge of feeding, bathing, weighing, and exercising them.
They are also tasked to take their vitals, administer medication, and keep track of their condition.
Furthermore, they prep exam rooms and sterilize all equipment.
They assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians in laboratory, dental, and surgical procedures too.
In San Jose, CA, veterinary assistants earn an average salary of $41,000 to $42,000.
Those with more experience and credentials take home $50,000 or higher.
Do you think you should pursue veterinary assisting?
Enroll in a veterinary assistant program at any of the veterinary assistant schools in San Jose, CA below.
Carrington College
About the School
Carrington College is a private college that provides career-focused programs in healthcare, industrial, and trades.
From certificate programs to associate and baccalaureate degree programs, their curriculum involves hands-on training and instruction through onsite, online, and blended learning modalities.
They are dedicated to meeting the needs of their students, employers, and community by using outcomes, skills, and inquiry-based approaches to education.
Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, they have multiple locations in the following states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington.
Courses Offered
The Veterinary Assisting Program teaches real-world skills essential for entry-level employment in the field of veterinary assisting.
It prepares students for the clinical, laboratory, and administrative duties of a veterinary assistant.
Delivered in a traditional class format or blended learning format, the curriculum includes lectures and laboratory sessions.
Lecture Topics
- Introduction to the Veterinary Hospital
- The Veterinary Laboratory
- Animal Nursing and Care
- Surgical Nursing and Specialty Care
- Pharmacy and Pharmacology Calculations
Each requires 48 lecture hours.
Laboratory Topics
- Hospital Practices
- Laboratory Procedures
- Veterinary Assisting Techniques
- Surgical and Specialty Procedures
- Pharmacy Practice
Each requires 48 laboratory hours.
The curriculum includes a Career Development Seminar that requires 30 lecture hours and is taken online.
It also requires 180 hours of Veterinary Assisting Externship.
Upon completion, students will receive a certificate and are expected to be able to apply basic knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology and veterinary assisting procedures in a variety of settings.
Address: 5883 Rue Ferrari #125, San Jose, CA 95138, United States
Silicon Valley Career Technical Education
About the School
Silicon Valley Career Technical Education is a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics high school program designed to prepare students for college and future employment.
They provide free access to all qualified 10, 11, and 12-grade students who seek training for a specific career pathway.
They also accept adults on a space-available basis.
Their classes are held in the mornings 7:30 am to 10:30 am or afternoons 12:45 pm to 3:45 pm Mondays through Fridays.
Taught by industry professionals, their curriculums are designed to engage students in rigorous, real-world academics and skills development for success.
They are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Courses Offered
The Veterinary Science Program addresses the knowledge and skills required to work as a veterinary assistant at vet clinics, animal shelters, boarding facilities, grooming facilities, zoos, and other facilities.
It focuses on the academic and technical aspects of the veterinary field.
It also covers employability practices.
Examples of topics featured in the syllabus are:
- Veterinary medical terminology
- Introduction to companion animal body systems
- Animal nutrition
- Basic animal nursing protocols
- Basic pharmacology and administration of medication to animals
- Basic laboratory and diagnostic testing
- Medical/surgical asepsis
- Basic imaging techniques
Also included are:
- Introductory skills for the veterinary clinic front office
- State and federal regulations related to veterinary care
- Communication skills for the veterinary clinic/hospital or animal shelter
- Veterinary Assistant career orientation
Upon successful completion, students will receive a Class Completion Certificate.
Address: 760 Hillsdale Ave, San Jose, CA 95136, United States
Veterinary Assistant Schools by City in California
Veterinary Assistant Schools by City in California- Bakersfield, CA2 Schools
- Fresno, CA2 Schools
- Los Angeles, CA4 Schools
- Oakland, CA2 Schools
- Riverside, CA1 Schools
- Sacramento, CA3 Schools
- San Diego, CA3 Schools
- San Jose, CA2 Schools