Veterinary assistants are key members of any veterinary hospital or clinic.
They provide the necessary care that their animal patients need and make sure that facility operations are running smoothly.
They are in charge of feeding and bathing dogs, cats, and other pets.
They also assist the lead veterinarians during treatment, exams, and operations.
They communicate with clients and perform administrative tasks too.
In Lafayette, LA, veterinary assistants take home an average salary of $30,139.
With more skills, experience, and certification, they can get paid $40,000 or higher.
If this is a career that you want to pursue, you should study a veterinary assistant course.
Check out the veterinary assistant schools in Lafayette, LA below to get started.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
About the School
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is one of the universities of the nine-campus University of Louisiana System.
They are a public research university recognized as one of the country’s and the world’s top universities.
They provide high-quality academic programs and research projects that are impactful and inclusive.
Whether majors, minors, graduate programs, or online programs, they guarantee academic excellence in various fields, such as nursing, engineering, environmental sciences, humanities, architecture, and applied computer science.
Established in 1898, they have helped nearly 130,000 people from all walks of life earn their degrees.
They strive to uphold their core values — Equity, Integrity, Intellectual Curiosity, Creativity, Tradition, Transparency, Respect, Collaboration, Pluralism, and Sustainability — and stay committed to offering exceptional education that develops leaders and innovators.
Courses Offered
The Veterinary Assistant Program is an online program that offers two types of courses: Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Assistant with Horse Care Management.
Veterinary Assistant
- 100% online, self-paced
- Covers animal restraining techniques, preparation and administration of prescription medication and vaccinations, assisting during exams and surgeries, animal anatomy and physiology, animal nutrition, and more
- Requires 225-course hours
- Costs $2,145
Veterinary Assistant with Horse Care Management
- 100% online, self-paced
- Covers everything in the Veterinary Assistant Course plus the basic principles of equine husbandry practices, proper health and condition management of horses in various conditions, handling and training of horses, and more
- Requires 625-course hours
- Costs $3,995
Upon completion of either course, students will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Address: 104 E University Ave, Lafayette, LA 70504, United States
Unitech Training Academy – Lafayette Campus
About the School
Unitech Training Academy is a vocational school that offers quality academic and training programs to meet the demands and needs of the local communities in the state of Louisiana and their neighbors in Mississippi and Alabama.
Licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and accredited by the Council of Occupational Education, their program offerings include an Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate, Medical Assistant, Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy, Phlebotomy Technician, and IT.
Founded in 1997, the main campus is located in Lafayette, and branch campuses are found in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Houma, New Orleans, and West Monroe.
Courses Offered
The Veterinary Assistant Program is a 100% online program consisting of four courses.
Become a Veterinary Assistant Course
The syllabus includes the History of Veterinary Practice and Dog and Cat Reproduction, Pet Nutrition and Prescription Diets, Parasites and Vaccinology, Pet First Aid, and Euthanasia, and Helping Clients with Pet Loss.
It also covers Client Communications and Education, Medical Records, and Workplace Safety and Economics.
It offers two enrollment options, Instructor-Led ($135) and Self-Paced ($135), and requires 24 course hours.
Become a Veterinary Assistant: Canine Reproduction Course
The syllabus includes Prebreeding Assessment and Management, Male and Female Reproductive Anatomy and Disorders, Natural Breeding and Artificial Insemination, Male and Female Infertility, Pregnancy Diagnosis and Care, and Normal and Assisted Whelping.
It also covers Neonatal Care from Birth to Six Months and Postpartum Disease.
It offers two enrollment options, Instructor-Led ($135) and Self-Paced ($135), and requires 24 course hours.
Become a Veterinary Assistant III: Practical Skills Course
The syllabus includes the commonly used techniques and procedures used in the field, such as Basic Dog Restraints, Blood Collection and Tests, Urine Tests, Administering Medications and Vaccinations, Identifying Gender/Age/Dosage Calculations, and Radiology.
It also covers Hygiene 101, such as how to clean ears and provide baths.
It offers two enrollment options, Instructor-Led ($135) and Self-Paced ($135), and requires 24 course hours.
Veterinary Medical Terminology Course
The syllabus includes Definition, Formation, and Analysis of Medical Terms and Common Terms Used for Animal Body Systems (Musculoskeletal, Digestive, Urinary, Cardiovascular Respiratory, Reproductive, Nervous, etc.).
It also covers tests, treatments, and procedures used in taking care of dogs, cats, and other pets in the veterinary medical field.
It offers two enrollment options, Instructor-Led ($135) and Self-Paced ($135), and requires 24 course hours.
There is also the option to enroll in the Instructor-Led Veterinary Assistant Series Course and learn all the topics covered in all four courses.
It requires 96 hours and costs $485.
Address: 3253 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy, Lafayette, LA 70506, United States
SOWELA Technical Community College
About the School
SOWELA Technical Community College is a public community college that is committed to student success, collaboration, diversity, access, innovation, and integrity.
Since 1940, they have strived for excellence in their teaching, training, and service, focusing on imparting positive academic experiences and career preparedness and growth.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, they offer associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs in various fields, such as Arts and Sciences, Business and Applied Technology, and Nursing.
They also provide online training in Healthcare, Oil and Gas, and Safety.
They have multiple locations: Lake Charles (Main Campus), Jennings – Morgan Smith, Leesville – Lamar Salter, and Oakdale Site.
Courses Offered
The Online Veterinary Assistant Training Program aims to help those who have a passion for animals establish a rewarding career in the veterinary healthcare industry as a veterinary assistant.
The course teaches the following:
- Anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems
- Dog restraining techniques
- Preparing and administering prescriptions and vaccinations
- Taking vital signs, blood samples, etc.
- Administrative duties, such as medical records
- Feeding and bathing of animals
- Cleaning and sterilizing rooms, kennels, cages, and equipment
Requiring 225 hours, it is 100% online and costs $2,145.
Address: 3820 Sen J Bennett Johnston Ave, Lake Charles, LA 70615, United States
Veterinary Assistant Schools by City in Louisiana