Veterinary Assistant Schools in Austin, TX

About the School

Austin Community College is a higher education institution that offers academic and technical training opportunities to communities in Central Texas.

They strive to provide easy access to an affordable college education to anyone who wants to learn marketable skills, earn a degree, or advance their careers.

Across their campuses, they get more than 70,000 enrollees in their 100+ programs of study each year.

They strive to be a leader in transformation, innovation, and collaboration so their students can complete their studies on time and be fully prepared for the workforce and the real world.

Opened in 1973, they are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

They have campuses in Cedar Park, East Austin, Elgin, Kyle, Central Austin, North Austin, Downtown Austin, Southeast Austin, North Region, Leander, and South Austin.

Courses Offered

The Veterinary Assistant Program is an apprenticeship program.

It consists of two semesters and can be completed in about 7 to 9 months.

It offers hands-on learning with training in laboratory and veterinary hospital/clinic settings.

It covers the following topics:

Prerequisite:

• Orientation to Vet Medicine

Semester 1 (192 hours)

• Intro to Vet Technology
• Vet Anatomy and Physiology
• Vet Nutrition
• Vet Pharmacology

Semester 2 (192 hours)

• Vet Clinical Pathology I
• Anesthesia/Surgical Assistance
• Canine/Feline Clinical Management

Upon completion, graduates can test for the Texas Veterinary Medical Association CVA Level One exam.

About the School

The Texas Veterinary Medical Association is a nonprofit organization established in 1903.

For 120 years now, they have represented the veterinary profession and supported veterinarians who practice veterinary medicine in the state of Texas.

Comprised of over 5,400 DVMs, licensed veterinary technicians, students, and industry professionals, they are committed to promoting, advocating, and protecting the veterinary medical profession and advancing animal and human health and well-being.

Courses Offered

The Certified Veterinary Assistant Program provides high-quality formal education and training to individuals interested in veterinary assistant jobs.

It aims to develop essential knowledge and skills that meet the standards of competency and performance required by veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians for a successful animal healthcare team.

To receive Certified Veterinary Assistant Level I Certification, students have to meet the following requirements:

• Complete 500 hours of work experience under the supervision of a veterinarian or licensed vet technician
• Master the required Level I material
• Demonstrate all hands-on skills on the Skills Validation Checklist
• Complete the Exam Application and Skills Validation Checklist and get approval from a vet or licensed vet technician
• Complete the certification examination – 70%

Upon successfully achieving Level I Certification, applicants have to complete 6 months at Level I to be eligible to test for the Level II exam.

The same requirement is applied to those with Level II Certification wanting to move up to Level III.

So, in summary:

Certified Veterinary Assistant Level I

• Entry-level knowledge and skills
• 500 hours or 90 days of on-the-job training in a veterinary clinic

Certified Veterinary Assistant Level II

• Intermediate-level knowledge and skills
• 1,000 hours or 180 days of on-the-job training in a veterinary clinic beyond CVA Level I certification

Certified Veterinary Assistant Level III

• Advanced level knowledge and skills
• 1,000 hours or 180 days of on-the-job training in a veterinary clinic beyond CVA Level II certification