Veterinary Assistant
Handle Routine Animal Care and General Treatment Under the Care of a Veterinarian
Veterinary assistants support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in their daily tasks. The veterinary assistant may be asked to perform kennel work, help restrain and handle animals, feed and exercise the animals, or spend time on clerical duties. In the Pickens Veterinary Assistant program students learn the skills necessary to enter the workforce as entry-level Veterinary Assistants. Veterinary assistant duties include restraint and handling, assisting with blood draws and exams, understanding pet preventative care, understanding cat and dog communication via body language, assisting and performing lab skills – using a microscope, and prepping a cat/dog for surgery. Students can apply to many potential jobs, including general veterinary practice, specialty clinics, and animal shelters.
Program Flyer Steps for Enrollment Pickens Lookbook See the Classroom
Industry Skills
- Veterinary medical terminology
- How to handle dogs & cats for exams, vaccines, blood draws, and medical treatments
- Animal body language and communication
- Preventative care for cats & dogs
- How to prepare animals for surgical procedures
- How to identify yeast, bacteria, and egg parasites with a microscope
Accredited Courses
26 college credits | 1 high school credit
- VET 1002 Veterinary Medical Terminology
- VET 1004 Assist Large Animal & Handling
- VET 1009 Applied Comp Animal Behavior
- VET 1014 Vet Assist Lab & Clinical Procedures
- VET 1016 Humane Treatment and Handling
- VET 1020 Office Procedures and Relations
- VET 1075 Special Topics: Medical Math Applications
- VET 1082 Internship
- VET 1083 Internship
- VET 2023 Intro to Vet Anesthesia
- VET 2032 Veterinary Dentistry
Program Experience
- Students spend 50% of their time learning concepts in a classroom, and 50% of their time with hands-on practical work
- Students gain experience in a simulated veterinary environment with industry grade equipment
- Enrollment options are available for both high school students and post-secondary students
- 1 year of classes
Adriana (Adi) Martinez
Instructor, Veterinary Assistant
303-344-4910 ext. 27919
amartinez1@aurorak12.org
Industry Certifications & Degrees:
- RVT (Registered Veterinary Technician)
- Fear Free Certified Veterinary Professional