Veterinary Assistant Program

Are you interested in working with animals in the growing field of veterinary medicine? Trocaire College’s online Veterinary Assisting program is a unique program which will prepare you for a career as a valued team member in a veterinary facility. You will learn from veterinary professionals about all aspects of veterinary assisting, including anatomy and physiology, nutrition, animal handling and restraint, client communication, laboratory sample collection, surgical and dental assisting, radiographic techniques, emergency animal first-aid and prescription preparation. The course work is asynchronous and includes 100 hours of hands on training at a veterinary facility. After successful completion of the program, you will have the knowledge and clinical skills to acquire a position as a veterinary assistant.

September Cohort: (Online- Clinical In Person)

Program Dates:
September 23rd-April 6th, 2025

Lecture Courses: VA 101- September 23rd-January 6th 2025
Break: January 13th-January 26th, 2025
Clinical Course: VA 102- January 27th, 2025- April 6th, 2025

Cost
$1,500 which includes the following below:

Students may receive the following services and course materials at no additional cost:

  • Textbook
  • Scrubs
  • Eight (8) Sessions of Work Readiness
  • Career Coaching and Mentoring
  • Employer Networking

Applicants must meet the minimum skills and physical requirements for veterinary assisting with or without reasonable accommodations.

To apply for the Veterinary Assistant program, please fill out the application below:

Veterinary Assistant Application

Trocaire Veterinary Assistant Application

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Name*
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Race (Required by the U.S. Department of Education Title VI Civil Rights Act, 1964)*
Military Status
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I hereby certify that the information contained in the Veterinary Assistant Application I submit to Trocaire College is true and complete to the best of my knowledge, I understand that material omissions or falsification of this application in any detail may result in my disqualification from consideration or dismissal from Trocaire Veterinary Assistant Program.*
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If you have copies of your high school transcripts/GED or diploma, please attach a copy.
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If you have copies of your College Transcripts, or have previously taken the reading comprehension test, please attach a copy.
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What do Veterinary Assistants do?

Veterinary Assistants assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with a multitude of tasks in many different veterinary settings.  Veterinary assistants work in small animal clinics and hospitals, shelters, zoos, farms, laboratory animal facilities, large animal practices, and many other settings. Some of the tasks a veterinary assistant may perform on a daily basis are routine animal care, restraint of animals for examination and medical procedures, disinfection of medical equipment and animal care areas, assistance with collection of medical samples from animals, pre and post-surgical care, and many other varied tasks. Veterinary assistants are a valued part of every veterinary facility, and they serve a critical role in helping animals in their care.  

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Veterinary Assistants in Western New York can expect a median annual wage of $33,900 or $16.30/hour. Starting salaries can be $29,550 or roughly $14.21/hour.

The employment rate for Veterinary Assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2021 to 2031.

Employment Path Possibilities

Experience could also lead to careers in fields such as: