NEXT CLASS BEGINS January 5th, 2027 (Click Here for more information)

Program Description:

The Veterinary Assistant program prepares you for a career in veterinary medicine, covering the care of pets and exotic animals alike, how to spot signs of illness and disease, and how to communicate effectively with clients and their animals. You will also learn to assist veterinarians during exams and handle front-office duties like fee collection, banking, and accounts payable.

Aligned with the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career cluster, the curriculum blends academic rigor with hands-on, competency-based learning. You will build both broad transferable skills (planning, management, finance, safety) and occupation-specific expertise.

The program also works well as supplemental training for those already working as veterinary assistants.
Master animal anatomy and physiology, veterinary terminology, and hands-on animal care then put it into practice. In the lab, you’ll learn to manage medical and imaging records, educate clients, assist with nursing care, prep for surgeries, and support routine exams.

During the externship, students gain practical, real-world experience through activities such as admitting patients, handling animals, interpreting pet behavior, and maintaining proper housing, sanitation, and nutrition standards. As part of the Veterinary Assisting program’s externship requirement, students must complete 180 hours of supervised practice under the direct guidance of a licensed veterinarian or credentialed veterinary technician.

Program Courses:

Program Costs:

Item	Cost
Florida Resident Tuition	$2,100
Out of State Tuition	$8,400
Registration, Activity, Lab, Test, Insurance, and Trust Fees	$573
Books / Supplies	$ TBA
Industry Certification & State Credential Exam Costs	$100
Florida Resident Total Cost	$2,773
Out of State Total Cost	$9,073

Certification

• Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)

Why Choose the Veterinary Assisting Program?

• Hands-on training in animal care and veterinary support procedures
• Career-focused preparation through a practical vet assistant program
• Exposure to animal health, safety, and welfare best practices
• Training that helps students prepare for careers in veterinary clinics and animal hospitals

Career Opportunities

Graduates may pursue positions such as:

• Veterinary Assistant
• Certified Veterinary Assistant
• Emergency Veterinary Assistant
• Veterinarian Helper / Vet Helper
• Laboratory Animal Caretaker
• Veterinary Receptionist / Vet Receptionist
• Animal Care Provider / Animal Caregiver

College Credit

Graduates may be awarded credits towards an Associate of Science Degree or Associate of Applied Science Degree at select Florida state colleges.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Financial aid may be available for eligible students. Contact the Office of Student Affairs for current admissions requirements, tuition information, and financial assistance opportunities.

Turn Your Passion for Animals into a Career

Develop the skills needed to support veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and animal care professionals in a variety of settings. Through hands-on training, you'll be prepared for entry-level careers as a veterinary assistant, animal care assistant, kennel assistant, or veterinary receptionist. Contact McFatter Technical College to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and upcoming program availability.