Veterinary Assistant

HTH E60  & E61– Veterinary Assistant Program
Veterinary assistants play a critical role in a veterinary clinical setting, assisting with animals and performing routine tasks under the supervision of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and scientists.  Duties can include feeding, bathing, and exercising animals, helping with restraint, cleaning workspaces, sterilizing equipment, collecting samples, and monitoring.     

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers work mainly in clinics, animal hospitals, adoption agencies, animal daycares, and research laboratories.

This 150-hour Veterinary Assistant program prepares students for entry-level positions in the veterinary field. Participants will also complete a 30-hour externship at an animal clinic or hospital, outside of the classroom. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate the practical skills needed to become a veterinary assistant.

Key areas and topics include:

  • Ethics and Law
  • Office Procedures
  • Client Relations
  • Veterinary Medical Terminology
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Pharmacology and Pharmacy
  • Physiology and Endocrine
  • Animal Behavior and Restraint
  • Animal Husbandry and Nutrition
  • Disease Prevention and Nursing care
  • Principles of Surgical Nursing
  • Lab Procedures
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Care of Companions

Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the veterinary assistant field is expected to grow 9 percent from 2024-2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Salaries vary depending on experience, hours, and location. Median annual wages of veterinary assistants were $37,320 in May 2024.

Educational Requirements
High School Diploma or GED

Students must be able to lift 50 lbs. with assist and 30 lbs. individually.

Summer 2025
HTH E60/E61 101
June 1 to August 19, 2026
Mondays and Wednesdays
5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
H Building, Room H-115 and ONLINE (hybrid)

In the event we are unable to meet in person, labs will be held virtually and led by your instructor.

Tuition: $1,017* (Textbooks not included)
* = Additional college registration and technology fees may apply
Textbooks and can be purchased through the Triton College Bookstore.

For more information, please call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3709, or email us.