Veterinary Assistant (VTA) is a Certificate program offered by Pima Medical Institute in Tucson, AZ. The program takes 30 weeks (5-day schedule) to complete, with a total tuition of $17,458.
Program Overview
Objective: To develop in students the intrapersonal and professional skills needed to perform as competent entry-level veterinary assistants through didactic instruction, hands-on laboratory practice, and clinical experiences. Students have the opportunity to develop professional skills in office procedures, animal nursing, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, and surgical assisting.
Graduates of this program receive a certificate.
At a Glance: Program Type: Certificate. Delivery Method: On-ground or hybrid. Semester Credits: 29.0. Program Hours: 720. Program Weeks (Five-Day Schedule): 30. Class hours: 316; Lab hours: 164; Externship hours: 240.
Hybrid Learning Options: All courses are taught on campus to ensure you get the hands-on clinical experience this program requires. For students who need more flexibility in their schedules, hybrid learning options are available at select campuses, combining in-person instruction two days a week with online learning three days a week. Externship hours are completed fully in person. (Hybrid education options not available at all campuses.)
Admission Requirements and Process
Admissions Requirements: Refer to the Admissions information in the Prospective Students section of this catalog.
Eligibility Requirements (pmi.edu): Possess a high school diploma or recognized equivalency; Additional requirements may apply by campus.
School Information
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition is $17,458.00. The published total cost is $18,823.00.
Application Process
- 1Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.
- 2Submit TranscriptsProvide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.Complete FAFSA Application
- 4EnrollmentOnce accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.
Program Schedule
Delivery Method: On-ground or hybrid. Program Hours: 720. Program Weeks (Five-Day Schedule): 30.
Career Outcomes
Certification: This program builds foundational skills in animal care, client communication and clinical support through hands-on training and an externship. Graduates may consider the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certification through NAVTA. (Certification and state registration requirements vary.)
Entry-level roles: Veterinary assistant, laboratory animal caretaker or animal care/service worker across veterinary clinics.
Career advancement: Take on expanded clinical responsibilities as you gain experience, such as a veterinary technician/technologist, specialized vet tech, veterinary practice manager, veterinary educator/trainer, research/lab animal technician and veterinarian (DVM).
The Veterinary Assistant certificate program prepares students to apply for roles including: veterinary assistant; laboratory animal caretaker; animal care worker; animal service worker; veterinary clinic receptionist and administrative assistant. These careers may exist in a variety of health care environments, including general small animal practices and companion animal hospitals, emergency and critical care animal hospitals, specialty veterinary centers (surgery, oncology, cardiology, dentistry), large animal and equine veterinary practices, mixed animal clinics, animal shelters, humane societies and rescue organizations, zoological parks and wildlife rehabilitation centers and diagnostic laboratories and research facilities.
Job Outlook: 9% Growth — The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this occupation to grow much faster than average over the next 10 years, with a median pay of $37,320 per year.
School Information
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition is $17,458.00. The published total cost is $18,823.00.