Veterinary Assistant is a Certificate program (100% Online) offered by U.S. Career Institute in Fort Collins, CO. The program takes 360 clock hours to complete, with a total tuition of $689.
Program Overview
U.S. Career Institute’s self-paced, online Veterinary Assistant Program will prepare you for an entry-level role as a veterinarian assistant in as little as 4 months.
The Veterinary Assistant program trains students for entry-level positions as animal care specialists, veterinary assistants or animal health aides. These positions are available in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, animal emergency clinics, shelters, zoos, pet stores, pet food companies, government agencies and other animal care or animal service facilities concerned with the health and well-being of animals. Students will explore the important relationship humans have with animals. They will learn terminology used in the animal care field, the proper handling of animals in examination procedures and nutritional requirements for animals. Students will also be exposed to laws and regulations of the animal care field.
What sets this Program apart
- 5-day money-back commitment
- DEAC Accredited
- 100% online, self-paced classes, on your phone or computer
- Complete in 4-7 months, part-time
- One-on-one career coaching and instructor support
- Start learning today - no waiting period!
- A+ BBB Rating, 45 years in distance education, and 97% of students would recommend U.S. Career Institute to a friend.
- The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
Lead instructor/course expert. Dr. Pearce is a veterinarian instructor for Veterinary Assistant training for U.S. Career Institute. Dr.
Admission Requirements and Process
To qualify for enrollment in the program, an applicant must:
- Certify that she/he has completed two years of high school or the equivalent, and has the reading, writing and mathematics skills normally associated with the required grade level.
- Submit a completed enrollment application with the required payment.
- Be at least 16 years of age.
U.S. Career Institute is an open enrollment school: as long as the applicant meets the admissions requirements for minimum education and age, they will be accepted into the school. Students must be able to read, write and speak English fluently. Students aged 16 and 17 may be admitted provided their parent or guardian signs the enrollment agreement; students under the age of 16 cannot be admitted. Applicants who do not meet the high school diploma or equivalent requirement are allowed to use test evidence to show they can benefit from the program: the first five grades the student receives serve as the basis for test evidence, and a “C” GPA meets the minimum education requirement. Most professional certification agencies have minimum age requirements (typically 18) to sit for a certification exam.
General Requirements
- Minimum ageYou must be at least 16 years old; students aged 16 and 17 need a parent or guardian to sign the enrollment agreement.
- Two years of high schoolThe catalog requires two years of high school or the equivalent, with the reading, writing and mathematics skills normally associated with that grade level.
- EnglishYou must be able to read, write and speak English fluently.
- Basic informationThe enrollment form asks for your name, email, phone, date of birth and education level.
- Enrollment agreementYou must submit a completed enrollment application or agreement with the required payment.
Application Process
- 1Ask your questionsRequest information online or call U.S. Career Institute toll-free at 866-250-6851 to learn more.
- 2Provide basic informationThe form asks for your name, email, phone, date of birth and education level.
- 3Pay for your tuitionYou can pay in full or choose the monthly payment plan.
- 4Sign the enrollment agreement and disclosuresEnrollment takes about 5 minutes; the school accepts enrollments 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- 5Start your first lessonUpon enrollment, students have immediate access to their program online, with 12 months to complete it.
Program Schedule
The Veterinary Assistant program is 360 clock hours, delivered in 36 lessons with 17 quizzes. Students can complete it in 4-7 months, studying part-time. Classes are 100% online and self-paced, on your phone or computer, with no due dates or deadlines.
The program is designed for guided independent study through distance learning, and is self-paced. Each program is designed to be completed in 12 months or less; the student has 12 months after enrollment to complete the program, and a student who needs more time should follow the leave of absence procedure. The school accepts enrollments 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and upon enrollment students have immediate access to their program online. All quizzes are open book.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
U.S. Career Institute is committed to making your Veterinary Assistant education affordable. Start a new career that you’ll love and find fulfilling without a mountain of debt!
- Option 1, pay in full: $589 (save $100); the application charge is waived.
- Option 2, monthly auto payments: $689 in total at $59 a month, with a first payment of $59, plus a one-time $29 application charge.
First payment includes $30 down payment and $29 application charge. Application charge is non-refundable.
5-day money-back commitment. After you receive your first lesson, you have 5 full days to decide if our program is the best route for you.
Funding. U.S. Career Institute participates in military education benefit programs and the MyCAA spouse support tuition program; specific questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the Veterans Administration by calling 1-888-GIBILL1. U.S. Career Institute also participates in various employer-paid and Vocational Rehabilitation programs. U.S. Career Institute does not participate in other financial aid programs.
All enrollments are assessed a one-time $29 application charge (2026 catalog price list). Students who wish to purchase textbooks or manuals may do so for an additional charge.
Required Courses
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Career Outcomes
Turn your love for animals into a rewarding career, with this online veterinary assistant certificate program. Enjoy the flexibility of working full or part-time as a Veterinary Assistant. Many veterinary assistants work in veterinary services, such as animal hospitals or private clinics. Veterinary Assistants can also work in laboratories, colleges and universities, and research facilities.
Upon graduation from our program, you will receive your U.S. Career Institute Certificate of Completion attesting to your accomplishment. The Veterinary Assistant course trains students for entry-level positions as animal care specialists, veterinary assistants or animal health aides. The opportunities are endless with positions available in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, animal emergency clinics, shelters, kennels, grooming salons, ranches, zoos, pet stores, pet food companies, government agencies and other animal care or animal service facilities concerned with the health and well-being of animals.
What to expect as a U.S. Career Institute student
Beginner-Friendly Lessons. Classes are designed for anyone to easily learn, and are broken up into digestible sections that build as you progress through our program. No due dates or deadlines.
Engaging Curriculum. Reading lessons, supplemental videos, interactive games, flashcards, note taking, read-aloud and disability features, and open note multiple choice quizzes with no time limit.
Student support and coaching. Your tuition includes access to instructors via phone and email, student services, tutoring, resume and job interview support, and one-on-one career coaching (a $400 value).
Learning materials included. Your tuition includes e-books, study guides, supplemental videos, and interactive exercises. Hard copy books are also available for under $50. Everything is included - no hidden fees after enrollment.
Grading and graduation. To graduate, students must submit all quizzes, attain a final average of 70% or higher, have a signed enrollment agreement on file and have paid tuition in full; U.S. Career Institute then releases the Certificate of Completion. Students with a grade point average of 93 or higher are awarded a seat on the Dean’s List.
Graduate support. U.S. Career Institute provides continuing employment instruction and advice, including training in job-search techniques, résumé and letter writing, interviewing and presentation skills, available to all graduates whenever they request it. The school cannot promise or guarantee employment and does not provide job placement services.
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
U.S. Career Institute is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. It is approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational School Board.
Curriculum
The Veterinary Assistant program totals 360 clock hours, taught in 4 instruction packs, listed below as the course outline.
U.S. Career Institute’s curriculum is developed specifically for the distance education learner by instructional designers who specialize in how to develop content for adults and well-qualified subject matter experts to ensure quality content. In addition, USCI works with a program advisory council of non-USCI employees who work in the veterinary field to review content annually to ensure students receive content that is up-to-date, relevant, and accurate.
The Veterinary Assistant Program trains students in the theoretical and practical skills that prepare them to work successfully with animals in a veterinary care environment. The coursework trains students to:
- Apply theory and practical skills to work successfully with animals in a veterinary care environment.
- Describe the important relationship humans have with animals.
- Apply terminology used in the animal care field.
- Properly handle animals in examination procedures.
- Implement nutritional requirements for animals.
- Integrate laws and regulation knowledge into their work in the animal care field.
Required Courses
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Frequently Asked Questions
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