Veterinary Assisting

“Community Care College’s Veterinary Assistant Program has made a huge impact on my life by enhancing my love for animal care. I learned new procedures and now I’m living the career I always wanted.”

If you like organizing and maintaining a well-run office and also enjoy working with people and their pets, Community Care College’s Veterinary Assistant program offers a career that satisfies both interests. The Veterinary Assistant program is designed to prepare the student with the basic knowledge and practice training necessary to function as an entry-level employee in a veterinary setting. This program is carefully balanced between theory and practical instruction, including clinical and administrative training. Veterinary Assistants work in all phases of animal care, including surgical nursing, laboratory procedures and office administration. Employment opportunities include positions in veterinary offices or hospitals, zoological facilities and pharmaceutical and pet care industries. You may enter the workforce directly after completing this program or elect to apply credit earned toward your degree.

Job OutlookEmployment of Veterinary Assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016. Job openings also will stem from the need to replace Veterinary Assistants and other animal care workers who leave the occupation over the 2002-16 period. Keen competition is expected for the zoo setting.

Pet owners are becoming more affluent and more willing to pay for advanced care because many of them consider their pet to be part of the family, spurring employment growth for Veterinary Assistants. The number of dogs as pets, which also drives employment growth, is expected to increase more slowly during the projected period than in the previous decade. However, the rapidly growing number of cats as pets is expected to boost the demand for feline medicine, offsetting any reduced demand for veterinary care for dogs. The availability of advanced veterinary services, such as preventive dental care and surgical procedures, may provide opportunities for workers specializing in those areas.

Employment of Veterinary Assistants is relatively stable during periods of economic recession. Layoffs are less likely to occur among Veterinary Assistants than in some other occupations because animals will continue to require medical care.

On-Ground ProgramDiploma• 8 month program and classes begin every Monday• Monday through Thursday 8:00am – 1:00pmDegree• 18 month program and classes begin approximately every 4 weeks• Monday through Thursday 8:00am - 1:00pm• Associates Courses Online or On Campus Monday through Thursday 9:00am-11:50am Online ProgramDiploma • 10 Month program and classes begin approximately every 4 weeksDegree• 20 month program and classes begin approximately every 4 weeks• Associates Courses Online or On Campus Monday through Thursday 9:00am-11:50am

Financial Assistance • Pell Grant and Federal Student Loans are available to those who qualify • Private Lenders• Voc-Rehab, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Workforce Oklahoma and Veteran’s Education

Entrance Requirements• High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)• Admittance Essay

Degree ProgramStudents who wish to further their education beyond the diploma program have the option of attending CCC’s Associates of Occupational Science Degree Program. The degree program is designed to provide a foundation that will enable degree holders to seek and apply for management roles in their specialties.

Application ProcessInterested candidates should apply early. Applications can be made in person at 4242 South Sheridan or by contacting an Admissions team member at 918.610.0027 or via email at admissions@communitycarecollege.edu. Log on towww.communitycarecollege.edu for an online application.

Working ConditionsPeople who love animals get satisfaction from working with and helping them. However, some of the work may be unpleasant, physically and emotionally demanding and sometimes dangerous. Veterinary Assistants sometimes must clean cages and lift, hold or restrain animals, risking exposure to bites or scratches. These workers must take precautions when treating animals with germicides or insecticides. The work setting can be noisy.

Physical RequirementsPhysical requirements can vary from sedentary to heavy activity depending upon whether Veterinary Assistants are performing administrative or clinical procedures. Veterinary Assistants frequently have to assist animals of all heights and weights by supporting, lifting or moving them.

HearingMust demonstrate ability to functionally perceive the nature of sounds and the spoken word and may use adaptive techniques or devices.

SpeechMust demonstrate ability to functionally express self orally and/or in writing.

VisionMust possess normal vision or correctable to within normal ranges.

Mental & Emotional RequirementsBecause Veterinary Assistants deal with the public, they must be neat and well-groomed and have a courteous, pleasant manner. Veterinary Assistants must be able to put animals and their owners at ease and explain veterinarian instructions.

Veterinary Assisting

Community Care College does not discriminate on thebasis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender,age, marital or veteran status, or qualified disability.

Community Care College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) and is Licensed by the Okla-homa Board of Private Vocational Schools and is recognized by the United States Department of Education and authorized by Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to offer Associate Degrees.Disclosures regarding the College’s programs related to consumer information/gainful employment are provided for each eligible program at http://www.collegesooner.com/consumer-information/