Veterinary Assistant Program

To qualify for this program, you need to have earned your high school diploma or have an equivalent like a GED or HiSet. You should also possess a 10th grade English reading level.

Your tuition includes an e-book, course support, and the NWCA (VET) exam.

Yes. You may reach out to Learner Support to ask course content questions. Please visit the Learner Support center to look through Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that address the most common Learner issues. Here, you can also submit a Support Ticket that will be assigned to a Learner Support team member and we'll get in touch right away to help. If you need help immediately, please contact us at 877-261-1484 or info@edu2.com.

The online portion of the course is 100 hours and most students will complete their certification in 8-16 weeks. If you want to finish the online portion of your studies in 8 weeks, be prepared to spend a minimum of 6.25 hours per week persisting in the course. If you want to complete it in 16 weeks, then you will spend about three hours per week studying. The more hours you spend studying in the course per week, the sooner you will finish. This does not account for in-person lab times.

Yes, you must attend all in-person labs. Upon successful completion of the online course, you will complete the Candidate Intake Survey form where you may choose the 40-hour/one-week clinical externship placement or Job Support Services.

There are three lab sessions with each being 3.5 hours in duration. Each session runs from 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians when asked and as directed in animal care and management
• Feed, bathe, and exercise all types of animals
• Clean and disinfect cages, kennels, stalls, examination and operating rooms, and other areas
• Restrain animals during examination and laboratory procedures
• Maintain and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment
• Maintain supply and retail inventories
• Monitor and care for animals before and after surgery or other medical procedures
• Help provide emergency first aid to sick and injured animals and wildlife
• Give medication or immunizations prescribed by the veterinarian and under a veterinarian’s direct supervision
• Assist in collection of blood, urine, and tissue samples
• Take vital signs of animals
• Transport animals to and from treatment areas

A credential from National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of an entire content area, industry or area of expertise. An NWCA credential indicates to prospective or current employers that an earner has passed an extensive, rigorous exam which thoroughly tests the competency and skills of the earner. The Veterinary Assistant Certification credential documents the essential competencies for general front office, clinical, nursing care, and animal management procedures required of the veterinary assistant. This credential is appropriate for a veterinary assistant in the daily operations of a veterinary practice, research laboratory where animals are kept, animal hospital, equine barn, farm or ranch, animal shelter, kennel or animal day care, or other environment where animals are kept and cared for.

Veterinary assistants support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in many tasks. They may be involved in overall veterinary practice office operations, procedures related to diagnostic imaging and treatment of animals, procedures involving animal care and husbandry, and procedures for veterinary nursing and emergency care. Most workers enter the occupation have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Though veterinary assistants can be trained on the job, many employers prefer that they have completed a formal training program and have experience working with animals. Successful veterinary assistant demonstrate compassion to both animals and their owners, are detailed oriented, and have physical strength and dexterity. Though they may not be allowed to complete all of the procedures independently, they must understand many anatomy, physiology, and veterinary medicine concepts and be able to assist when asked in a safe and competent manner. Depending upon the specific work environment, veterinary assistants must understand animal care for dogs, cats, equine, livestock, companion birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, orphaned or injured wildlife, and laboratory animals.

Your tuition includes a voucher to take the NWCA (VET) exam. Once you have successfully completed your online course, you will reach out to Learner Support at support@edu2.com to request that they schedule your NWCA (VET) exam.

Exam Structure Overview

Number of Questions in Exam: 400
Time Limit for Exam Parts:
Veterinary Medical Terminology: 176 items
Veterinary Practice and Nursing Care: 224 items
Total Time: 220 minutes
Overall Passing Score: 70%
(All sections require an individual passing score of 70%)