Programs
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Program Overview
HDMC’s Veterinary Assistant program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online classroom instruction with hands-on training in on-campus labs and real-world experience through an externship.
Program Length
- 35 weeks – morning schedule
- 43 weeks evening schedule
Program Details
- 760 classroom hours
- 200 externship hours
- 960 total clock hours
- 45 semester credits
Contact our Admissions team for current class schedules and upcoming start dates.
High Desert Medical College offers its Veterinary Assistant program at its Bakersfield, Lancaster, and Temecula, California campuses. Students’ complete hybrid classroom instruction along with hands-on training at their selected HDMC campus.
See Which Campus Is Closest to You
The Veterinary Assistant program combines animal care, veterinary science, and hands-on clinical skills to prepare students to support veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
Coursework and training include:
- Veterinary Terminology
- Veterinary Pharmacy
- Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology
- Veterinary Husbandry
- Veterinary Behavior & Restraint
- Nursing & Care for the Veterinary Assistant
- Veterinary Laboratory Procedures
- Veterinary Imaging & Surgical Procedures
- Career Development
- Veterinary Assistant Externship
Students learn both front- and back-office veterinary procedures while developing skills used to safely care for animals in veterinary environments.
Applicants must meet HDMC’s admissions requirements, including having a high school diploma or recognized equivalent.
Don’t have your high school diploma yet? HDMC offers high school completion options that may help eligible students get started.
An Admissions Representative can review the requirements with you and help determine your next steps.
For the most current Veterinary Assistant tuition and fee information, refer to the HDMC School Catalog or speak with an Admissions Representative.
Financial aid, grants, scholarships, and student loans may be available to those who qualify. HDMC’s Financial Aid team can help you understand your options and determine what you may be eligible for.
An Admissions Representative can review the requirements with you and help determine your next steps.
High Desert Medical College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET), a nationally recognized accrediting agency listed by the U.S. Department of Education.
HDMC is also approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
What you’ll learn
HDMC’s Veterinary Assistant program combines veterinary theory with hands-on training to help you develop the skills needed to care for animals and support veterinary teams.
Is a Career as a Veterinary Assistant Right for You?
Take the HDMC Healthcare Career Readiness Quiz.
This fun, online quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete and will give you a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
Support beyond the classroom
HDMC supports students beyond the classroom with career-focused guidance, professional development resources, and personalized support designed to help graduates feel confident entering the healthcare field.
Resume &
Interview Support
Career
Preparation
Professional
Development
Student
Support Resources
What you walk away with
One diploma, two certifications, and a clear path to your first job.
Veterinary
Assistant Diploma
Issued by HDMC upon completion of all coursework and your externship.
CPR & First Aid
Certifications
From the American Red Cross — current, recognized, and required by most employers.
Real-World
Experience
Complete a 200-hour externship where you can apply your veterinary assisting skills in a professional environment.
Where you could work
Veterinary assistants can support animal care teams in a variety of settings. Picture yourself working in:
Veterinary Offices
Support everyday veterinary care
Veterinary Hospitals
Assist with animal patient care
Animal Shelters
Care for shelter animals
Research Facilities
Support animal research teams
Wildlife Refuges
Help care for wildlife
Zoos
Support daily animal care
Potential Careers
A Veterinary Assisting certificate could lead to jobs with titles like:
Veterinary Assistant
Emergency Veterinary Assistant
Technician Assistant
Animal Caregiver
Animal Care Provider
Kennel Veterinary Assistant
Research Animal Attendant
Small Animal Caretaker
Potential Careers
A Veterinary Assisting certificate could lead to jobs with titles like:
Veterinary Assistant
Emergency Veterinary Assistant
Technician Assistant
Animal Caregiver
Animal Care Provider
Kennel Veterinary Assistant
Research Animal Attendant
Small Animal Caretaker
Real Students.
Real Stories.
Sharon P.
Veterinary Assistant
“Being in the VA program is better than I could have hoped for. I love the flexibility of the program. The hours help you be able to continue taking care of your family or working while bettering yourself. You learn the theory of the vet world and then you lots of hands-on practice. The farm gives you lots of experience with farm animals. The staff is amazing, and they take all the time to know who you are, and it makes school feel like family, who help encourage you and help you complete your program.”
Montserrat
Veterinary Assistant
“I heard of HDMC via one of my mom’s friends, & at the time I was having trouble in public school, so I decided to give HDMC a shot, and it was the best choice I ever made. I was walked through and helped throughout the whole enrollment process & felt super welcomed here. My favorite thing about HDMC is that it’s super hands-on, and my instructor is very kind and understanding. He takes his time going over instructions and information, explains the curriculum very well, and he is very fun to work with and learn from. Any questions you had, he’d answer it and go over a problem with you. I’m glad I chose HDMC, and I’ll forever cherish all the friends and memories I made along the way. I have high hopes for my future after this program.”
Juan C.
Veterinary Assistant
“I am glad to be where I am now. The VA program has been great and it’s all due to the hard work the instructor puts in to get us ready for our new careers. The best part has been the hands-on training we get on living animals.”
Questions?
Here are a few things everyone asks. If you don’t see your question, reach out to see whether Veterinary Assisting is right for you.
Veterinary assistants support veterinarians and veterinary technicians with everyday animal care and clinic operations. Responsibilities may include feeding, bathing and exercising animals, preparing exam rooms, sterilizing equipment, restraining animals during procedures, monitoring animals after treatment and assisting with medications and immunizations as directed.
HDMC’s Veterinary Assistant program can be completed in as few as 35 weeks with the morning schedule or 43 weeks with the evening schedule. The program includes 960 total clock hours, including 760 classroom hours and a 200-hour externship.
The Veterinary Assistant program is offered in a hybrid format. Students’ complete classroom theory online while gaining hands-on experience in on-campus labs. The program also includes an externship where students can apply what they’ve learned in a professional environment.
No prior veterinary or animal care experience is required. The program is designed to teach students the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills needed to prepare for entry-level Veterinary Assistant opportunities.
High Desert Medical College offers continuous enrollment, with new Veterinary Assisting classes starting throughout the year, sometimes as often as every month. Check with our admissions team for the next start date.
Additional Resources
to help you build confidence before entering the workforce
