The Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) program at Saint Joseph’s College prepares learners for rewarding careers in veterinary medicine. Our comprehensive program guides students through proper animal care, veterinary techniques, and essential administrative duties.

Students in our Veterinary Assistant program will learn to care for animals, quickly recognize signs of illness or disease in a variety of species—from common pets to exotics—and develop strong interpersonal skills for client and patient interactions. The curriculum also covers assisting veterinarians during examinations and handling administrative tasks such as fee collection, banking, and accounts payable to ensure an efficient front office.

To reinforce classroom learning, the program includes clinical and lab hours where students apply their knowledge through hands-on skills with real animals. This experience provides invaluable real-world training in a veterinary setting.

Upon completion of the course, students will be eligible to sit for the CVA certification exam through MedCA.

The Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) program at Saint Joseph’s College offers both internal lab hours and external clinical hours at partner facilities. While optional, these hands-on experiences are designed to help students develop the practical skills needed to become a fully competent Veterinary Assistant.

Students can complete 80 total hours through a combination of lab work and clinical site experience. Clinical site options include:

• Rensselaer Pet Care Hospital (Observation Only)

• Rensselaer Pet Care Boarding, Grooming, and Training.

Those who fulfill the required hours will receive a secondary Certificate of Completion, recognizing their additional training.

If you have compassion and a soft spot for animals, you may be the perfect fit to build a career as a Veterinary Assistant.

Veterinarians need a strong, supportive team in order to do their jobs effectively. As a Veterinary Assistant, you’ll be just that! From assisting with surgical procedures to feeding, bathing, and exercising animals, you’ll provide valuable support, keeping things in order. You’ll also help calm and soothe frightened animals during examinations.

Veterinary Assistants may also be responsible for client education. New and experienced pet parents want to do the best for their four-legged friend, yet they don’t often know how to go about it. As a veterinary assistant, you’ll make a difference by guiding pet owners in how to properly care for their beloved animals.

A veterinary assistant is someone who works under the direction of a veterinarian, laboratory animal technologist or scientist to help with administrative and non-medical care of animals. The veterinary assistant is responsible for providing care such as:

• Preparing operation and examination rooms
• Recording patient history and maintaining accurate files
• Restraining animals during examinations
• Feeding and giving water to animals in extended care kennels
• Ensuring enclosures remain clean in order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases
• Administering medication

Veterinary Assistants work in veterinary offices, zoos, laboratories. or animal hospitals.

Becoming a veterinary assistant can be a great way to get your foot in the door of the veterinary industry. If your goal is to someday be a veterinary technician or veterinarian, starting off as a veterinary assistant can help you learn the basics! By getting experience and starting a career that you can rely on, there's an opportunity to pursue further education in the field.