With pet ownership on the rise, the need for skilled Veterinary Assistants is in great demand. Working with the doctors and veterinary technicians, vet assistants help provide medical care to sick and injured animals. Topics of study include: client relations, office and hospital procedures, animal nursing, exam room procedures (hospital sanitation, weight/tpr, animal handling and restraint and preventive care protocols), surgical prep and assisting, laboratory procedures, radiology and pharmacology. This type of training prepares the student to work in Veterinarian Clinics, Animal Hospitals, Animal Control Facilities, or Pet Adoption Centers to name a few.
The Veterinarian Assistant program will be offered through COD’s partnership with
MK Education in Downers Grove, an instructional organization dedicated to the advancement of both pharmaceutical and allied health positions. The College of DuPage has partnered with MK Education (formerly MrxI Corporation) for over ten years to create and serve the people in our community.
The program is geared toward- Recent high school graduates
- Pet lovers
- People looking to get back in to the workforce
- Anyone looking to change careers
Study consists of a total of 120 hours.
90 hours didactic: Classroom training meets twice weekly.
ExternshipsIn this program, you will have the opportunity to complete 30 hours of hands-on-training in an animal hospital, clinic or office. (Facility subject to availability.) Clinical training is an essential part of healthcare training for any specialty, especially for veterinary medicine.
Please Note- Externships usually take place during normal business hours
- Flexibility may be required on your part as a student
- All 30 hours mush be completed to successfully complete this program
- Time off from work may be required. Externship dates will be given in the beginning of class to ensure ample time to make the necessary arrangements.
Fee: $1999.00 includes all textbook and material fees.
Course Prerequisites- Must be able to speak English
- Have a high school diploma /or GED
- No prior criminal convictions
Additional Skills RequiredBecause of the inherent requirements of the profession, the following minimum abilities are expected from each student:
- Psychomotor skills (eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity) sufficient for safe and successful practice of veterinary duties
- Visual acuity (normal or corrected) sufficient for safe and successful practice of veterinary duties
- Be aware that a drug testing and criminal background check may be required for licensure or employment.
Job OutlookSalary: $22, 0000 - $25,000 Salary may vary depending on location, experience and hours.
Employment is expected to increase up to 35% between the years of 2006 and 2012 according to the
Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This program is on the College of DuPage approved list for the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). For more information, call Continuing Education coordinator Gail McPike at (630) 942-2524,
McPike@cod.edu; or contact Bree Abbas at MRxI Corporation, (630) 929-8604,
bree@mrxicorp.com.
New for Spring 2012 Semester To register call: (630) 942-2208
Code # PROED 0037 506, Tuesday and Thursday, 6 to 9:30 p.m., Jan. 24 to May 10, 2012, Building M, Room 159