Veterinary Assistant
A veterinary assistant is someone who works under the direction of a veterinarian to support animal care.
Why Choose New York Academy
Graduates pursue roles as a Veterinary Assistant in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare practices.
What You’ll Learn
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Hands-on clinical training with real equipment
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Small class sizes with individualized instruction
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Taught by working healthcare professionals
The Veterinary Assistant program prepares you to support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in caring for animal patients. In sixteen weeks, you will learn animal handling, basic clinical procedures, and hospital operations for small-animal veterinary practices.
Hands-On Animal Care
Veterinary Assistants are essential to daily operations in animal health. Graduates find opportunities in:
Small-animal veterinary clinics
Emergency and specialty animal hospitals
Animal shelters and rescue organizations
Boarding and grooming facilities
Practice With Real Animal Patients
You will practice restraint and handling technique, basic grooming, and assisting with exams and treatments under the supervision of licensed veterinary staff.
Built Around Real Clinic Operations
Curriculum reflects the day-to-day workflow of a veterinary practice, from client communication to record keeping.
Train veterinary assistants who can safely handle and restrain animals, support clinical procedures, and manage kennel and hospital operations under veterinary supervision.
Animal Care Foundations
Build the knowledge every veterinary assistant needs:
Animal anatomy, physiology, and terminology
Common species behavior and handling techniques
Infection control and zoonotic disease awareness
Clinical Support Skills
Develop hands-on competency through supervised practice:
Restraint and handling for exams and procedures
Basic grooming and hygiene care
Assisting with vaccinations and treatments
Kennel sanitation and animal husbandry
Professional Practice
Prepare for the clinic workplace:
Client communication and front-desk basics
Medical records and inventory management
Resume preparation and externship readiness
A 16-week program totaling 300 academic hours, combining classroom instruction, hands-on animal handling labs, and a supervised clinical externship.
Module 1 — Animal Care Foundations (Weeks 1–4)
Anatomy, physiology, and terminology across common companion species
Safe restraint and handling for exams and procedures
Module 2 — Clinical Support Skills (Weeks 5–11)
Supporting veterinarians during exams, vaccinations, and minor procedures
Sanitation, husbandry, and basic grooming care
Module 3 — Externship (Weeks 12–16)
Supervised practice at an affiliated veterinary clinic
Front-desk communication and medical records management
Graduates receive a certificate of completion recognized by veterinary practices as preparation for entry-level veterinary assistant roles.
Applicant Profile
We look for candidates who are comfortable working with animals of all temperaments and physically able to lift and restrain them safely.
Academic Requirements
High school diploma or GED
Basic reading and math proficiency
Required Documentation
Completed admission application
Government-issued photo ID
Background check prior to externship
Clinical Externship Requirements
Approved clinic attire
Closed-toe, non-slip footwear
Reliable transportation to the externship site
Career Outlook
Graduates pursue roles as a Veterinary Assistant in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare practices.
Preparing doers and healers for the future through rigorous certifications in healthcare, ministry, and skilled trades.
Contact Us(518) 708-1373info@newyorkacademy.us