Program Fee

$2,145 

Cost includes online instruction and textbook. *Recommended to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Installment payment options as low as $104 per month. 

Program Format

225 hours of online instruction

6 months of access, self-paced 

Externship Starter Kit

To qualify for the externship applications process, students must successfully complete the online course content. Going through the externship application process does not guarantee an externship. Students can begin researching the steps of the application process 2 weeks prior to completing courses.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a veterinary assistant is currently just about $30,000 per year. 

Jobs are expected to increase by 19% through 2031, which is considered significantly faster than average positions. There should be plenty of job opportunities for veterinary assistants regardless of location.

UM Bitterroot is exploring partnerships for a career ladder option to Veterinarian Technician for Fall of 2025.

WHAT DOES A VETERINARY ASSISTANT DO? 

The number one job of a veterinary assistant is to support the veterinarian as well as veterinarian technicians with basic tasks. Veterinary assistants typically feed, weigh, bathe and take the temperature of animals. They may also help give medication, clean cages and help restrain animals during treatment or other medical procedures as needed. This program will also set you up nicely to work as a laboratory animal caretaker and a research laboratory like Rocky Mountain Labs.

DO VETERINARY ASSISTANTS HANDLE ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES?

Some veterinary assistants perform clerical work such as scheduling appointments and speaking with customers. As a vet assistant, you may handle many of the logistical and operating duties, such as check-in, billing and after visit care. Duties will vary depending on the office you work in, but every task is to ensure the health and well-being of animals inside the veterinary practice.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A VETERINARY ASSISTANT AND VETERINARY TECHNICIAN? 

Veterinary assistants are typically trained through a certificate program to help with basic duties. Veterinary technicians, on the other hand, have a formal education and work as the nurse of a veterinarian. Veterinary technicians need two-year associate degrees accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

CAN I GO FROM A VETERINARY ASSISTANT TO A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN? 

Yes. If you pursue additional education and licensing, you could become a veterinary technician. Working as a vet assistant is a great first step to understanding the industry, different specialties and advanced duties required to work as a vet technician.

ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES TO TAKE THIS COURSE?

There are no prerequisites to take this course. A high school diploma or equivalent is recommended but not essential.

WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE?

The course instructor will be available by email to answer any questions and provide feedback on your performance. Occasionally, your course may be supported by a team of industry experts. You will also receive support from the student advising team.

WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO COMPLETE THE COURSE WITHIN THE TIME FRAME PROVIDED?

If you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee will be charged. If you are funded through a third-party organization, approval may also be required. 

Anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems

Handling medical records and communicate with clients and coworkers

Restraining animals for procedures, take vital signs, and bathe them

Nutrition, vaccinations and administering medication

Preparing prescriptions, taking blood samples and radiographs

Getting Started 

Welcome To The Veterinary Hospital 

Getting Ready For Your First Visit 

Physiology And Anatomy 1

Directional Signs And The Skeletal System 

Physiology And Anatomy 2

The Nervous System, Endocrine System, And Muscles And Joints 

Physiology And Anatomy 3

The Circulatory And Respiratory Systems 

Physiology And Anatomy 4

The Digestive System, Urogenital System, Liver, And Spleen 

Front Office Duties

Records, Confidentiality, And Client Relations 

More Front Office Tips, And Determining Age And Gender Of Kittens And Puppies 

Canine Restraint 

Feline And Exotic Restraint 

The Physical Examination

Procedures, Restraint, And Vital Signs 

Everyday Procedures For The Veterinary Assistant 

Workplace Hazards And Infection Control 

The Reproductive Cycle And Sterilization Procedures 

Vaccinology 

Nutrition Basics And Prescription Foods 

Prescriptions

Preparing And Calculating Doses 

Types Of Medications And What They Do 

Giving Medications 

The Euthanasia Process 

Sampling

Taking Blood Samples 

Interpreting Blood Tests And Handling Blood 

Urine Collection, Handling, And Interpretation 

Tests: Serology, Scrapings, Smears, Flotations, And Necropsies 

Radiology

Radiographs And Personal Safety 

Radiographic Positioning 

Pain Recognition And Emergency Care 

Dentistry

Charting, Tooth Disease, And Dental Care 

External Parasites

Fleas, Ticks, Mites, And More 

Parasites Of The Gastrointestinal Tract And Heart 

Poisonings In Pets 

Surgery 1

Preparing The Patient 

Surgery 2

Your Role During And After 

Understanding Animal Behavior 

The Job Search And Future Opportunities 

Jeff Grognet

Jeff Grognet has been a companion animal veterinarian for 25 years. He was a pioneer in the field of veterinary assistant teaching, developing his first course more than 18 years ago. Due to the success of his veterinary receptionist/assistant courses, he expanded his teaching into other high-demand areas including pet first aid and alternative medical therapies for companion animals. He practices at a veterinary hospital and contributes regularly to several magazines.