Online Veterinary Assistant Certification
Become a certified veterinary assistant through our online, NAVTA-approved training program.
Online Veterinary Assistant Certification
Become a certified veterinary assistant through our online, NAVTA-approved training program.
Invest In a New Career
Prepare for a rewarding career helping animals as a vet assistant through our online, self-paced training program! Designed with job readiness in mind, the NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant Training Program can help you develop essential industry knowledge and get hands-on practice from wherever you are!
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AVA Certification Prep
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$29,780 Median Salary*
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19% Predicted 10-Year Job Growth*
Unleash your full potential for a more fulfilling life and career. We’ll help.
This Could Be the Perfect Job for You
If you’re interested in starting a career that makes a difference, becoming a certified vet assistant could be the perfect job for you! Through CareerStep’s NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant Program, you’ll build job-relevant skills in online courses and gain hands-on experience in a required externship to help you take the first steps toward the career you want.
See full job description >>6 Reasons to Complete Your Veterinary Assistant Training With CareerStep
Train on your schedule.
24/7 web access means you can learn whenever and wherever you want—fitting study time in and around your other commitments.
Ask for help anytime.
Your training is online, but you’re never alone. Real people support you every step of the way via phone, live chat, and email.
Get certified.
Prepare to sit for NAVTA’s Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) exam and become certified.
Gain hands-on experience.
As part of your veterinary assistant training program, you’ll apply what you learned online to real-world experiences through a hands-on externship.
Help animals every day.
Be the person those big sad eyes see in their hour of need. It’s a good feeling to be trained and able to give pets the TLC they require when they’re injured or ill.
Earn dependable income.
The median annual wage for veterinary assistants is $29,780.* That, plus the potential for benefits, buys you peace of mind.
1. Start today.
Begin your training (and transformation) right now.
2. Learn your way.
Complete your training on your own terms.
3. Get hire-ready.
Prepare to take valuable certification exams.
Ready to Dive In?
Sign up online now to start the Veterinary Assistant program.
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Program Details
You’ll build foundational skills and prepare for a rewarding job as a vet assistant through online courses like animal anatomy and introduction to animal nursing. Then, you’ll apply what you learned and gain hands-on experience in an externship that can be completed at a veterinary clinic near you!
After completing your Veterinary Assistant Training Program and externship, you’ll be able to take the next steps toward a new career by sitting for the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) exam and become certified.
- > 8 Months Full Access
- > Self-Paced Study
- > Anywhere, Anytime Learning
- > 1:1 (Human) Support
What You’ll Learn
Our elite veterinary assistant training program thoroughly trains you on everything you need to know, so you can begin working from day-one with confidence.
Veterinary Procedures
Become familiar with the standard practices and procedures for office/administrative work, hospital and exam room caregiving, and laboratory methodologies.
Small & Large Animal Nursing
Get to know more about all the animals you’ll likely encounter as well as how to do surgical preparation and assisting.
Pharmacology & Radiology
Learn about animal pharmacy and pharmacology, radiology and ultrasound for imaging, and treating your shaggy patients.
Communication & Client Relations
Master vet lingo and learn to speak like a pet pro. Discover how to handle a range of situations, usually happy, but like all medical care, sometimes sad.
Veterinary Assistant Program FAQs
What will I be doing as a veterinary assistant?
You’ll help veterinarians and veterinary technicians care for injuries and treat illnesses. A typical day in your new life as a veterinary assistant will probably include feeding and bathing animals, assisting with exams, cleaning and prepping equipment and facilities, and occasionally even providing a bit of emergency first aid.
How much can I make as a veterinary assistant?
Salaries vary by employer, location, and experience, but according to the U.S. Department of Labor the median annual wage for veterinary assistants is $29,780.* You may also qualify for invaluable healthcare benefits.
How do you become a veterinary assistant?
Pretty easy. No specific skills or experience is required. Just be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate. Optionally, you can pass the CareerStep Pre-Training Assessment Test. Then, sign up for and complete our veterinary assistant training program. Next, use our career assistance to land your first awesome job in the wonderful world of animal care.
Are payment plans or financial assistance available for my veterinary assistant training?
CareerStep offers a variety of flexible payment options, installment plans, and even discounts for U.S. veterans, Active Duty service members, and their spouses. As CareerStep is not an educational institution, we cannot offer—or accept—traditional financial aid, such as student scholarships, loans, and grants through FAFSA. However, our low-cost training programs are affordably priced and our goal is to find a payment solution that meets your needs.
Do I have to be certified to work as a veterinary assistant?
Certification is not required to work as a veterinary assistant. However, employers often prefer to hire trained staff. By becoming a certified veterinary assistant, you’ll strengthen your resume and show employers that you have the skills they’re looking for, allowing you to stand out from other applicants!
How does the externship work?
The required externship allows you to practice what you learned online in the real world! Once you’ve completed your coursework, you’ll work with our externship coordinators to find an approved veterinary clinic in your area to complete your hours. At the clinic, under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or credentialed veterinary technician, you’ll complete the common tasks and skills that you may be responsible for as a working vet assistant.
Training People Trust
Get Trained. Get Hired.
This program includes quality training, career support, and coaching. It’s a faster, cheaper alternative to traditional schooling.
$3,799 for full program access
Or call now: 800-411-7073 >>
Tight Budget? You’ve Got Options.
Make Small, Easy Payments
We’re flexible and totally committed to working with you to find affordable down and monthly payments.
Let the Government Pay Your Way
My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) funds for military spouses are available now and may cover up to 100% of your program cost!
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. “Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Accessed May 2, 2023.
Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.