Veterinary Assistant

Certificate Program

The California State University, East Bay Veterinary Assistant Certificate will appeal to those who would like to work in a veterinary office, but lack the necessary preparation.

Students who take advantage of Cal State East Bay's program will acquire the range of knowledge and skills that prospective employers expect. The curriculum covers topics from veterinary medical terminology and veterinary office practices to recognizing signs and symptoms of illness and assisting a veterinarian with surgical and treatment procedures.

Offered in partnership with Gatlin Education Services, our program's online-only format makes it convenient for anyone in the world, not just those who live or work in the San Francisco East Bay Area.

Program Objectives

• To prepare graduates for veterinary assistant positions.
• To give graduates skill and confidence in interacting with animals and their owners.
• To give graduates a thorough grounding in veterinary medical terminology, the major breeds of various animals, the basics of responsible animal care and the roles and responsibilities of a veterinary assistant.
• To provide graduates a strong understanding of measures that prevent injury to animals, their owners and the veterinary team, including proper office and compartment cleaning methods.
• To equip graduates with the knowledge and skill necessary to communicate effectively with a veterinary team, assist a veterinarian with caring for animals and assist with surgical and treatment procedures, including an understanding of how to handle animal specimens correctly and process them accurately.
• To prepare graduates to perform the administrative duties necessary to the smooth operation of a veterinary office, such as scheduling appointments and handling billing and collections.
• To provide graduates the knowledge and confidence necessary to meet the highest legal, ethical and professional standards.

Who Should Attend

• Individuals interested in working in a veterinary office.
• Individuals interested in changing careers to become veterinary assistants.

Program Highlights