This 10-month program is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in veterinary science, animal care, and medical procedures. One cohort of students begins the program in the fall and completes it by the end of the spring term in May.

The curriculum is divided into four sequential courses—Vet Assistant I, II, III, and IV—each building on the skills and knowledge gained in the previous level.

Students will learn to assist veterinarians in diagnosing and treating a wide variety of animals, including household pets, livestock, and exotic species. Through hands-on experience, they will gain the confidence and ability to perform essential tasks such as animal restraint, medication administration, and surgical assistance.

Registration is $194 per course.

REGISTRATION

Students are admitted as part of a cohort each Fall term and progress through the program together. The current cohort will complete the program and graduate in Spring 2026. A new cohort begins every Fall.

The program includes a mix of:

  • Classroom instruction
  • Lab activities
  • Online coursework
  • Hands-on experiential learning

Class Schedule

  • Mondays & Thursdays: 6:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (*subject to change)
    Location: Caswell County Campus
  • Saturdays: Service learning at the Animal Protection Society of Caswell County
    (Each student is required to complete at least two sessions at the shelter.)

Enrollment is limited to 10 students.

COURSE IDSECTIONCOURSE DATESDATES/TIMESLOCATIONREGISTRATION
VET – 3110
Veterinary Assistant I – IV		54960Aug. 28 – Oct. 28*Mondays & Thursdays
6:30-9 p.m.		Caswell County Campus &
Animal Protection Society of Caswell County (APSCC)		CLOSED
Course Full

Registration for Vet Assistant II, III, and IV will occur upon completion of the preceding section.

Textbooks & Supplies

VET-3110A (Vet Assistant I)
Restraint and Handling for Veterinary Technicians and Assistants
Bonnie Ballard and Jody Rockett. 2009
Delmar/Cengage Learning
ISBN: 978-1-4354-5358-6
$85.31

VET-3110B, VET-3110C, and VET-3110D (Vet Assistant II, III, IV)
Mosby’s Veterinary PDQ, Third Edition
Consultant Margi Sirois, EdD, MS, RVT. 2019
Elsevier Learning
ISBN: 978-0-323-51023-3
$33.95 (plus tax and shipping)

Dress Code Requirements

  • Students may be asked to wear specific attire when working at the animal shelter or veterinary clinics.
  • Closed-toe shoes are required for all in-person sessions.
  • No dangling jewelry or long fingernails that may pose a safety risk to students or animals.

Veterinary Assistant II, III, and IV

Students shall pass Veterinary I to continue to Veterinary II, III, and IV. Students enter as one cohort starting every Fall term. Each course has a $194.00 registration fee.

Course Schedule, Level II, III, and IV

  • Level II: October 28 – December 18, 2025
  • Level III: January 12 – March 7, 2026
  • Level IV: March 16 – May 14, 2026
    ➡ Students who progress through all four levels will successfully complete the Veterinary Assistant Program.

Vet Assistant Credential

This course is the first in a series of continuing education courses to prepare students to become a Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) Level 1 through the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA), after successful completion of training and documentation of at least 200 laboratory and classroom hours and 300 clinical hours under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or certified veterinary technician.

WORK-BASED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Students currently enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant Program who wish to complete the 300 clinical hours required for the Veterinary Assistant Credential may register for WBL 3100A and WBL 3100B.

Eligibility & Requirements

  • Only students enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant Program may register.
  • Students must have successfully completed Veterinary Assistant I and II.
  • A work-based learning position under the supervision of a licensed Veterinarian is required before registration.
  • Students will participate in an interview with both the WBL Coordinator and the partner animal clinic.

Additional Details

  • PCC will provide a $750 stipend to help offset the costs of learning while working.
  • Students are expected to have a job secured before registering; however, if you do not yet have one, the WBL Coordinator will assist with job placement when possible.

For more information and to begin the eligibility screening process, please contact your instructor or the WBL Coordinator.

DATEDAYS & TIMELOCATIONREGISTRATION FEE
WBL 3100A/B Varies Assigned Clinic $70

Scholarships Available

Scholarships are available for Person or Caswell County Residents, of 1 year or more, to cover registration fee only. The link to apply will be sent via email with your payment instructions once you have been registered for the course.

Students residing outside Person and Caswell Counties or those needing assistance to pay for full course are encouraged to contact their local  NC Works  to find out if they qualify for their services.

Veterinary and Community Partnerships

By welcoming veterinarians and clinics into our educational ecosystem, we are enriching our students’ learning experiences with real-world insights, hands-on training, and the latest industry practices. These partnerships are a testament to our dedication to providing students with the best possible education, ensuring they graduate as competent and compassionate veterinary assistants ready to excel in the field. We believe that by working closely with our local veterinary community, we can continue to set new standards for excellence in veterinary education.

Thank you, Oxford Animal Hospital, for your partnership!

Pictured Back, left to right: Karah Shytle, Technician Assistant and PCC Grad; Louise Royster, Veterinary Assistant; Mindy Mast, Veterinary Assistant; Kendra Cross, Lead Receptionist; Courtney Faulkner, Receptionist; Angie Hernandez, Technician Assistant

Front, left to right: Crystal Owen, Inventory Manager and Technician Assistant; Dr. Susan Thompson; Dr. Toni Richardson; Jenna Stewart, Hospital Manager; Tabitha Moody, Receptionist

If you are a regionally or locally-based veterinarian or animal clinic and would like to partner with our students, please contact Lori Watlington, Director, Health & Wellness Programs at lori.watlington@piedmontcc.edu.

Veterinary Partnerships that have Hosted PCC Students

  • Bahama Veterinary Hospital-Bahama, NC
  • Creekside Animal Clinic-Mebane, NC
  • Danville Family Vets-Danville, VA
  • PetVet, Hillsborough, NC
  • Oxford Animal Hospital, Oxford, NC
  • Woodsdale Animal Hospital-Roxboro, NC