This program is structured to provide a strong foundation in veterinary science, animal care, and medical procedures. Students will learn how to assist veterinarians in diagnosing and treating a wide range of animals, from household pets to livestock, and even exotic species. Throughout the course, students will gain hands-on experience, enabling them to confidently perform various tasks, such as animal restraint, administering medications, and assisting in surgical procedures.
Program Details-Veterinary Assistant I
REGISTRATION
Students start the program as a cohort and will graduate together. New cohorts begin every Fall term. Students will participate in classroom, labs, online, and experiential learning. Classes are held from 6:45 p.m.-9:00 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays at the Caswell County campus and serve at the Animal Protection Society of Caswell County on Saturdays. Each student is required to complete at least two sessions at the shelter.
Enrollment limit is 10 students.
Textbooks and Supplies
Course Textbook: Sheldon and Topel, 2024. Animal Restraints for Veterinary Professionals. Elsevier, Inc. ISBN: 978-0-323-88143-2.
Students are expected to wear closed-toe shoes for in-person learning. Dangling jewelry, long fingernails or other attire/accessories that may present a danger to the student or animals must be removed. Students may be required to wear specific attire on location at the animal shelter or animal clinics.
| DATE | DAYS & TIME | LOCATION | REGISTRATION FEE | REGISTRATION LINK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/15/24 – 10/11/24 | 6:45-9:00 PM 1:30-3:30 PM | Caswell County Campus & Animal Protection Society of Caswell County (APSCC) | $188.00 Textbook: $75.00 |  |
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 $188.00 registration fee.
Vet Assisant 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 Tech program, and who wish to achieve the 300 clinical hours required for the Veterinary Assistant Credential, can register for WBL 3100A and WBL 3100B. Students must have secured a work-based learning job and be supervised by a licensed Veterinarian to register for these special courses. PCC will provide a $750.00 stipend to offset the costs of learning while working. Please contact your instructor or WBL Coordinator for more information and eligibility screening.
WBL 3100A/B: Only students currently enrolled in the Vet Asst program can register for the work-based learning courses highlighted in the table below. Students must have passed Vet Asst I and II to apply.
Students will participate in an interview with the WBL Coordinator and the Animal Clinic in which they are serving. Students are expected to already have a job in place before they register for the WBL 3100 course. If not, we will do our best to assist with job placement if possible.
| DATE | DAYS & TIME | LOCATION | REGISTRATION FEE | REGISTRATION LINK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WBL 3100A/B | Varies | Assigned Clinic | $70.00 | Contact WBL Coordinator 336-322-2186 |
Scholarships Available
Scholarships are available for students in the Veterinary Assistant Program who reside in Caswell or Person Counties. Please apply at the following link: Pacer Promise Short-term Training Scholarship
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.
If you are a regionally or locally-based veterinarian or animal clinic and would like to partner with our students, please contact Dr. Shawnee Seese, Director, Continuing Education Programs at shawnee.seese@piedmontcc.edu.
Veterinary Partnerships that have Hosted PCC Students
- Woodsdale Animal Hospital-Roxboro, NC
- Creekside Animal Clinic-Mebane, NC
- PetVet, Hillsborough, NC
- Oxford Animal Hospital, Oxford, NC
Other Business Studies and Emerging Technologies Programs
- Accounting and Finance
- Agribusiness Technology – Plant Science
- Basics of 3D Printing
- Business Administration
- Digital Effects & Animation Technology
- Hydraulics Repair
- Information Technology – Business Support
- Information Technology – Computer Programming
- Information Technology – Gaming, Simulation, & Design
- Information Technology – Systems Security
- Notary Public
- Office Administration
- Short-Term Ag Programs
- Short-Term IT Programs
- Spanish for the Workplace
