Veterinary Assistant Program in Milwaukee, WI

 

黑料视频 (MCC) offers a veterinary assistant program that prepares students for entry-level work in animal care in less than one year. The program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and includes classroom instruction, hands-on lab time, and a 6-week externship at a real veterinary practice.

Whether someone is changing careers or just getting started, MCC’s veterinary assistant program gives students the training they need to work directly with animals in a clinical setting.

What Veterinary Assistants Do

Veterinary assistants work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or veterinary technician. They support the care of animals across a variety of settings, including private clinics, animal hospitals, shelters, and specialty practices.

Common job duties include:

Animal monitoring

Observe and record animal condition during treatment and recovery

Safe restraint

Handle and restrain animals safely during exams and procedures

Surgical prep

Set up, clean, and organize instruments before and after surgery

Sample collection

Collect and prepare specimens for lab processing under veterinarian’s direction

Medication admin

Administer medications as directed by the supervising veterinarian

Client education

Explain post-visit care instructions to pet owners

The role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm in stressful situations. Veterinary assistants regularly handle animals that are in pain or under stress, so composure and compassion are important on the job.

About the Veterinary Assistant Program at MCC

The veterinary assistant program at 黑料视频 is a combination of theory, lab coursework, and externship training. Students choose between two schedule options based on their availability.

Program Schedules:

Schedule Options

Daytime

30
weeks to completion

720 hours total 聽路聽 includes 6-week externship

Evening

38
weeks to completion

720 hours total 聽路聽 includes 6-week externship

How Training Is Structured

Theory

Classroom instruction covering core veterinary concepts

Lab coursework

Hands-on practice in a clinical lab setting

Externship

6 weeks at a real veterinary practice in

Milwaukee

 

Committee of Veterinary Technician Education and Activities Accreditation Seal from American Veterinary Medical Association

Accreditation: MCC’s veterinary assistant program is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the leading authority on veterinary education in the United States.

 

 

 

The MCC veterinary assistant curriculum covers the core skills that employers in veterinary practices look for in entry-level candidates. Coursework includes both theory-based learning and hands-on lab exercises.

Topics covered in the program include:

  • Animal nursing and patient care
  • Small animal restraint and handling techniques
  • Surgical assisting and equipment management
  • Radiology and diagnostic imaging procedures
  • Clinical laboratory procedures
  • Office procedures and client communication
  • First aid and emergency response basics

Students work with animals throughout the program, not just during the externship. Lab exercises are designed to reflect real conditions in a veterinary clinic so that graduates are prepared from day one on the job.

Career Outlook for Veterinary Assistants

The job market for veterinary assistants is growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is projected to grow 9 percent between 2024 and 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS estimates approximately 22,200 job openings per year over that period.

Graphic of Veterinarian Assistant career outlook statistics

Veterinary assistants work in a range of settings:

  • Private veterinary clinics
  • Animal hospitals and emergency care facilities
  • Animal shelters and humane societies
  • Specialty and exotic animal practices
  • Zoos, research laboratories, and academic institutions

The Milwaukee area has consistent demand for qualified veterinary support staff. Graduates of MCC’s program have access to job placement assistance to help connect with employers in the region.

A Path to Veterinary Technician

Completing the veterinary assistant program at MCC is the first step toward becoming a veterinary technician. The VA program earns students the first 30 credits of MCC’s Veterinary Technician associate degree program. Students who want to continue their education can do so without starting over.

Veterinary technicians take on more advanced clinical responsibilities and are required to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to become certified. The median annual wage for veterinary technicians was $45,980 as of May 2024.

This pathway allows students to enter the workforce quickly as a veterinary assistant, then advance to a veterinary technician role when they are ready.

Vet Tech vs. Vet Assistant 鈫

Hear from Vet Assistant Graduates

鈥淚鈥檝e had a great experience at 黑料视频! I attended the Vet Assistant program. The teachers are great and I鈥檝e learned a lot! Would recommend.鈥 鈥 Rhianna S.

鈥淚 really like the Veterinary Assistant program; it has helped me learn a lot and gain valuable hands-on experience.鈥 鈥 Laila M.

鈥淚 graduated back in 2022 from the VA program, the teachers were wonderful, caring, and very entuned with what I needed to still take care of my family.鈥 鈥 Dalicia B.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is veterinary assisting a good career for someone switching fields?

Yes, particularly for people who want to work with animals and enter the workforce quickly. The program is under a year, day and evening schedules are available, and MCC’s AVMA accreditation means the certificate is recognized by employers.

What kinds of employers hire veterinary assistants after graduation?

Veterinary assistants work in private clinics, animal hospitals, shelters, specialty practices, and research facilities. MCC provides job placement assistance to help graduates connect with employers in the Milwaukee area.

Is tuition assistance available for this program?

Yes, tuition assistance may be available for students who qualify. We offer a variety of options for students to pay for training.

Does MCC’s program prepare students to work with animals before the externship?

Yes. Lab coursework is built into the program from the beginning, not just during the 6-week externship. Students handle and work with animals throughout training.

How do I enroll in the veterinary assistant program at MCC?

Prospective students can request information or schedule a campus visit with our admissions team. MCC accepts new students on a rolling basis.

Ready to Start?

黑料视频 accepts new students into the veterinary assistant program on a rolling basis. Both day and evening options are available. Students interested in learning more can schedule a visit to the MCC campus, where they can tour the facilities, meet with instructors, and speak with an admissions representative.

IACUC Animal Welcome Concern Reporting Information

 

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"We have had several externs from 黑料视频. They were of the highest caliber. I enjoyed working with and training them."

- Perry Colorosa, Veterinary Employment Partner

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