2026-2027 Course Catalog
Veterinary Assistant, Certificate
Location(s):
Ankeny
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 Return to: Ankeny Campus Programs
Veterinary assistants provide professional technical support to veterinarians, biomedical researchers and other scientists. As a veterinary assistant, you will care for hospitalized animal patients; assist the doctor in surgery; perform physical exams, lab work and technical procedures (blood draws, IV catheter placement); take health histories and X-rays; give and monitor anesthesia; provide client education; and perform reception duties. There will be opportunities to work with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, cows, pigs, sheep, birds, lizards, snakes, turtles, amphibians, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, ferrets, mice and rats.
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Students may start this program Fall semester
Program Entry Requirements
- Complete an application for admission.
- Submit high school and, if applicable, any college transcripts. Transcripts must meet the following two requirements: High school transcripts and grades must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 1.8 and combined college transcripts and grades must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 1.8.
- Submit evidence of completion one year of high school biology or equivalent (DMACC Academic Achievement Center Biology I & II or BIO 156).
- Submit evidence of completion one year of high school chemistry or equivalent (CHM 122).
- Satisfy required assessments with a minimum composite ACT score of 16-18 or ACCUPLACER Next Gen with a minimum score of 230 Reading and 244 Writing.
- Complete the Veterinary Technology Program admissions testing (ATI TEAS Exam). For Veterinary Technology 50% minimum score for reading comprehension and 45% overall minimum score.
- Attend a Veterinary Assistant Program Informational Seminar with Program Chair/ Director.
- A minimum of 15 hours practical experience verified by completion of the “Experience Verification Form”.
- Rabies vaccination according to the CDC Rabies PreExposure Prophylxis Category 3 recommendations. Documentation will be required.
- Attend any required orientation meeting.
Program Graduation Requirements
To earn a Veterinary Assistant, Certificate, a student must complete all required coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Total Credits Required to Complete this Award - 26
Fixed Costs
Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 per credit The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change. Varied Costs
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | | Books (approximate) | 905 | 500 | | Supplies | 120 |
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Approximate total cost for the program: **7,490 **Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost. What Kind of Work Will You Do?
Credentialed Veterinary Technicians work more efficiently when they have an individual who can assist them in the completion of their responsibilities. Any tasks delegated to the assistant must be under the direct supervision of the veterinarian or veterinary technician. Veterinary Assistants will assist with restraint for obtaining laboratory samples, setting samples up for evaluation by the veterinarian or veterinary technician, cleaning, exercising or comforting pets in the veterinary hospital. What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?
Physical strength and manual dexterity are important because vet assistant jobs are typically very physical. You may be handling animals, lifting cages or equipment, administering medication, using medical equipment and collecting blood and urine samples. What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?
Requires ability to work with a variety of animal species (exotics, pets and production animals). The average Veterinary Assistant salary in the United States is $33,056 as of September 25, 2023, but the range typically falls between $26,635 and $39,873. (Salary.com) Program Competencies
- Educate our students for careers in veterinary assisting
- Teach students essential hands-on skills for careers in the veterinary assisting
- Follow and uphold applicable laws and ethical codes of the veterinary profession
- Adhere to industry and OSHA standards for safety
Competencies revised date
AY2025 Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov (2026) |
Return to: Ankeny Campus Programs
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