Best Online Vet Assistant Schools & Programs
Find NAVTA-approved online vet assistant programs, see what you’ll learn, and start your path towards certification.
The Best NAVTA-Approved Online Vet Assistant Schools
Animal lovers who want to train for veterinary assistant careers need to find a school that provides the quality education necessary to become certified and land a job after graduation. To help, we’ve created a list of the best online vet assistant schools across the country. After thoroughly evaluating programs, we found the following online vet assistant programs offer the best educational value to students. All of these schools have been approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.
Animal Behavior College
Animal Behavior College’s vet assistant program, which generally takes about a year to finish, allows online students to complete coursework at their own pace. The curriculum is divided into 11 stages, most of which are offered online. During the first nine stages, Animal Behavior College provides the foundation that students need to prepare for a vet assistant career by covering topics such as animal restraint, examination room procedures, surgical assisting, small animal nursing, and radiology. In addition, students learn the business of running an animal clinic by becoming familiar with medical records, inventory, and working effectively with other members of a veterinary team. Also, Animal Behavior College provides a module that instills career building skills, such as resume writing and interviewing.
After learning these concepts, students move on to the tenth stage of the program where they get the hands-on experience they need to gain a full understanding of what veterinary assistants do. During this externship, which can take up to 20 weeks to finish, students get training at one of the school’s 4,000 partner facilities for at least 100 hours. In the last stage of the program, students demonstrate their knowledge of the curriculum by taking a final exam.
Besides these instructional modules, Animal Behavior College provides brief courses focusing on specific subjects. Students who have finished a minimum of nine stages in their vet assistant training can enroll in these programs. Topics covered include pet fostering, dog walking, animal nutrition, and pet massage.
In Spring 2019, the tuition for Animal Behavior College’s veterinary assistant program was $2,999. The school also offers payment plans and allows military spouses to use government education benefits to help pay for their tuition.
VetBloom
VetBloom offers an online veterinary assistant program made up of five modules that can be completed in 26 weeks. Students are taught a variety of topics that professionals need to know, such as basic medical terminology, animal anatomy and physiology, diseases and their treatments, and nutrition. Also, students in this program learn skills such as animal grooming, performing medical calculations, and updating patient records, as well as the front desk skills like discharge procedures and phone etiquette.
After completing these five modules, VetBloom students are required to participate in a clinical externship for six weeks, where they work in a full-service animal clinic or hospital for a minimum of 120 hours. During this time, trainees get the opportunity to practice skills they learned throughout the program while observing the work of experienced professionals.
As of May 2019, VetBloom’s program costs $4,000, which includes the fee for taking the certification examination. The school offers payment plans and accepts employer tuition reimbursement payments. In addition, VetBloom accepts government benefits provided to military spouses.
How to Find Quality Online Veterinary Assistant Schools
Every student has unique career goals and requirements, making it crucial to discover an online vet assistant program tailored to their individual professional dreams. To ensure these ambitions are realized, students must weigh several key factors when assessing vet assistant schools. Here’s a glimpse of some vital qualities to add to your school checklist.
- NAVTA Approval:
Future vet assistants should make it a point to attend schools approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. While graduating from a NAVTA-approved program isn’t mandatory to be a vet assistant, approval certifies the program meets the high standards of training students need, as well as ensures that they are able to qualify to sit for the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certification examination. - AVA Exam Preparation:
Veterinary assistants who want to become certified must first pass the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) exam, so training programs should offer a curriculum that prepares students to perform well on this test. Prospective students should look at the coursework that schools offer to verify that a program will deliver this preparation.. - Affordability:
Online vet assistant programs should position students to have a successful career, and not break the bank with exorbitant tuition and fees. Be sure to compare the costs of quality programs and consider what payment options are available to them. - Employer Connections:
Enrolling in an online vet assistant program is not only an opportunity to gain a foundation in the veterinary assisting field, it is also a chance for students to network with organizations that may hire them after graduation. As a result, students should look for programs that are well-connected with veterinary hospitals and clinics so they can get help meeting their externship requirement, as well as network with future employers. Also, in some cases, schools may offer career services to help students find a job after graduation.
Inside Look at Attending Vet Assistant School Online
Animal lovers considering an online vet assistant program might worry about learning essential hands-on skills through virtual platforms. However, these programs effectively teach theoretical concepts, such as animal physiology and anatomy, online. Furthermore, students must participate in externships, providing them with the necessary clinical training and practical experience to excel in their field.
How long does a veterinary assistant program take to complete?
The exact time it takes to complete an online vet assistant program depends on the specific school that students enroll in. However, students can generally expect to finish their studies in about a year and a half.
What are some common courses and program requirements?
The curriculum of an online vet assistant program is carefully crafted to give students the conceptual knowledge they should have to work in the field, which is enhanced by the hands-on training required to graduate. The goal of the coursework is to prepare students to earn their certification and to that end, programs may require that they complete the following classes.
Client Relations
Veterinary assistants are required to not only be good with animals, but also their owners. This class teaches students how to effectively communicate with the customers of a veterinary practice to build long-term relationships with them. Topics covered may include how to console people who are grieving the loss of a pet, avoid compassion fatigue, and properly use nonverbal communication when talking to customers.
Animal Anatomy and Physiology
In this course, students gain an understanding of the workings of various animal bodily systems and the methods veterinarians use to address specific medical issues. The curriculum delves into topics such as the nervous system, hormones, skin, fur, and organs. Students acquire essential knowledge that contributes to their overall understanding of animal health. This foundational knowledge prepares them for more advanced courses and practical applications in their future veterinary careers.
Medical Records
To provide the best care for animals, veterinary clinics must have accurate patient records. A large part of a veterinary assistant’s job is to maintain these records, so this class provides instruction on how to document all patient events completely and accurately. In addition, students may study basic medical calculations.
Veterinary Business Practices
This class familiarizes future veterinary assistants with the nuts and bolts of how a veterinary practice is run, which can be useful for those who aspire to advanced managerial roles. The curriculum may cover pet health insurance, attracting and retaining clients, appointment scheduling, working as a team member, and inventory control.
Externship
An externship is required to give vet assistant students a chance to experience the realities of the job and see how the concepts they learned in class are practiced in a real clinical setting. Students gain hands-on experience in clinical procedures, animal handling, diagnostic imaging, laboratory skills, medical terminology, record keeping, client communication, pharmacy management, and surgical assistance. This valuable real-world exposure bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical application in a professional veterinary setting.
How Much Does Online Vet Assistant School Cost?
The cost of tuition and fees for online vet assistant programs varies among schools. The following provides a glimpse at what some programs charge.
| 1 | 1. U.S. Career Institute, Veterinary Assistant Certificate | $589 |
| 2 | 2. Blackstone Career Institute, Veterinary Assistant Certificate | $1,214 |
| 3 | 3. Ashworth College, Veterinary Assisting Diploma | $699 |
For more information on how to pay for online vet assistant schools, check out EduMed’s financial aid guide.
Steps to Earn Your Vet Assistant Certification Online
Finding the right online vet assistant school is only the first of several steps to entering the field. The following outlines the path that people must take to earn the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certification.
Salary Outlook and Career Growth for Veterinary Assistants
When considering a new career path, it’s normal to ask, “How much will I earn?” and “Is this career in high demand?” For prospective veterinary assistants, the answers to these questions are promising. Nationwide, the industry’s growth rate is 20.5%. This robust growth rate suggests it may be easy to secure a job and that there are many opportunities for promotion or to take on more leadership roles at work. Salaries tend to be quite generous, ranging from $28,500 to $46,630 nationally. However, some states offer even higher salaries. In Connecticut, for example, it’s possible to earn over $68,510 annually. To be on the higher earning end, veterinary assistants should continue to hone their skill set and take on managerial duties at work. Living in a state like Connecticut may also boost your take-home pay.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 114,800 | 138,300 | 23,500 | 20.50% | 26,800 |
| Alabama | 1,590 | 1,790 | 200 | 12.60% | 350 |
| Alaska | 260 | 290 | 30 | 11.50% | 60 |
| Arizona | 2,840 | 3,770 | 930 | 32.70% | 730 |
| Arkansas | 1,330 | 1,600 | 270 | 20.30% | 310 |
| California | 16,200 | 20,100 | 3,900 | 24.10% | 3,890 |
| Colorado | 2,570 | 3,640 | 1,070 | 41.60% | 710 |
| Connecticut | 1,120 | 1,400 | 280 | 25.00% | 270 |
| Delaware | 150 | 170 | 20 | 13.30% | 30 |
| Florida | 7,550 | 10,320 | 2,770 | 36.70% | 2,000 |
| Georgia | 3,380 | 4,010 | 630 | 18.60% | 780 |
| Idaho | 610 | 810 | 200 | 32.80% | 160 |
| Illinois | 3,570 | 4,260 | 690 | 19.30% | 820 |
| Indiana | 2,680 | 3,410 | 730 | 27.20% | 660 |
| Iowa | 1,000 | 1,200 | 200 | 20.00% | 230 |
| Kansas | 1,030 | 1,220 | 190 | 18.40% | 240 |
| Kentucky | 1,150 | 1,400 | 250 | 21.70% | 270 |
| Louisiana | 990 | 1,220 | 230 | 23.20% | 230 |
| Maine | 910 | 960 | 50 | 5.50% | 190 |
| Maryland | 2,990 | 3,740 | 750 | 25.10% | 720 |
| Massachusetts | 590 | 690 | 100 | 16.90% | 130 |
| Michigan | 3,920 | 4,800 | 880 | 22.40% | 930 |
| Minnesota | 960 | 1,150 | 190 | 19.80% | 220 |
| Mississippi | 290 | 360 | 70 | 24.10% | 70 |
| Missouri | 1,730 | 2,160 | 430 | 24.90% | 420 |
| Montana | 570 | 770 | 200 | 35.10% | 150 |
| Nebraska | 970 | 1,180 | 210 | 21.60% | 230 |
| Nevada | 1,240 | 1,580 | 340 | 27.40% | 310 |
| New Hampshire | 460 | 560 | 100 | 21.70% | 110 |
| New Jersey | 2,080 | 2,310 | 230 | 11.10% | 450 |
| New Mexico | 420 | 550 | 130 | 31.00% | 110 |
| New York | 4,240 | 4,970 | 730 | 17.20% | 70 |
| North Carolina | 5,200 | 6,650 | 1,450 | 27.90% | 1,290 |
| North Dakota | 230 | 290 | 60 | 26.10% | 60 |
| Ohio | 4,490 | 5,300 | 810 | 18.00% | 1,020 |
| Oklahoma | 1,730 | 2,070 | 340 | 19.70% | 400 |
| Oregon | 2,750 | 3,620 | 870 | 31.60% | 700 |
| Pennsylvania | 4,200 | 4,770 | 570 | 13.60% | 920 |
| Rhode Island | 350 | 420 | 70 | 20.00% | 80 |
| South Carolina | 1,930 | 2,470 | 540 | 28.00% | 480 |
| South Dakota | 190 | 230 | 40 | 21.10% | 50 |
| Tennessee | 2,670 | 2,910 | 240 | 9.00% | 560 |
| Texas | 7,360 | 10,080 | 2,720 | 37.00% | 1,950 |
| Utah | 1,350 | 1,860 | 510 | 37.80% | 360 |
| Vermont | 170 | 220 | 50 | 29.40% | 40 |
| Virginia | 3,960 | 5,020 | 1,060 | 26.80% | 970 |
| Washington | 4,350 | 5,640 | 1,290 | 29.70% | 1,230 |
| West Virginia | 820 | 970 | 150 | 18.30% | 190 |
| Wisconsin | 2,330 | 2,710 | 380 | 16.30% | 520 |
| Wyoming | 190 | 260 | 70 | 36.80% | 50 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $28,550 | $36,440 | $46,630 |
| Alabama | $21,910 | $27,990 | $37,180 |
| Alaska | $31,200 | $38,320 | $45,780 |
| Arizona | $31,120 | $37,180 | $47,380 |
| Arkansas | $26,710 | $30,980 | $38,600 |
| California | $35,890 | $40,190 | $50,140 |
| Colorado | $31,580 | $38,300 | $46,400 |
| Connecticut | $34,260 | $38,400 | $68,510 |
| Delaware | $30,110 | $39,570 | $57,230 |
| Florida | $28,610 | $36,260 | $43,930 |
| Georgia | $24,960 | $34,470 | $43,750 |
| Hawaii | $28,490 | $39,050 | $53,330 |
| Idaho | $27,050 | $34,790 | $37,710 |
| Illinois | $29,160 | $36,030 | $50,950 |
| Indiana | $26,150 | $34,180 | $42,630 |
| Iowa | $27,340 | $30,300 | $45,590 |
| Kansas | $21,040 | $32,760 | $42,790 |
| Kentucky | $27,860 | $31,310 | $40,580 |
| Louisiana | $20,980 | $31,070 | $37,610 |
| Maine | $34,360 | $47,490 | $54,000 |
| Maryland | $33,640 | $39,520 | $51,510 |
| Massachusetts | $36,450 | $44,450 | $62,990 |
| Michigan | $29,560 | $35,930 | $44,880 |
| Minnesota | $34,990 | $37,700 | $55,080 |
| Mississippi | $22,910 | $29,570 | $36,490 |
| Missouri | $27,520 | $32,940 | $39,140 |
| Montana | $28,790 | $35,490 | $38,160 |
| Nebraska | $24,490 | $31,300 | $43,280 |
| Nevada | $29,540 | $35,180 | $41,780 |
| New Hampshire | $29,220 | $36,310 | $44,600 |
| New Jersey | $33,090 | $37,060 | $45,780 |
| New Mexico | $27,970 | $30,830 | $39,660 |
| New York | $34,410 | $39,380 | $51,470 |
| North Carolina | $25,090 | $35,860 | $44,780 |
| North Dakota | $27,340 | $33,670 | $44,000 |
| Ohio | $28,080 | $30,730 | $36,860 |
| Oklahoma | $22,480 | $30,080 | $47,010 |
| Oregon | $35,080 | $38,270 | $46,650 |
| Pennsylvania | $28,980 | $35,810 | $48,440 |
| Rhode Island | $31,710 | $46,040 | $47,100 |
| South Carolina | $28,380 | $35,950 | $44,160 |
| South Dakota | $27,320 | $33,970 | $37,800 |
| Tennessee | $28,120 | $35,210 | $41,600 |
| Texas | $21,820 | $33,580 | $45,730 |
| Utah | $27,750 | $33,390 | $43,450 |
| Vermont | $28,990 | $35,160 | $43,670 |
| Virginia | $28,700 | $34,950 | $45,660 |
| Washington | $36,770 | $43,010 | $46,030 |
| West Virginia | $22,070 | $28,540 | $34,900 |
| Wisconsin | $28,130 | $34,990 | $41,930 |
| Wyoming | $27,960 | $30,030 | $45,050 |
Source: Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Resources for Further Research
Students get intensive training when they enroll in online vet assistant programs, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t take advantage of additional information that will help them deepen their understanding of the field. The following are five resources that veterinary assistant students can use to enhance their classroom instruction.
A Day in the Life of a Veterinary Assistant
This video from Carrington College provides a look at the daily work of a vet assistant.
Approved Veterinary Assistant FAQs
This page provides information on the Approved Veterinary Assistant certification that is required to obtain employment after students complete their training programs.
National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America
The NAVTA represents the interests of veterinary assistants and technicians, providing resources such as industry journals, access to continuing education courses, and advice on coping with job-related stress. In addition, the organization offers scholarships for those studying to enter the field, as well as discounts for insurance and resources professionals use.
This publication keeps professionals in the veterinary field abreast of the latest industry news, such as new products, trends, and practice advances. It also includes information about the treatment of small animals like cats and dogs, larger animals like horses and cows, and less common pets, including ducks and rabbits.
