Veterinary Assistant

The Veterinary Assistant Program prepares students with the essential skills to support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in fast-paced clinical settings. Veterinary assistants should be compassionate, able to multitask, and comfortable working in a dynamic environment. The program covers veterinary fundamentals, animal care, pharmacology, lab procedures, radiology, and surgical assisting. Training includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience, with total course hours including an off-site externship to provide real-world experience in animal care facilities. Students will also learn medical terminology, administrative duties, communication with clients, and basic pharmacology. This 5-month program features 150 hours of in-class learning including hands-on skills with live animals and diagnostic lab procedures. A 100-hour externship is required, which gives students real-life experiences working in veterinary hospitals.

Instructor Bio: Stacy Pierce graduated from YSU with a Bachelor’s in History. Her passion for animals and wishing to make a difference, led her to pursue Veterinary Technology at Kent State University. She has worked as a veterinary technician in a small animal hospital and as Co-Director of the Veterinary Technician Program at Eastern Gateway Community College. Stacy has a daughter in Tampa, three pups, and two grand-pups. She’s a proud Cleveland Guardians and Ohio State Football fan!