Veterinary Assistant Schools in Tampa, FL

About the School

Aparicio-Levy Technical College is a public college that offers high-quality, affordable, and short career programs for immediate employment.

Located in the eastern part of Hillsborough County, they were founded in 2006.

They have four career programs: Computer Systems and Information Technology, Emergency Medical Technician, Firefighter, and Veterinary Assisting.

Their program instructors are experienced and certified in their respective fields so they can impart real-world experiences that help their adult students be fully ready for the workforce.

They are accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education and the Cognia, the accreditation division of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.

They are also approved for training by the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, State Approving Agency.

Courses Offered

The Veterinary Assisting Program provides information on the duties of a veterinary assistant in various veterinary settings.

It trains students how to perform typical everyday tasks, such as:

• Animal care
• Assisting veterinarians and other veterinary healthcare professionals

It also features the following topics:

• Proper restraint methods
• Husbandry
• Grooming
• Parasitology
• Animal preventative health care
• Laboratory skills

It involves lectures, classroom activities, and laboratory sessions, and requires 750 hours.

In addition, it requires students to complete 250 experiential hours in a veterinary hospital.

Classes are held Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The entire program takes approximately 8 to 9 months to complete and costs $3,200.

Upon successful completion, students will be eligible to test for the Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) industry certification examination through the Florida Veterinary Medical Association.

About the School

Southern Technical College is a school that specializes in medical and technical career courses to prepare students for entry-level employment.

They offer a variety of career training programs in Allied Health, Nursing, Technical Trades, and Veterinary Assisting.

They take pride in their faculty and staff members who are industry professionals and foster a class environment designed around students’ differing learning styles.

They strive to provide an education that is not only high-quality but will also prepare students to pursue success in their chosen careers and lead enriched lives.

Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, they have locations in Auburndale, Brandon, Fort Myers, Orlando, Port Charlotte, Sanford, and Tampa.

Courses Offered

The Veterinary Assisting Diploma Program is designed for students who enjoy working with animals and seek entry-level employment as an assistant to a veterinarian or veterinary technician.

The syllabus covers the following courses:

• Introduction to Veterinary Assisting
• Medical Terminology
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Laboratory Procedures
• Pharmacology
• Radiology
• Veterinary Clinical Procedures
• Hospital and Surgical Procedures

It also includes a Career Preparation Course and a 180-hour Veterinary Assisting Externship.

The program uses a combination of textbooks and hands-on learning and takes 10 months to complete.

Upon successful completion, graduates will receive a diploma and become eligible to sit for the Certified Veterinary Assistant exam.