Veterinary Technician Assistant Certification Program
This program is held at Brookdale Community College and taught by Janet McConnell, CVT, and Karen Norton, CVT, of Red Bank Veterinary Hospitals.
This program is accredited through the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) and is given in collaboration with Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. Veterinary Technician Assistants (VTA) become an integral part of the veterinary health care team, working under the guidance of a veterinarian or credentials veterinary technician.
Through classroom and clinical instruction, the assistant becomes multi-skilled and knowledgeable in the following: front office procedures, client relations, pharmacy, examination room procedures, behavior and restraint, small animal nursing, laboratory procedures, surgical prep and recovery, radiology, and emergency response (150 hours).
VTA Program Prerequisites
- High school diploma or GED
- Successful completion of “Applied Math in Health Care” or a grade of C or better
- English language proficiency
- Pass criminal background check and drug screen
- Physical including tetanus
- Fitness for duty form and privacy form signed
Credit
Students who successfully complete the Veterinary Technician Assistant program are eligible to receive two college credits toward the Veterinary Technician Program (AVMA approved) at Bergen Community College in Paramus, New Jersey, if further education is desired. Students will be advised of the steps needed to continue their education at Bergen Community College at the conclusion of the VTA program. Successful completion of didactic (75%) and 100% attendance is required for clinical placement.
AVA Credential
Successful graduates are eligible to sit for the National Veterinary Assistant Exam and become an AVA (Approved Veterinary Assistant), a new and nationally recognized member of the veterinary health care team.
