Certificate of Completion of Veterinary Science Program
Certificates of Completion are presented with Veterinary Assistant (VA) designation to all students who successfully complete the curriculum of 100 lessons, and 50 activities, and an apprenticeship of a minimum of 500 work hours in job-training positions under appropriate supervision:
- Clinical track: veterinarian or registered veterinary technician
- One Health track: One Health professional
- Laboratory track: laboratory professional
Students who complete the curriculum and apprenticeship are classified as a Veterinary Assistant (not certified) and receive a Completion of Program certificate and possibly an Award of Excellence, based on performance. Students who only complete the curriculum will receive a Completion of Curriculum certificate. Students who do not complete the curriculum receive a Certificate of Participation.
Acceptable level to receive the Certificate of Completion is 100% completion of the scheduled and assigned lessons and activities with a minimum grade of 60 on the lesson questions and activity reports, and work hours. Performance above a grade of 70 is encouraged. Certificates and awards may be presented each year for the year completed; for Year 1, Year 2 and so forth.
Apprenticeship options include private veterinary clinics, animal shelters, farms and ranches, rehabilitation centers, veterinary technician schools, zoos, slaughter plants, livestock auction sales and major livestock shows (clinical track); drug companies, research centers (laboratory track); and regulatory and/or environmental agencies (One Health). The student and veterinarian document the hours in volunteer or salaried job-training positions.
