Completion of Program

Certificate of Completion of Veterinary Science Program

Certificates of Completion are presented with Veterinary Assistant 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 the supervision of a veterinarian or registered veterinary technician. 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.

Private veterinary clinics are the common places for job-training positions for the students but other places with employed veterinarians may be considered, such as animal shelters, farms and ranches, drug companies, research centers, rehabilitation centers, veterinary technician schools, zoos, slaughter plants, livestock auction sales and major livestock shows. The student and veterinarian document the hours in volunteer or salaried job-training positions.