High School Veterinary Science Apprenticeship – 300 clinical skill hours
To complete the high school certificate program and be eligible to receive a veterinary assistant certificate, students must complete 300 clinical skill hours under the supervision of a DVM, RVT/CVT/LVT. An example of clinical skills checklist may be found on the NAVTA.net website
Skills for animal handling, restraining, and managing, along with selected laboratory skills, may be taught by the instructor. Skills requiring specific expertise, will be taught by the DVM, RVT/CVT/LVT. The veterinarian and teacher will determine which of the listed skills they will teach. A log is kept to track student hours inside the classroom and at the workforce site.
200 skill hours may be obtained under teacher supervision in the classroom.
300 skill hours must be obtained under supervision of DVM, RVT/CVT/LVT at the workforce location for a combined total of 500 hours. For those following the One Health or laboratory track, skill hours will be obtained under skilled professional in that field and not eligible for a clinical veterinary assistant certificate.
Veterinary Assistant Certificate
To receive a VA certificate, the clinical skills hours must be validated by the DVM, RVT, CVT, or LVT. The 200 classroom hours must be validated by an approved educator. The student creates an account in Agrilife Learn. The student submits a request and application to sit for the Texas A&M Agrilife Digital Education Veterinary Science exam to obtain their Veterinary Assistant Certificate. A test code will be sent to the identified testing proctor to administer the exam. Students must pass the exam to receive the Veterinary Assistant Certificate. The fee for the exam is $50.
VSCP Certificate of Completion
Students who complete the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Veterinary Science Curriculum and do not with to sit for the exam for their Veterinary Assistant Certificate will receive a completion of program certificate from the VSCP.