Course Overview
The Veterinary Assistant program is a 300-hour course which provides skills high in demand in veterinary facilities, animal hospitals, animal shelters, and animal laboratories.
Upon completion of the program, individuals will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to become an accredited Veterinary Assistant through the National Association of Veterinary Technicians (NAVTA).
Graduates can assist veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians with; animal nursing care, surgical assistance, laboratory sampling, client education as well as office work. Be a part of the animal handling, diagnostic, examination, and treatments team!
Space is limited to 10 participants so sign up early to confirm your seat.
Course Info
- September 10, 2026 to June 10, 2027
- Tuesday and Thursday evenings
- 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Certificates of Completion are issued to participants completing a minimum of 80% of the course.
Cost: $4,500 ($1,000 deposit due upon application to hold a spot which includes a non-refundable processing fee of $50)
Tuition covers instructor wages, processing fees, state exams, and supplies. Does not include textbooks. Textbooks will be loaned out during the duration of the class. Any unreturned textbooks will be invoiced to the participant for $350.
Tuition must be paid in full before the start of the course. Consider a payment plan by opening a 0% interest for 18 months credit card with Mid Penn Bank. Learn More
Registration and fee deadline is one week prior to the first class. Individuals are not considered registered with DCTS until payment is made and a completed application, as well as a copy of your current driver’s license, is submitted to the Adult & Continuing Education Office.
Applications and a copy of your driver’s license can be emailed to AdultEd@dcts.org.
In this program, you will learn proper procedure in the following areas:
- Large Animal
- Small and Companion Animal
- Exotic Animal
- Laboratory
- Office
- Pharmacy
- Radiology
- Surgical Assistance
At the end of the program, students will have the opportunity to take the NAVTA-approved national veterinary assistant exam. NAVTA Certification also requires an individual to pass an exam (additional cost) and complete 100 hours of work in an instructor-approved animal facility. With successful completion of the exam, individuals will become Approved Veterinary Assistants (AVA) and be recognized for their accomplishment with the AVA designation.
For more information on NAVTA, please visit their website.
Course Information
- Cost: $4,500
- Hours: 300 hours
- Availability: Evenings
How To Apply
- Submit your Online Application
- Call our office to schedule a payment (717) 652-3170 ext. 7902
Payment Information
Payment Methods
- Personal Pay: Credit/Debit (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Money Order, or Cash
- Company Pay: Company Credit Card or Company Check
- Payment in full is two weeks prior to the first class. Submission of an application alone does not guarantee a spot in the class
- Checks should be made out to DCTS ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION and mailed to 6001 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109 or call (717) 652-3170 ext. 7902 to make payment by credit card. No refunds will be issued after the start of class.
Paperwork & Cancellations
- Applicants should set up an interview to receive a student handbook and take a basic math/reading comprehension questionnaire by calling the Adult & Continuing Education department at (717) 652-3170 ext 7902 or emailing AdultEd@dcts.org.
- Refunds (minus credit card fees) will be offered up until the start of the class.
- No refunds will be offered after the start of class..
- A $50 administrative fee will be charged for cancellations.
- Cancellation requests must be received via email at AdultEd@dcts.org two weeks before the class start date.