Veterinary Certificate Programs (Online)

Why Complete a Veterinary Certificate?

Veterinary Assistant Certificate

Begin your journey in the world of animal care by earning a Veterinary Assistant certificate. You can become a veterinary assistant in as little as three semesters. In this role, you'll support the work of vet techs and veterinarians. Learn diagnostic procedures and basic nursing techniques in your courses.

Veterinary Practice Management Certificate

Move up! With the Veterinary Practice Management certificate, you'll get to stay in the veterinary field you love but in a new role. Learn how to manage a veterinary clinic or hospital successfully. By completing the veterinary practice management certificate, you will have completed the education portion of the board exam requirements to become a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM). With additional continuing education and experience, you can be eligible for the national practice management board exam offered by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA).

Why Earn a Veterinary Certificate at San Juan College?

Online Programs

Learn anywhere with San Juan College's online certificate programs. Our expert faculty and staff will teach you the veterinary skills or business principles you need to know. They are experienced at leading online courses and are always ready to connect with you. Study with your schedule in mind at SJC.

Transfer Your Credits

Want to turn your Veterinary Assistant certificate into an associate degree in veterinary technology? Your certificate courses are fully transferable to the Veterinary Technology program at SJC. You won't have to retake any classes, so you will be many steps closer to becoming a vet tech.

Affordable Program

Because of SJC's low tuition rates, our online veterinary certificates are a great investment for you. Receive a high-quality education that sets you up for educational and career success. You may also qualify to get your certificate tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.

What You'll Learn in the Veterinary Certificate Programs

Veterinary Assistant Certificate

Get a fundamental understanding of the veterinary world in this three-semester program. In your core courses, you will study:

• Basic veterinary nursing skills
• Anesthesia and surgical assisting skills
• Common veterinary medicines
• Basic laboratory and diagnostic procedures
• Diagnostic imaging
• Veterinary medical terminology
• Veterinary business procedures

This certificate is fully transferable to the San Juan College associate degree in Veterinary Technology.

Veterinary Assistant Certificate Curriculum

Veterinary Practice Management Certificate

Learn how to manage a veterinary clinic or hospital successfully. The certificate provides the business education background required by the VHMA for students working towards their CVPM. In your core courses, you will study:

• Business procedures in the veterinary world
• Accounting
• Business law
• Supervisory skills
• Management principles
• Marketing principles

Veterinary Practice Management Certificate Curriculum

Transfer Options

The Veterinary Assisting Certificate is fully transferable to SJC's Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology, so you can continue to build on your skills. Learn more by speaking to our Veterinary Department advisors.

Contact the Veterinary Department Advisors

Careers and Outcomes

Veterinary assistants can work in a variety of animal healthcare settings. They include:

• Private veterinary practices
• Animal hospitals
• Equine or large animal facilities
• Zoo and wildlife facilities
• Laboratory animal medicine

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is projected to grow 19 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. You'll be able to start working as you build your way up to earning the full Veterinary Technology AAS degree.

Veterinary managers can pursue leadership opportunities at animal clinics or hospitals. Most of our Veterinary Practice Management Certificate program students already have their Veterinary Technology AAS degree or a Veterinary Nursing degree. They are looking for ways to gain more skills and earn promotions.