Frederick Community College

Programme overview

Frederick Community College's Veterinary Assistant program is a short, non-credit workforce training sequence designed to teach practical animal-care, clinical-support and administrative skills needed in veterinary clinics and animal hospitals. The program combines foundational healthcare preparation with two progressively advanced Veterinary Assistant courses and issues a Workforce Training Certificate upon successful completion of the three-course sequence. Courses run in the evening in a hybrid format over approximately five months; certificates are awarded monthly after course completion.

What you'll study

• CAH145 Foundations for Healthcare Careers or ADE646 ESL Foundations for Healthcare Careers — foundational introduction to healthcare workplace skills (one of these is taken first).
• VET130 Veterinary Assistant 1 — core veterinary assistant knowledge and entry-level clinical tasks.
• VET131 Veterinary Assistant 2 — advanced hands-on clinical experience building on VET130.

Entry requirements

Participants must complete the identified course series to qualify for the Workforce Training Certificate. Students may request transfer of up to 25% of total certificate contact hours from prior accredited learning, but course substitutions are not allowed and completion is competency-based. Applicants should demonstrate English reading and listening ability (free Accuplacer available at the FCC Testing Center) and academic readiness in math via one of several options: a QAS Accuplacer score of 237+, a B or better in specified FCC math courses (MATH 80, MATH 50, or ADB490), recent high school/college math grades, or test scores from TOEFL, ACT, AP, CLEP, DSST, GED, PARCC/MCAP or SAT. Students holding qualifying healthcare credentials can request credit for prior learning; CAH145 may be waived for holders of current CNA, CMA/CCMA (or other Medical Assistant certification), LPN, RN, EMT-B or EMT-I, CRT, AEMT, or Paramedic credentials — verification with Healthcare Careers is required before registering.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles as veterinary assistants working alongside veterinary technicians and veterinarians. Typical responsibilities include administering medications under supervision, preparing laboratory samples, observing and reporting clinical signs, feeding and examining animals, restraining patients during exams and procedures, sterilizing equipment, cleaning and disinfecting cages and work areas, and monitoring postoperative patients. The program is positioned as a stepping stone toward roles such as veterinary technician or technologist for those who pursue further training.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

These Workforce Training (non-credit) courses have fee structures that can change; CEWD tuition and class fees vary by course (listed approximate total up to $2,400). A one-time annual registration fee of $15 applies at first registration; residency surcharges apply ($5 per course for students outside Frederick County, $10 per course for non-Maryland students). Courses are not eligible for federal financial aid, but CEWD financial assistance options may be available, including CEWD scholarships, workforce development funding, program-specific support, and payment plans. Students should consult the CEWD Financial Assistance resources and contact Healthcare Careers for eligibility and application details.