Veterinary Assistant Program

The veterinary assistant program at Kaskaskia College prepares students to assist veterinarians, laboratory animal specialists, and zoological professionals in treating animals. They also have the option to become a kennel attendant, animal caretaker, groomer, zookeeper, or animal trainer. The program focuses on providing patient management, care, and clinical procedure assistance, and owner communication. Program courses include: animal health and nutrition, animal handling, clinical pathology, radiology, anesthesiology, dental prophylaxis, surgical assisting, and clinical laboratory procedures. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer veterinary assistant program.

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Kaskaskia College

100 College Drive, Kankakee, IL

Kaskaskia College, located in Centralia, Illinois, was founded in 1965 as the first junior college established after the states created the Public Junior College Law allowing residents in a given area the ability to vote to establish a junior college district. Upon its formation the college took over operations of Centralia Junior College, which had been part of Centralia's high school district, assuming its resources and responsibilities while expanding its service are to the counties of counties of Marion, Clinton, Washington and Jefferson. Over the years the school has expanded its service area to cover four more counties in part or whole. The school is a public two year institution providing residents of its service area support through education, economic development and cultural growth.

Academics

Kaskaskia College offers a large number of programs providing students the resources and curriculums to assist in achieving their academic or career goals. Academic programs at the school provide students with a low cost alternative for the freshman and sophomore years of a four year education. Once these two years are completed students may apply to a college or university of their choosing to complete their final two years and earn their bachelor's degree. As a public institution in the state of Illinois, transfer to public four year institutions is facilitated through academic advising which will outline which courses need to be taken in order to maximize transferability to a Illinois public institution.

Career programs provide students an education in one of a number of high demand professions. Such programs prepare students through classroom courses as well as practical training, allowing students to become accustomed to work environments they may enter and to prepare them with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their duties professionally. Such programs take between one and two year to complete, graduates of which are capable of entering the work force immediately  having earned a certificate or degree to demonstrate their qualifications.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Cosmetology
• Criminal Justice
• Massage Therapy
• Nursing

The school also offers adult education courses for individuals wishing to return to school and complete their high school education and continuing education courses for professionals seeking to refresh or update their knowledge or fulfill a requirement for a renewal of certification or licensure.

Admissions and Financial Aid

As a open enrollment institution all students who meet the minimum requirements for enrollment will be accepted upon successful submission of the admissions application. Students should also submit transcripts and test scores. Once enrolled, it is recommended students participate in orientation and meet with academic advisor prior to registration, which begins shortly before the start of each semester.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. Students in need of financial aid must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) three months prior to the start of the school year. The resulting student aid report will be used to determine aid eligibility and award, which will be disbursed after accuracy of the information provided is confirmed.

Career Options for Graduates

Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Description

Perform medical tests in a laboratory environment for use in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases in animals. Prepare vaccines and serums for prevention of diseases. Prepare tissue samples, take blood samples, and execute laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts. Clean and sterilize instruments and materials and maintain equipment and machines. May assist a veterinarian during surgery.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, veterinary technologists and technicians employment is expected to grow at a rate of 18.7% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Kankakee, IL
  • Average Hourly Rate: $17.44
  • Average Annual Salary: $36280

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).