Veterinary Assistant Program

The veterinary assistant program at Kirkwood Community 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 Iowa colleges that offer veterinary assistant program.

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Kirkwood Community College (Iowa)

101 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA

About
Kirkwood Community College, located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was founded in 1966 through the support of the community and the need for higher education in the area. Today the school serves seven counties and maintains a large student enrollment through its multiple campuses, which include locations in Iowa City, Belle Plaine, Marion, Monticello, Vinton, Washington,Williamsburg and Tipton. The school is named after Samuel J. Kirkwood, who was governor of Iowa during the Civil War and an abolitionist. The school offers career and transfer programs alongside continuing education and adult education programs to ensure that community needs are met.

Academics
Students at Kirkwood Community College may choose from programs that allow for assist in workforce development through training in a high demand field academic transfer to pursue higher levels of education. Workforce development assists in local job growth by providing career training programs that are aimed at providing skill development and education for the purpose of entering the workforce as a professional upon completion. Courses are often offered through a mix of traditional classroom and practical settings, providing theory as well as practice in regards to the types of activities and skills necessary in order to be considered for employment. Practical courses are supervised by experienced industry professionals. Programs typically take two years to complete, and upon completion give students a certificate or degree that demonstrates competency and assists in the procurement of employment by bolstering employer conference.

Academic transfer is accomplished through a two year program that mirrors the course of study and curriculum a student pursuing a bachelor's degree would take, after which the student will apply to a four year college or university, and if accepted, enter as a junior in order to complete the final two years of their education and earn a bachelor's degree. Students who apply to a public college or university in the state of Iowa will find the requirements for transfer eased through agreements in place, facilitating the intrastate admissions process. Transfer to out of state or private institutions will have separate requirements that should be discussed with a counselor in order to develop an appropriate curriculum.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• Carpentry
• Nursing
• Paralegal
• Liberal Arts

Admissions and Financial Aid
Kirkwood Community College is a public, two year open enrollment institution that is dedicated to providing postsecondary educational opportunities for all interested residents in its service area, and as such any individuals who wish to enroll may do so by completing an application for admission and paying all accrued fees, as well as provide any previous transcripts and standardized test scores if available. Students may be required to take a placement exam prior to registration, and are also encouraged to meet with a counselor and participate in orientation prior to their first semester.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information provided within which will be used by the school to determine the extent of one's needs and aid program eligibility when constructing his or her aid packet. Financial aid must be reapplied for every year and should be applied for prior to any posted deadlines to ensure funds are disbursed in a timely manner.

Athletics
The Kirkwood Community College Eagles participate in intercollegiate athletics through the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Athletic programs provide an excellent forum for students to excel outside of the classroom while learning valuable skills such as leaderships, discipline and teamwork. Student who wish to participate must maintain a minimum passing GPA and must be ready to invest time outside of their normal school schedule for practices. Interested students should complete the form necessary to begin the tryout and participation process.

Athletic programs offered:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Softball
• Golf

Students Enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Iowa offers an associate's degree program in veterinary assistant.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

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

• Iowa City, IA
  • Total Employment: 30
  • Average Hourly Rate: $17.60
  • Average Annual Salary: $36610

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