Veterinary Assistant Program

The veterinary assistant program at Truckee Meadows 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 Nevada colleges that offer veterinary assistant program.

Learn more by requesting information now!

Truckee Meadows Community College (SNC)

999 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village, NV

About

Truckee Meadows Community College, located in Reno, Nevada, was a branch of Western Nevada Community College until 1979 when it became an independent institution. The school serves Washoe County, primarily the Truckee Meadows area for which it is named. The school serves over 13,000 students annually through a variety of programs and services, including continuing education courses for professionals who need to refresh their education for licensure or certification renewal. Additionally, the school maintains a faculty of over 5000 which provides the backbone for the schools education and career training programs. The school is constantly updating programs and services to meet the needs of its growing enrollment and residents of its service area.

Academics

Students at Truckee Meadows Community College are able to choose between transfer and career training programs in order to pursue their personal and professional goals. Academic transfer programs complete the first two years of a four year education locally and at low cost, followed by applying for transfer to colleges or universities in order to complete the final two years and earn a bachelor's degree. Transfer to public Nevada institutions is made easier through transfer agreements that facilitate the process if certain prerequisites are met. Transfer to private or out of state institutions will have separate requirements and it is suggested students meet with a counselor to discuss options.

Career training programs provide an education and training  in a high demand field or industry that allows the student to enter the workforce as a qualified professional upon completion for the purpose of long term employment. Students will participate in traditional and practical courses, with practical courses simulating real world environments and allowing for in depth skill development and training. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a certificate or associate degree upon completion.

Programs offered include:

• Biology
• Business Administration
• Computer Programming
• Nursing
• Liberal Arts

Admissions and Financial Aid

Truckee Meadows Community College is an open enrollment institution that allows any student who is eighteen years of age or older or a high school graduate to enroll by completing the application for admission and paying all associated fees. Students are asked to provide standardized test scores and previous transcripts if available. New students are also encouraged to meet with a counselor and participate in new student orientation. Students may be required to take a placement exam prior to registration.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships and is awarded based on need. Students will complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which will be used by the school to determine the extent of a student's need and their aid program eligibility when constructing their financial aid packet. Financial aid must be reapplied for prior to each academic year and should be submitted in a timely fashion.

Students Enrolled in the Veterinary Assistant Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Truckee Meadows Community College 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

• Reno, NV
  • Average Hourly Rate: $15.39
  • Average Annual Salary: $32010

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