Veterinary Assistant

This course is brought to you by South San Francisco Adult School and delivered by Career Training Solutions

With more than 85 million households owning at least one pet, the veterinary field is a growing field!

South San Francisco Adult School’s Veterinary Assistant program is taught in real time by a live instructor in a virtual classroom using Zoom. Students actively engage with their instructor and classmates through interactive lessons, demonstrations, and discussion—no self-paced or pre-recorded content.

After successfully completing the online training, students are placed in an 80-hour externship at a local veterinary practice, clinic, or animal hospital to gain real-world experience.

What You’ll Learn

• Safe handling and care of companion animals
• Assisting with exams and basic clinical procedures
• Identifying signs of illness and injury
• Veterinary anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
• Nutrition, wellness, and preventative care
• Legal, ethical, and professional standards
• Daily operations of a veterinary practice

This program prepares students for entry-level Veterinary Assistant positions in animal healthcare settings and includes Fear Free Certification.  This is not a Veterinary Technician program, which requires a two-year degree.

Program Requirements

• Must be 18 years or older for externship placement
• Access to internet, a PC, laptop, or tablet, and a printer required
• Textbook(s) and externship uniform purchased separately

Salary Information
Average annual wages: $54,421 (Mean) San Francisco Bay Area, (Source: https://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov )

Classes offered in February, April, September and October.

September 14 – December 16, 2026

Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:00 – 9:00 pm

October 6, 2026 – January 19, 2027

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm