Veterinary Assistant and Office Administration Certificate | Ridgetown Campus
Why choose a 1-year Certificate in Veterinary Assistant and Office Administration?
Join the growing pet care industry with our focused 1-year certificate program in Vet Assistant and Office Administration. Designed to equip you with the essential skills for front office administration, this program prepares you to support pets and their owners effectively. You’ll develop practical skills in business communications, client relations, and preventative health care for pets, setting you up for a successful career in the veterinary and pet care fields.
2 areas of focus.
Graduate with practical, hands-on experience using veterinary industry software and office equipment, preparing you for administrative roles in a clinic. You'll also develop transferable skills through working with the teaching cat and dog colonies, gaining direct experience in animal care and handling. For a full list of courses, visit the Veterinary Assistant and Office Administration Academic Calendar.
4-week industry work placement.
Successful completion of a 4-week industry work placement at an approved location of your choice is required at the end of the second semester, helping you build practical skills and professional connections before graduation.
Work directly with companion and large animals on campus
Gain direct experience working with a variety of animals on campus, including dairy and beef cows, sheep, swine, and equine. You’ll also work with our domestic companion animal colony and perform daily kennel duties.
What people are saying about the Veterinary Assistant and Office Administration program
“Ridgetown Campus prepared me for my current role as an Animal Welfare Services Inspector, providing a wealth of knowledge in just one year with hands-on experience with large and small animals.”
“The one-year Veterinary Assistant and Office Administration program at Ridgetown Campus offers a unique blend of hands-on experience with our live animal colony complemented by a balanced curriculum of 50% veterinary assistant training and 50% office administration. Our industry-experienced instructors ensure our students are career ready, which is supported by a valuable 4-week industry placement.”
Benefits of having a Certificate in Veterinary Assistant and Office Administration
- 90% employment rate within 6 months of graduation
- With 90% of graduates employed within 6 months, the VAOA Certificate program provides the specialized training needed to secure roles in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and related industries soon after completing the program.
- Accredited program with expert instructors
- This program is accredited by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), ensuring high standards of education. Learn from registered veterinary technicians (RVTs), veterinarians, and instructors with industry-related expertise.
- Access unique facilities
- Utilize specialized resources such as our Anatomy Lab, nursing rooms for veterinary assistant and office administration students, and on-campus barns. These facilities provide extensive hands-on learning opportunities and solid foundation in animal care.
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The Ridgetown Campus is part of U of Guelph's Ontario Agricultural College. We are leaders in applied agricultural, animal science, and environmental research, and in life-long learning initiatives that are practical and relevant to society.