Level 1
Veterinary Assistant
Are you looking to start a career in Veterinary Medicine? Our team is ready to guide you whether this is your first career or a shift into a new field.

What to expect
A Veterinary Assistant is someone other than a doctor or Registered Veterinary Technician who works in a veterinary hospital. Veterinary Assistants have more experience than Veterinary Attendants and can fill positions such as:
- Veterinary receptionist
- Doctor’s assistant
- Technician’s assistant

Primary Duties
- Restraining animals for doctors and technicians
- Dispensing medications
- Providing treatments and conducting tests
- Maintaining sanitation for animal patients
- Assisting clients in person or over the phone during admission and discharge of patients
Veterinary Assistants possess foundational skills that position them for advancement to other roles within a veterinary hospital.
Program Objective
- The Level I Veterinary Assistant Program is designed to:
Educate individuals on the basic concepts and general practices of veterinary medicine - Prepare them to assist doctors and technicians in small animal hospitals
This program is ideal for individuals currently employed in an animal hospital who want to expand their knowledge or prepare for the Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) exam through Alternate Route classes.
Upon successful completion of each class, graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Exams
Students are expected to take final exams or quizzes on specified dates.
- Mid-terms and final exams are part of this program.
- If a student misses an exam, they must contact their program manager to schedule a make-up session.
- Make-up exams will be scheduled at times that do not interfere with other class meetings, and a program manager must be present.
Advanced Training
These classes are best suited for individuals who are currently working under the supervision of a California Licensed Veterinarian who are looking to advance in their career or are interested in becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician through the CA Alternate Route. Level I consists of three 15-week semesters designed to educate veterinary professionals on the basic concepts and generalities of veterinary medicine and prepare them to assist doctors and licensed technicians in small animal hospitals.
- ZAnatomy and Physiology
- ZZoonotic and Infectious Disease
- ZNutrition
- ZRadiology
- Z Surgery
- ZDentistry
- ZPharmacology
- ZManagement and Leadership
- ZInventory
- ZAnesthesia
Choose Your Campus
Garden Grove
12752 Garden Grove Blvd Suite 250
Garden Grove, Orange County 92843
Lake Forest
23161 Lake Center Dr. Suite 235
Lake Forest, CA 92630

Level I Assistant Classes
Are you currently employed by a veterinarian? Work with a licensed California Veterinarian while gaining valuable knowledge from the classroom as well as on-the-job experience at OCVAS.
Morning, Evening, and Weekend Assistant Classes Available.