Become a veterinary assistant in just
5 months with in-person training, personalized attention and career mentorship
Receive a comprehensive education without the cost of a lengthy vet tech program
Start practicing right away — you don’t need a state license
Get a certification with training in methods that aren't found in most vet assisting education
Attend classes (limited to 15 students) at our campus in St. Charles, MO
Learn how to launch your career as a vet assistant in just
100 days
Receive a program guide and a free 10-minute call with our admissions team.
*By submitting you opt-in to receive SMS/MMS messages from the APC.
Hands-on veterinary assistant
school in Missouri
The Veterinary Assistant School at The Academy of Pet Careers can get you started in a new career in just a few months. The veterinary industry is looking for skilled veterinary assistants, and a formal education is the quickest way to achieve your goals.
All of our programs focus on the well-being of the pet and follow our Pet Empowerment practices. As a result, our graduates will be trained in methods that aren't found in most vet assisting education.
Proud to be a part of this school!
This school is amazing. I went through the Vet Assistant program and loved every second of class! Sure there is some textbook stuff, but every minute was fascinating! You also learn a lot more skills so you stand out to employers. My teacher is amazing and cares so much! In fact the whole school cares so much! It’s not like a university where it’s extremely hard and they just want your money. These people really care about their students and the animals. I’m proud to be a part of this school and represent this school throughout my career. Love you guys!
Katie Dinkins
Why hundreds of students have trusted The Academy of
Pet Careers to launch their veterinary assistance career
Hands-on learning
This program combines both hands-on and lecture-based education, ensuring you can jump right into your new career from Day 1.
Small class sizes
You get one-on-one attention from instructors for optimal learning experience.
Modern & optimized curriculum
We constantly update and revise our curriculum in accordance with the trends and demands in the pet industry.
Financial aid
We are approved by many funding organizations to help with school expenses. Our admissions team helps you through the application process.
Dual certifications
We offer dual certification opportunities for you to study multiple trades, giving you added job stability and increased income potential.
You are set up for success
Our programs are designed to set the students up for success - we focus on teaching you the skills you need to excel in your desired career.
Job assistance
We connect you with businesses needing vet assistants. So most graduates are hired shortly after getting their certification.
Job ready in 5 months
This program is designed to move fast and give you valuable hands-on experience. Once complete, you’re ready to immediately use your new skills in the industry.
100% Money-back guarantee
Our money back guarantee is also known as our “drop window”. It is a 14 calendar-day period at the beginning of their program, that allows students to be sure that they have picked out the perfect program for them.
We are so sure that you will be happy with your schooling that we offer a “Money Back Guarantee” to ensure your satisfaction. If for any reason you wish to discontinue your attendance at The Academy of Pet Careers, a refund will be issued with no questions asked.
How vet assistants differ from vet techs
Even though vet assistants and vet techs perform much of the same tasks, there are key differences
in how they receive their education, what they do and how much they make. Review the breakdown
below to learn more and make an informed decision about your future career.
Scope of Work
Vet Assistant
The day-to-day responsibilities of a vet assistant vary based on their experience and their employer. In a hospital or clinic setting, a vet assistant can typically expect to…
- Provide for the husbandry needs for animals in the clinic or hospital’s care.
- Assist veterinarians in exams, surgeries, and other procedures.
- Take patients’ vitals, administer medication, and care for hospitalized animals.
- Communicate with pet owners about their animals’ needs and health concerns.
Vet Tech
Vet techs can do everything a vet assistant can with only a few differences. In addition to the duties listed above, vet techs can also administer anesthesia. Other than that, they perform most of the same day-to-day tasks. There may be some variations depending on the state in which they practice.
Usually, these students go on to complete their two- or four-year degrees before taking the required national and state examinations to get licensed in their state.
Education
Vet Assistant
Anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent can start the process of becoming a vet assistant. To do so, you’d need to pursue one of three avenues for learning: hands-on school, online school, or apprenticeship. Of these options, hands-on schooling requires the largest investment but gives you the most comprehensive education.
Vet Tech
The education requirements for vet techs are much more rigorous. Unlike vet assistants, vet techs need to complete a veterinary technology program at a college or university that costs $35,000 to $50,000. The education requirements for vet techs are much more rigorous. Unlike vet assistants, vet techs need to complete a veterinary technology program at a college or university that costs $35,000 to $50,000.
Usually, these students go on to complete their two- or four-year degrees before taking the required national and state examinations to get licensed in their state.
Licensing and Certification
Vet Assistant
No licensing requirements.
Vet Tech
Vet techs do need to take and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination and state examination to get licensed in their state. Once completed, they will receive the title of Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). In some states the term “registered” may be replaced with “licensed” or “certified”.
Salary
Vet Assistant
Because vet assistants do much of the same work as vet techs, their salaries are comparable. In the US, vet assistants make just $2-$3 less per hour on average than vet techs. Published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for vet assistants in the US is $34,490 per year, but some can make as much as $45,000 per year.
When you factor in the cost of school, though, vet assistants can actually end up making more in the long run.
Vet Tech
Salaries for vet techs and assistants vary by state and experience level. On average, vet techs in the US make around $40,770 per year according the the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some make as much as $55,000 depending on their location and the type of environment they work in.
What our certified graduates say
about their training at The Academy of Pet Careers
I highly recommend this place to anyone
crazy about animals. I did the vet assistant program,
grooming program and PEP. It really
helped me to get my foot in the door. I’m now
a technician and work at an amazing hospital.
I love this place!
Rachel Stoddart
I had so much fun and learned so much during my time in the Veterinary Assistant class! Everything was very engaging and Katie(teacher) made the class so much fun.
Keith Faulkner
When I graduated I couldn’t have done it without my amazing teachers! they were great! they helped so much in something I didnt understand or didn’t get. if it wasnt for all the positive things they do I wouldn’t
be here!
Jordan Van Lue
Pet companies that hire our students
This certification gives you the skills and industry
experience to excel in a career as a veterinary assistant
Veterinary Assisting Program
Introduction to Veterinary Assisting
Maintaining a Clean & Safe Environment
Common Veterinary Medical Conditions
Small Animal Identification & Communication
Handling & Restraint of Canines & Felines
Small Animal Husbandry and Nutrition
Laboratory Procedures
Pharmacology and Medical Care
Diagnostic Imaging
Surgical Assisting
Exotics
Large Animals
Being a Valuable Team Member
Career Preparation
Pet CPR & First Aid
I highly recommend studying professional
training at the Academy of Pet Careers! It is a lot of hands-on which is very helpful. The teachers and staff are so amazing and you can almost pretty much make your own schedule. You can go to school and still have a job and the staff is very understanding about your goals.
Katarina Ziegler
Veterinary Assisting Program
Introduction to Veterinary Assisting
Maintaining a Clean & Safe Environment
Common Veterinary Medical Conditions
Small Animal Identification & Communication
Handling & Restraint of Canines & Felines
Small Animal Husbandry and Nutrition
Laboratory Procedures
Pharmacology and Medical Care
Diagnostic Imaging
Surgical Assisting
Exotics
Large Animals
Being a Valuable Team Member
Career Preparation
Pet CPR & First Aid
I highly recommend studying professional
training at the Academy of Pet Careers! It is a lot of hands-on which is very helpful. The teachers and staff are so amazing and you can almost pretty much make your own schedule. You can go to school and still have a job and the staff is very understanding about
your goals.
Katarina Ziegler
The advantages you gain with in-person vet assistant education
Hands-on courses are more personalized and comprehensive offering maximum value for your time.
Live courses can be customized to your learning style. Everybody learns at their own pace and we make sure no one is left behind.
You learn from experienced professionals in the industry who know how to teach and help you succeed.
They are more fun! You learn in a positive and friendly environment that consists of dog lovers such as yourself.
What makes the Academy of Pet Careers such a unique place to learn vet assisting?
We offer dual certification opportunities for you to study multiple trades, giving you added job stability and increased income potential.
Our programs are designed to set the students up for success - we focus on teaching you the skills you need to excel in your desired career.
Our veterinary assistant certification is unique in that it provides the most comprehensive and pertinent information to start your new career.
You benefit from 30 years of experience in the pet field from our instructors who know what it takes to succeed in this career path.
Frequently Asked Questions
The APC has funding options available to our students that are eligible. Our students may be eligible for tuition assistance through certain government grant programs (does not include FASFA loans) as well as payment plans and scholarships through the APC. Call our admissions director for more information.
We offer two options for housing and both are located in St. Charles, Missouri. Housing is furnished with private rooms. Living areas are shared with other APC Students. The cost per week for housing is $175 for Off-Campus House and $225 for Apartments (other fees may apply). Students enrolled in a Training program are allowed to have dogs in housing with them. These options fill up quickly so apply your deposit to lock in your room.
We are located only 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis. Our facilities are conveniently located in St. Charles, MO right off Interstate 70, minutes from food, parks, and entertainment.
Yes, in addition to full-time options, part-time enrollment is offered in all training and grooming programs (vet assistant programs must be attended full-time). Part-time is offered as a fixed 3-day per week schedule and may be different for each program. Combining a 3-day schedule and short class days allows many students to work while enrolled in school.
We offer monthly, open enrollment for Grooming and Training! You may begin class on the first week of each month throughout the year as long as our class capacity allows.
Veterinary assistant classes are on a Semester schedule with start dates available 2 times each year, in the spring and fall.
We offer small class sizes to ensure a better student to teacher ratio. Start date will only be held once application, contract and deposit are submitted.
Equipment must be purchased through the APC. We have designed our equipment packages around each specific program. The equipment packages provide you with all the basic equipment needed to begin your career as a professional. Equipment packages are given out on the first day of school.
You can begin the enrollment process any time but we recommend beginning after a school visit. The first step is completing the Student Enrollment Application with all necessary attachments and paying your $50 application fee. If accepted, you will receive notice from our admissions department. The next step to enroll is to pay your $900 deposit and sign your Course Contract. This is what will lock in your start date and program.
YES! We have employers from all over the country that ask for our graduates. We will help you find the right fit in this industry and get you in contact with as many options as possible. We have resources to prepare your resume and interviewing skills too! New jobs are posted regularly.
Our money-back guarantee is also known as our “drop window”. It is a 14 calendar-day period at the beginning of their program, that allows students to be sure that they have picked out the most perfect program.
We are so sure that you will be happy with your schooling that we offer a “Money Back Guarantee” to ensure your satisfaction. If for any reason you wish to discontinue your attendance at the APC, a refund will be issued with no questions asked.
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