This program prepares students to assist veterinarians, veterinary technicians, laboratory animal technicians, and/or research scientists in supportive roles. Veterinary aides work under the direction of a licensed veterinarian or research scientist; they do not diagnose, prognose, prescribe, or perform surgery. The primary job responsibilities of veterinary aides include feeding/watering animals; cleaning and disinfecting treatment areas, animal housing areas, and surgery areas; patient restraint; collecting and processing samples for laboratory diagnostics; sterilizing surgical equipment; patient preparation for surgery; routine office procedures; and inventory control. This certificate program prepares students for employment in veterinary clinics, hospitals, research institutions, or laboratories as veterinary aides.  Students may elect to continue their education in pursuit of an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology, as a majority of credits from the certificate program transfer directly into the Veterinary Technology program.

The one-year certificate program covers care of both small animals and large animals through lecture classes and laboratories. Students are required to spend 100 hours of observation/experience at approved veterinary clinics. The Veterinary Aide Certificate is designed to be completed in two semesters.

Students are responsible for the animal care of veterinary technology animals housed at EWC. Students are also required to provide enrichment of animals in Animal Care classes (VTTK 1501 , VTTK 1502 , and VTTK 2501 ).

Entrance requirements include passing a criminal background check and completion of a pre-exposure rabies vaccination series.

Prior to or upon admission to the Veterinary Aide Program, it is recommended that a student complete eight (8) hours of observation at a veterinary clinic/practice of their choice shadowing a veterinary technician. A signed clinical observation form can be submitted to the Director of Eastern Wyoming College Veterinary Technology Program by email at cmitchell@ewc.wy.edu before the first day of classes.

Note: All students must complete their pre-exposure rabies vaccinations, which is a series of two vaccinations, prior to the first day of classes.

Students must complete all program requirements, including approved electives, with a grade of “C” or better.