Questions or additional information can be obtained by forwarding any inquiries to Scott Shanes at 732-224-2011 or email sshanes@brookdalecc.edu or cpshealthcare@brookdalecc.edu 


Please note: information sessions are conducted Remote Live via Zoom

Veterinary Assistant Information Sessions

Click HERE to register in Eventbrite: Wednesday, December 6th – 1pm


Veterinary Assistant Program

Program Director: Janet McConnell, CVT
Instructors: Victoria Vierschilling, CVT
                      Harriet Terodemos, CVT

This newly expanded Veterinary Assistant Program in collaboration with Red Bank Veterinary Hospital is approved through the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). Students who graduate are eligible to sit for the national exam to earn the credential of Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA).

Veterinary Assistants are an integral part of the veterinary healthcare team, working under the direct supervision of a veterinarian or credentialed veterinary technician. Through classroom and clinical instruction, students are trained to provide assistance in the following area of study:

254 hours (93 classroom, 57 online, 104 clinical). Successful graduates are eligible to sit for the National Approved Veterinary Assistant Exam (exam fee is $100).


Students who achieve the AVA credential are eligible to articulate their education and receive:

2 college credits toward the Veterinary Technician Program (AVMA Accredited) at Bergen County College in Paramus, NJ

-or-

4 college credits toward the Veterinary Technician Program (AVMA Accredited) at Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, PA


Mandatory Prerequisites

From the bulleted list below, submit scores in any combination (one math AND one English) with the application form.

Additional Information
(Instructions to access prerequisite forms will be emailed to you upon registration)

Classes are a combination of Remote Live and In-Person at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital (RBVH)

Monday & Thursday
February 5 – May 30
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
(No class March 11 & 14, May 27)

 Clinical & AVA Exam: TBD


Fee and Code: $3569, XMEDG 081
Textbooks and AVA exam not included (approx. $375) Click here for the textbook and supply list

Questions or additional information can be obtained by forwarding any inquiries to Scott Shanes at 732-224-2011 or email sshanes@brookdalecc.edu or cpshealthcare@brookdalecc.edu 


This program meets strict academic requirements for renewal from NAVTA every 2-3 years.
Brookdale’s Veterinary Assistant program achieved renewal status again in July 2021.

From the NAVTA* Approved Veterinary Assistant Committee…
“…We congratulate you and your faculty for continuing to provide the very best in education and training of Veterinary Assistants.”
-National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America

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