Veterinary Office Career Courses

Veterinary Assistant Training

The HCC Veterinary Assistant Training consists of four courses.  The training is held on Monday evenings except the hands-on training which occurs as scheduled and available in the third course.  Students must pass the first course and meet other requirements in order to continue in the program.  The four courses that must be complete include:

• Veterinary Assistant Terminology
• Veterinary Assistant Principles I
• Veterinary Assistant Practices
• Veterinary Assistant Principles II

Preparation for Vet Assistant Training
This course reviews what a veterinary assistant does and ethical considerations.  Completion of a criminal background check authorization is required to go further in the course.  Review of animal restraint requirements, course disclosures and questions from the students.  Stuents will be asked to complete a writing sample and other abiliity tests.  Results will be reviewed.  Abilities review in communication, simple calculations, and work ethics.  Professional organizations and career options will be discussed.
Fee: $65

Terminology for Veterinary Assistant
This course introduces and reviews terminology and vocabulary the veterinary assistant must use and recognize to complete forms and procedures for the veterinary technician.
Fee: $269

Vet Assistant Training Practices
This course consists of 50 hours of combined training including hands-on classroom training, field trips, clinical visits, Humane Society volunteer work and clinical observations.  Students must be available some mornings and have a flexible schedule to attend training and field trips as arranged.  Prerequisite: Successful completion of Preparation of Vet Assistant Training Course and Veterinary Assistant Training Principles Part I.
Fee: $455  Senior Adult Fee: $336
PET 035 B   Mon   5:30pm-8:30pm   Aug 6 - Dec 8   K Tracey   Valley Mall 8

Veterinary Assistant Training Principles Part I
Students begin the basic topics of Veterinary Assistant Principles including office procedures, animal disease and vaccinations, breed identification, animal restraint, lab procedure basics, and pharmacology and radiology basics.
Fee: $495
PET 032 J   Mon   5:30pm-8:30pm   Apr 16 - July 30   K Tracey/L Sweeney   Valley Mall 6

Professional Pet Groomer Training

September 2011 - June 2012

Professional Pet Groomer Training is a series of three courses totaling 115 hours of training.  Students must complete all three courses in order to receive a certificate of completion. 
Certificates are not awarded for individual courses.  Limited enrollment.

Professional Pet Grooming Practices Part I

Prerequisite - Principles of Professional Pet Grooming - no exceptions.  Students begin hands-on training.  Bathing and brushing techniques and easy breeds for grooming are covered.  The course is held at Central Dawgma - 1337 Pennsylvania Ave, Hagerstown, MD 21742.  The fee includes the use of dog grooming stations.  Students will be assisted by lead instructor Lori Sweeney and an instructional assistant.  Students must purchase $300-$400 worth of equipment on their own prior to the second class.  The course includes 11 classes of hands-on practice. 
Fee: $930
PET 014 G   Tues   5pm-8:30pm   Jan 10 - Mar 13   L Sweeney
Note: No class on March 20 and 27.  These will remain open for snow make-up and spring break planning.

Professional Pet Grooming Practices Part II

Studnets must have completed and passed the Professional Pet Grooming Practices Part I - no exceptions.  Students continue hands-on training with complex breeds and techniques.  The course is held at Central Dawgma - 1337 Pennsylvania Ave, Hagerstown, MD 21742.  The fee includes the use of dog grooming stations.  Students will be assisted by lead instructor Lori Sweeney and an instructional assistant.  Students must purchase approximately $200 worth of equipment on their own prior to the second class.  The course includes 12 classes of hands-on practice and graduation from training the last night. 
Fee: $1199
PET 015 K   Mon   5pm-8:30pm   Apr 3 - June 26   L Sweeney

Principles of Professional Pet Grooming

This course is the first of three courses needed to complete Professional Pet Groomer Training. Students must also complete Professional Pet Groomer Practices Part I and Part II.  This course covers the fundamental principles and terminology of pet grooming including grooming equipment, animal behavior and handling, dog anatomy, breed classes, CPR, cat review, hair and skin disorders, and familiarization with grooming room set-up.  This course is a prerequisite before clipping in Professional Pet Groomer Practices, Part I.   Students must purchase approximately $100-$200 worth of equipment on their own.  (Textbook included in fee)
Fee: $554
 

Total cost to take all three courses: $2683

Completion Ceremonies will be held June 26, 2012 at the HCC Merle S. Elliott Continuing Education and Conference Center.

Previously Offered Courses

Cat Emergency, Restraint, and Nutrition
3 hours of MD and WV Veterinary Technician Continuing Education.  Topics include emergency care and restraint. 

For more information, call 240-500-2236.