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NOW OFFERED BY OUR PARTNER SCHOOL, PENN FOSTER!
NOW OFFERED BY OUR PARTNER SCHOOL, PENN FOSTER!

Introducing: Penn Foster’s Affordable Online Veterinary Assistant Program

While Ashworth College is no longer accepting enrollments in the Veterinary Assisting Program, we’re excited to introduce you to our partner school, Penn Foster.

Ashworth and Penn Foster Logos

Penn Foster’s affordable online Veterinary Assistant Career Diploma is designed to help you gain the skills to become a successful veterinary assistant. And, it’s one of only a few online vet assistant programs approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

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Take the Next Steps Toward Becoming a Certified Veterinary Assistant

Prepare for a career in veterinary offices nationwide in as little as one year! Through Penn Foster’s NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant Training Program, you’ll learn the skills that can be essential to being successful on the job from day one – all while preparing to sit for certification through the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) exam.

Focusing on the behavior and care and treatment of animals, this program offers flexibility and affordability. You’ll enjoy the opportunity to gain in-demand veterinary assistant training while balancing your studies with your life. There are no prerequisites to enroll, so if you’re ready to learn how to become a veterinary assistant and find a job you’re passionate about, choose the tuition payment plan that best fits your budget and get started today!

Why Penn Foster?

Our partner school, Penn Foster, offers online diplomas, degrees, and training programs that are designed to help you build fundamental skills and prepare for in-demand jobs – all within your budget! With flexible tuition payment plans and career-focused courses, you can reach your goals on your terms.

ACCREDITED
PROGRAM

This program is nationally accredited by the DEAC and approved by NAVTA.

SUPPORTIVE
RESOURCES

You’ll have access to digital resources, an online community, and expert instructors.

AFFORDABLE
LEARNING

We offer a variety of payment plan options to fit your budget.

What you get with Penn Foster’s Vet Assistant Online Courses

  • Engaging, mobile-friendly courses
  • Virtual simulations to help you practice what you’ve learned
  • Access to classes 24/7 through your Student Portal
  • Live support from expert instructors and dedicated staff
  • An active online community of fellow students, staff, and grads

Online Vet Assistant Class Curriculum

Our online vet assistant training is designed to help students prepare to take the first steps toward starting a successful career in the veterinary industry. Through our online curriculum, you’ll develop skills that are essential to working in the field, and apply what you learn through a hands-on, 120-hour externship. Your online vet assistant classes include:

  • Body Systems and Terminology 1 & 2
  • Small and Large Animal Nursing
  • Radiology and Surgical Preparation
  • Veterinary Practice Administration and Procedures

Veterinary Assistant Externship

Admitting patients, handling animals, interpreting pet behavior, and maintaining proper housing, sanitation and nutrition—there's no better way to develop career-ready skills than to practice them in the real world. As part of our required Veterinary Assistant externship, students must complete a minimum of 100 hours over a period of 8 weeks under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or credentialed veterinary technician.

Learn More About the Penn Foster Experience

Just like Ashworth College, at Penn Foster we believe education should be affordable and built to help you reach your career goals, prepare for in-demand jobs, and work around your schedule. Learn more about Penn Foster and how our programs work from students and grads who’ve been where you are.

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" Penn Foster has given me the opportunity to learn things about a veterinary clinic, procedures, all areas of the veterinary field, and medicine!"

Kelsi R.
Penn Foster Veterinary Assistant Graduate
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Frequently asked questions

You may be taking your first steps into higher education. Or you may be considering online study for the first time. Whatever your situation, we're here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you have.

Yes! Our veterinary assistant online program is designed to teach you the basic real-world skills that are used in veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, and pet boarding facilities across America. You will graduate with a solid foundation on which to start your career. As you enhance your knowledge through meaningful on-the-job experience and additional education, you should be able to quickly advance in the veterinary field.

Unlike on-campus veterinary assistant courses, our online career diploma program allows you to work toward becoming a vet assistant on your schedule. As 1 of only a few online programs that are NAVTA-approved, you can be confident that what you’re learning in Penn Foster’s online Veterinary Assistant Training aligns with industry standards. Geared toward helping you build skills you can use on the job, your classes will cover the essential knowledge that can help you stand out when applying for jobs – all while preparing you to sit for the AVA certification exam. You’ll also apply what you learn to real-world situations in a required externship, giving you the opportunity to gain experience and make connections with veterinary professionals in your area.

Penn Foster’s Veterinary Assistant Program is a good fit for students who are passionate about helping animals and want to work in vet clinics, animal rescues, or shelters. You don’t need to have experience in the field or any related education to take this program. Your classes will help you build the foundational knowledge that is relevant to the job, from the basics to more advanced lessons, and can be done around your schedule – no due dates or deadlines.

The Veterinary Assistant Career Diploma can help you learn skills that are essential to helping you take the first steps toward becoming a confident vet assistant. Throughout your program, you’ll have access to resources and support from instructors who have industry experience if you need help. You’ll also be able to connect with students and alumni in the program in Penn Foster’s Student Community. Even better, Penn Foster offers affordable tuition, with most programs offering flexible payment plan options so you can make education work for your budget.

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Learn more about how Penn Foster works, the benefits of being a Penn Foster student, and how to be successful in online school.

State requirements

A career in this field may require you to meet certain licensing, training, and other requirements that can vary by vocation and state. You should check with your state, local government, and/or licensing board to find out which requirements may be applicable in your state. Click here for contact information on state licensing/regulatory boards and certain professional licensing information.

Advance your career in Penn Foster’s online API Program Name program. Call 1-800-305-2194