
VETERINARY ASSISTANT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Daytime Classes:
Mondays & Thursdays: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Evening Classes:
Mondays & Thursdays: 5:00pm – 8:00pm
2025 CLASS IS FULL: APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED UNTIL 2026
The Central Institute for Veterinary Learning was created at Central Hospital to help develop the skills of those looking to break into the industry, or advance the skills of those wanting to advance their careers. As of 2020, Veterinary Assistants held over 100k jobs with employment in veterinary offices, hospitals, research facilities, animal shelters, wildlife refugees, and zoos. The U.S. Bureau or Labor Statistics ranks VA’s among the fasted growing occupations, projected to grow 19% over the next decade.
Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine is deeply rooted in the Connecticut veterinary community with a long history of providing support and resources to veterinarians and their support staff. Our educational staff is qualified, experienced, and caring, with a strong focus on helping each student succeed.
The U.S. Bureau or Labor Statistics ranks VA’s among the fasted growing occupations, projected to grow 19% over the next decade.
In the exponentially growing field of veterinary medicine, veterinary assistants are invaluable members of the veterinary team.
Combining compassion, medical knowledge, specialized technical skills and an aptitude for teamwork, veterinary assistants provide care and advocate for patients who cannot care or speak for themselves. Daily tasks include restraint and comfort of patients, filling and administration of medications, client education and communication, obtaining patient histories, assisting in medical treatments and procedures, maintaining basic cleanliness and orderliness of a veterinary facility, collection of lab samples, assisting in surgical preparations, laboratory procedures, assisting with radiology and ultrasound imaging procedures and so much more.
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Admission Requirements
Applicants must be 18 years or older.
Applicants must submit an application.
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Program Syllabus
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Program Cost
Central Hospital for Veterinary Medicine is deeply rooted in the Connecticut veterinary community, with a long history of providing support and resources to veterinarians and their support staff throughout the state. Our educational staff is qualified, experienced and caring, with a strong focus on helping each student succeed. We are dedicated to providing you with the skills you will need to be a part of a profession with a high potential for growth. Upon completion of our program, students can enter the job market after benefiting from a learning program that includes a individualized focused classroom experience, hands on training and a program-facilitated externship.
70%
of Graduates are currently
working as Vet Assistants
93%
of Students passed the
VA course
90%
of Graduates passed
the NAVTA exam
How long is the program?
The program consists of two semesters with a total of 150 lecture hours and a 100-hour externship.
When are classes?
Classes are held two days a week during the semester with both day and evening class schedules available.
What is the full cost to me?
Full program tuition is $2500, a non-refundable deposit of $500 is due at the time of registration with the remaining tuition due in full 1 week prior to the start of class.

“I started the program in August 2023, and was immediately hooked. The instructor, Brynn Holt, is an extremely knowledgeable, engaging and dynamic instructor. The program is extensive, the lectures and clinicals are hands-on and really give you a chance to learn through doing not just conceptualizing . The class size was small, and felt like family by the end of the program.” Read Terry’s full letter here.
Terry

“Being a part of this class was amazing to say the least. It really felt like I was taking a step towards my dream career. It was just a wonderful experience and if I could do it all over again I would! Iโm so very grateful for the opportunity and I hope others can experience it as well.”
Jenny

“This program was an outstanding program! I am so happy that I took this class first before doing any other program because it teaches you all of the necessary material that you need for starting off your career in veterinary medicine! The teacher is the best! She always makes sure that you understand what you are learning and will answer as many questions as you have. She is always available to answer your emails if you have any questions as well! I highly recommend this program!”
Bella

VA Program Director, Veterinary Technician Specialist
Brynn Harrington attended Quinnipiac University and graduated with a Bachelorโs of Science in Veterinary Technology in 2004. She started her career at Tufts University in the Neurology Department, and later with the Anesthesia Department for 8 years. In 2010, Brynn obtained her Veterinary Technician Specialty certification in Anesthesia and Analgesia. She is an active member of the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia (AVTAA), as well as, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). In 2013, Brynn left Tufts and began working at Intown Veterinary Group (IVG) in the Ophthalmology department. In 2014 she started working at Central Hospital as a Ophthalmology Technician while also using her skills in the emergency room and ICU department. In 2016 she joined the surgery department where she remains today doing anesthesia and surgical assisting. Most recently, she has helped create the newly formed Connecticut Veterinary Technician Association (CTVTA) where she sits on the board as the president of the association.
Email: vetassistantinfo@centralpetvet.com
call: 203-867-5172
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