Veterinary Assisting Program Expands to Maui

Animal Science Instructor Kathleen Baxter looks on as student Ramona Raymond learns the proper technique for ventral restraint in order to perform a physical exam. Photo credit: Bonnie Beatson.

Windward Community College is preparing more graduates to enter Hawaiʻi’s veterinary work force by expanding its Vet Assisting Certificate program to Maui.

The WCC Veterinary Assisting program will begin at UH Maui College in January 2016.

WCC’s Vet Tech program director Jenny Kelly said she is excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with UH Maui College.  “This is the only program of its kind in the state. By expanding to the neighbor islands, starting with Maui, we hope to provide essential training to veterinary staff and increase the standard of animal care throughout Hawai‘i.”

The Certificate of Achievement in Veterinary Assisting on Maui—offered from January through December 2016—is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge and skills required to perform effectively as an assistant in a veterinarian’s office, animal shelter or animal research facility.

The three-semester, 31-credit hybrid program includes online coursework in the life sciences, as well as hands-on experience through labs, and internships at local veterinary clinics.

“Historically, 80-90% of students get jobs right away, and some students in the program are getting hired by clinics even before they graduate,” said WCC Chancellor Doug Dykstra.

Completion of the certificate is required for admission to the Veterinary Technology Associate in Science degree—accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association—at Windward Community College.

Students interested in enrolling in the Maui Vet Assisting program can email program coordinator Dani Carico at vetadec@hawaii.edu or visit the Maui Vet Assisting Facebook page.

An informational session is planned at UHMC on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015 at 6 p.m. at the Laulima Building, room 108.