Veterinary Assistant NAVTA Approved Program

Veterinary Approved Assistant, NAVTA Certification Preparation

Prepare for a career in veterinary care with the Veterinary Approved Assistant, NAVTA Certification Preparation course at The Community School at Cape Cod Tech in Harwich, Massachusetts. This comprehensive hybrid program prepares students to sit for the National Approved Veterinary Assistant Exam through the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, known as NAVTA, and to pursue the Approved Veterinary Assistant credential.

The Community School at Cape Cod Tech is proud to be one of only two adult campus programs in Massachusetts with NAVTA Approved Veterinary Assistant program status. This distinction reflects our NAVTA approved curriculum, experienced instructors, commitment to small class sizes, and focus on high quality instruction. Students receive training that prepares them to support veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians in both clinical and administrative settings.

Veterinary Assistants are important members of the veterinary healthcare team. Under the supervision of veterinarians or credentialed veterinary technicians, they assist with patient care, office procedures, client communication, animal restraint, laboratory procedures, surgical and recovery room support, radiology, and basic emergency care. This program also includes instruction in exotic animal husbandry and large animal care, giving students a broader foundation for work in the veterinary field.

Course topics include office procedures and client relations, medical terminology, patient positioning, pharmacology, preventative healthcare, basic triage, emergency and critical care nursing, animal behavior and restraint, animal husbandry, laboratory procedures, surgical and recovery room assistance, radiology, exotic animal husbandry and common diseases, and large animal care and common diseases.

Students will also complete required internship hours at a veterinary hospital or approved veterinary provider. These practical hours help students build confidence, apply classroom learning in a real veterinary setting, and strengthen their readiness for employment.

Who Should Enroll

This program is ideal for individuals who are passionate about animal care and want to work as part of a veterinary healthcare team. Students should be prepared for a structured program that includes hybrid coursework, hands on training, required internship hours, and mandatory attendance at all classes.

Requirements

Students must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Students must  provide proof of a current tetanus vaccination, and be physically able to lift 50 pounds. Attendance is required at all classes to successfully complete the program.

English Language Readiness is required to participate safely and successfully in instruction, safety and animal care directions, documentation, assessments and clinical or workplace-simulation activities, with or without reasonable accommodation.

What’s Included

The program cost includes textbooks and a stethoscope. Payment plans are available

Additional Costs

Scrubs and the national exam fee are not included in the program cost.

Certification

Upon successful completion of this NAVTA approved program, graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Approved Veterinary Assistant Exam to earn the Approved Veterinary Assistant credential.

Enroll at The Community School at Cape Cod Tech to prepare for NAVTA certification and begin training for a rewarding role in veterinary healthcare.

Start Date

September 14, 2026

Registration Deadline

August 30, 2026

Price

$5,250

Course Details

Start Date

September 14, 2026

Type of Class

Hybrid

Location

Harwich, MA

Days & Times

Monday & Wednesday, 6-9 PM

Requirements

English Language Readiness and GED or high school diploma

End Date

June 9, 2027

Early-Bird Registration Discount?

Yes

Payment Plan

Yes

Total Hours

250

Instructor

Tracey Nowers, Lorelei D'Avolio, Mark Reilly

About The Instructor

Tracey Nowers CVT, VTS (Clinical Practice-C/F, SAIM) is a certified veterinary technician and is double boarded as a veterinary technician specialist in clinical practice (Canine / Feline) and small animal internal medicine. She began her love of veterinary medicine working in a kennel outside of Washington D.C. over thirty years ago. She managed a general practice for 20 years then made the move into specialty medicine in 2009 and became passionate about endocrinology. She has lectured locally and nationally, published journal articles and is currently contributing chapters to a veterinary nursing book. In addition, she developed and teaches a NAVTA approved veterinary assistant program on Cape Cod. She is currently owned by 3 cats: Who, What and Why that she fostered. Tracey is an experienced teacher who brings a wealth of knowledge and background to the program. Students are engaged and challenged to successfully pass the NAVTA exam.

Lorelei received a BA in journalism from Boston University, and then after moving to New York, a BS in Veterinary Technology from Mercy College, becoming a licensed veterinary technician in 2001. She always had a special interest in exotic animals, and her career has developed through building and managing New York City’s only stand-alone exotic pet hospital where she worked for over 17 years. She also is passionate about education, and has contributed to the field as an educator by teaching at vet tech schools, lecturing at national veterinary symposiums, providing multiple RACE approved web-based educational programs, and contributing to a variety of text book chapters and journal articles. Lorelei is a charter member of the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice (AVTCP), a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, and a Fear Free Professional. She also enjoys committee work and is currently the Chair of AVTCP’s Credentialing Committee as well as serving on a variety of other advisory boards. She is the current Assistant Director of Nursing at Cape Cod Vet Specialists where she is also launching a new zoological companion animal department.

Mark has a large animal practice and shares his background and hands-on experience with large animals at his practice.