Veterinary Assistant NAVTA Approved Program

NAVTA Certification Preparation

Overview

This comprehensive hybrid course prepares students to take the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) exam to become a Veterinary Assistant (AVA). It is the only NAVTA-approved program on Cape Cod, now expanded to include training in exotic and large animal care.

Veterinary Assistants are vital members of the veterinary healthcare team. Under the supervision of veterinarians or credentialed veterinary technicians, they support clinical and administrative functions in veterinary practices.

Curriculum Includes:

  • Office procedures and client relations

  • Medical terminology and 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

  • Large animal care and common diseases

Who Should Enroll

This program is ideal for individuals passionate about animal care and looking to work as an integral part of a veterinary healthcare team. Students will gain practical experience and must complete intern hours at a veterinary hospital to meet program requirements.

Course Highlights:

  • NAVTA Certification Preparation: Prepare for the National Approved Veterinary Assistant Exam with thorough training in medical terminology, pharmacology, radiology, and more.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Learn essential skills, including client relations, preventative healthcare, emergency and critical care, surgical assistance, and exotics and large animal care.
  • Hands-on Experience: Gain practical experience through clinical hours at a veterinary provider, enhancing your job readiness.
  • Unique Focus: The program covers a wide range of animals, from domestic pets to exotics and large animals, providing a well-rounded education.

Requirements:

  • Students must provide proof of current tetanus vaccination and be able to lift 50 lbs.
  • Scrubs and the national exam fee are not included in the program cost.
  • Attendance is mandatory at all classes, as it plays a crucial role in successfully completing the program.
  • Students must be able to read, write, and understand English.
  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required for all candidates.

Certification

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

What’s Included

  • Stethoscope

  • Textbooks

Additional Requirements

  • Students must provide proof of current tetanus vaccination

  • Must be physically able to lift 50 lbs

  • Scrubs and the national exam fee are not included

Join Us:

Embark on a fulfilling career in veterinary care with our Veterinary Assistant Training Program. Enroll today to gain the skills and credentials you need to make a positive impact on animal health.

Start Date

September 15, 2025

Registration Deadline

September 9, 2025

Price

$4,750

Course Details

Start Date

September 15, 2025

Type of Class

Hybrid

Location

Harwich, MA

Days & Times

Monday & Wednesday, 6-9 PM

Requirements

Read, write and understand English.

End Date

June 17, 2026

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.