Veterinary Assisting Diploma

Caring for Creatures Big and Small

As a veterinary assistant, you work with animals every day, helping them stay healthy and happy. You assist veterinarians with medical procedures and care for pets, making a real difference. It’s a great job for anyone who loves animals and wants to be part of a caring team!

Apply at Hawkeye Today

Veterinary Assisting Diploma at a Glance

Degree
Diploma
Length of Study
1 year
Course Format
Face-to-Face
Classes Meet
Daytime
Program Start
Fall, Spring, Summer

Hawkeye's Farm Lab

225

Acres Corn, Soybeans, and Alfalfa

35

Acres of Pasture

500

Piglets Born Each Year

39

Head of Cattle

Your Veterinary Assisting Career

Graduates are employed as veterinary assistants or animal caretakers in veterinary clinics, humane societies, or pet stores.

Program Overview

You will learn to assist veterinarians in the care of cats, dogs, cattle, pigs, and sheep, and gain hands-on skills and knowledge in:

  • Front desk operations
  • Data entry, inventory, and record keeping
  • Basic lab analysis
  • Proper restraint of animals during exams and minor procedures
  • Medical terminology
  • Pharmacology
  • Cleaning and sanitation of cages, kennels, exam rooms, and offices

You graduate Fear Free® certified.

Gain 320 hours of real-world work experience through internships with veterinary practices across Eastern Iowa, ensuring you have the skills you need to succeed in your future career.

Visit local veterinary offices to learn how your skills and knowledge can be applied in a variety of work environments.

At Hawkeye’s 260-acre Farm Lab, you learn kennel management for cats and dogs and clinic operations. Practice the proper handling of dogs, cats, pocket pets, reptiles, birds, and livestock.

Classroom Lab: Learn how to use standard veterinary equipment.

Dog Simulators: Learn and perform CPR and proper restraint of animals.

This program qualifies for the Kibbie Grant that can help you cover part of your tuition and fees.

You must apply for, be awarded, and meet the ongoing eligibility requirements for the Kibbie Grant.-

This a partial list of employers who have hired Veterinary Assisting graduates:

  • Brookside Veterinary Hospital, Cedar Falls, IA
  • Cedar Bend Humane Society, Waterloo, IA
  • Cedar Valley Veterinary Center, Cedar Falls, IA
  • Den Herder Veterinary Hospital, Waterloo, IA
  • Independence Family Animal Care, Independence, IA
  • PetSmart, Waterloo, IA
  • Pet Supplies Plus, Cedar Falls, IA
" You’re going to get that hands-on experience, and also have good connections with your instructors. They go out of their way to help you. "
  • Leah Rosauer
  • Veterinary Assisting ‘18

How to Get Started

It’s simple! Complete these steps:

  1. Apply for admission at Hawkeye.
  2. Send official transcripts to Admissions.
  3. Demonstrate college readiness.

Check the status of your application at any time by logging into your admissions account.

Program Contacts

Admissions

Main Campus
Hawkeye Center 134
319-296-4000
Email Admissions

Regular Hours — Spring 2025

Monday – Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM

Academic Advisor

Last Names A–L

Last Names M–Z

Faculty Advisor

Last Names A–M

Ole Cleveland
Main Campus
Bremer Hall 111C
319-296-2329 ext.1414
Email Ole Cleveland

Last Names N–Z

Dresden Wulf
Main Campus
Bremer Hall 111D
319-296-2329 ext.1084
Email Dresden Wulf