- Location: Holyoke Massachusetts
- Program Type: Hybrid Certificate Program
- Instructor: Erin Jackson, M.Ed, CVT
The Veterinary Assistant Program at Holyoke Community College in Holyoke, MA has been NAVTA Approved since 2021. Under the guidance of the program director and instructor, Erin Jackson, M.Ed., CVT, the hybrid program has graduated numerous Veterinary Assistant candidates in the past five years, many of which are employed as Veterinary Assistants in the local area. Additionally, many program graduates completed the VA program while also taking prerequisites for the Holyoke CC Veterinary Technician program and are now enrolled as Veterinary Technician students.
One of the unique aspects of the Holyoke Community College Veterinary programs is the recent accreditation of the college’s veterinary facility as AAHA-accredited during the Fall of 2025. This allows the facility to function as a working Veterinary Practice and students from both programs participate in many of the facility functions, learning AAHA standards. Students in the VA program work in labs at the end of the school week and learn many VA skills using the program’s live animals. During the Fall semester, Vet Assistant students are required to perform one kennel shift each week, assisting the staff in cleaning, feeding, and socializing the program animals. The students also observe surgeries and learn assistant surgical skills in the program’s surgical facility, participating as sterile assistants and performing VA level skills.
One of Ms. Jackson’s proudest moments was seeing a neurodivergent student that had struggled with challenges throughout her life complete the Veterinary Assistant program and participate in graduation. Vet Assistant students walk in the school’s graduation with the degree students. The student was able to move through externship with an on-site job coach and after graduation, gained employment with a pet hotel caring for the animals.
The Veterinary Assistant students have the benefit of instructors who also teach in the college’s Veterinary Technician program. The program instructors have the benefit of showing the Vet Assistant students the proper role and how to assist Veterinary Technicians in their functions. This helps bolster the motivation for many VA students to move on to the Vet Technician program.
The Holyoke Vet Assistant program has a waiting list for enrollment every year. The program partners with several local high school vocational agricultural programs, but many students are simply adults interested in a new career. Ms. Jackson states: “The program ‘sells’ itself…it has been a huge addition to the school becoming an entry point into a veterinary career.”
AVA Membership Tier
In 2026, NAVTA introduced a new AVA membership tier designed to support veterinary assistants through professional development, continuing education opportunities, recognition, and community. The membership tier was created to help veterinary assistants strengthen their connection to the profession while gaining access to resources that support career growth and long-term success. Those interested in joining can learn more at https://navta.net/membership.