MCC Veterinary Technology Program Director Kimberly Focht, DVM MESA, Arizona – March 25, 2022 – Mesa Community College is offering a Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Veterinary Assisting. The Veterinary Assisting certificate program prepares students for introductory careers in veterinary medicine and animal health.

“By earning this industry certificate students will be well positioned to launch a career in veterinary medicine, working in the field while pursuing additional education,” said MCC Veterinary Technology Program Director Kimberly Focht, DVM. “The job market is seeing a 14 percent increase in demand for veterinary assistants, equating to more than 350 openings in Maricopa alone.”

According to Career Coach the median salary for veterinary assistants in Maricopa County is $32,725.

The 18 credit hour program, designed to be completed in two semesters beginning each fall, includes online, hybrid and in-person lab classes. In the lab, students gain hands-on training caring for the resident teaching animals including dogs, cats, rats, rabbits and goats. The program is offered at the MCC Southern and Dobson Campus and a nearby offsite location.

Those interested in pursuing a Veterinary Assisting certificate should register now for the classes offered in fall 2022 to ensure timely completion in May 2023. Details about this certificate and the MCC Veterinary Technology program are available online at mesacc.edu/programs/veterinary-technology.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu or 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 25,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations through a combination of modalities. MCC is transforming how it champions student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with nearly 50% of its students being the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges; its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes as well as out-of-state tribes. The diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) -- hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.