The Medical Assistant certification program at Ventura College offers comprehensive training for individuals seeking a career in healthcare, equipping them with the essential skills required for administrative and clinical tasks in various medical settings. This program combines classroom instruction, hands-on learning experiences, and externships to ensure students are well-prepared for their roles as medical assistants. Upon successful completion, students receive a certificate and are eligible to take national certification exams, opening doors to a rewarding career in the fast-growing healthcare industry.

The Certificate of Achievement in Veterinary Assistant prepares students for careers within the veterinary and animal healthcare industry as veterinary assistants, animal health technicians and other allied animal health positions. Through hands-on experiential learning and curriculum designed to engage students in various aspects of veterinary assisting and technology, students will be prepared to enter the expanding animal healthcare industry as part of a team of individuals dedicated to the care of domestic animals, small and large. The Certificate in Veterinary Assistant can be applied to the first year of study towards completion of the Associate in Science degree in Veterinary Technology.

Those seeking to continue on and enroll in the second year courses to complete the Associate in Science degree in Veterinary technology must complete all courses within the Certificate program with a grade of “C” or better and submit a prerequisite verification form to the Veterinary Technology Program Director.

Veterinary Assistants and Registered Veterinary Technicians are integral to the animal health care team that works under the supervision of veterinarians to perform various types of tasks including veterinary laboratory procedures, surgical and anesthesia assisting, digital imaging (including X-ray technology), dental procedures, medical nursing, emergency care, and veterinary office procedures.

Successful completion of the Administrative Office Assistant Program will provide the skills necessary for an entry-level office and administrative support in a variety of job positions, including general office clerks, receptionists, information clerks, customer service representatives, and administrative assistants. Students will learn basic oral and written communications. They will learn computer application skills, including the basics of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook. They will learn the fundamentals of computer systems. Students who successfully complete this program may continue their education by taking additional courses that lead to an Associate Degree in Business Management or Supervision.

Training in Drafting will prepare one for challenging careers as drafters, designers, engineering assistants, 3-D modelers, estimators, and design/drafting checkers. Students may obtain an AS, Certificate of Achievement or preparation for transfer to a four year university in the fields of industrial design, manufacturing or industrial technology. Specialized application of various software programs are taught using current technology and methods found in the Architectural, manufacturing, and design industries. There is a broad range of career opportunities such as Drafters, Designers, Illustrators, and Model Makers.

A community depends on an emergency medical system that responds quickly with well-educated and competent EMTs. Successful completion of the EMT program and the National Registry certifying examination presents the EMT with exciting employment opportunities with private ambulance companies, fire departments, and hospitals that utilize basic life support skills. They may also find employment with companies providing basic medical care at concerts, sporting events, and amusement parks. Completion of the EMT program is a prerequisite for most Paramedic Programs throughout the United States.

The Ventura College Certified Nurse Assistant Program is approved by the California Department of Public Health. The Program was established to prepare students for certification and practice as nursing assistants. This is a vocational program leading to preparation for state certification testing. Upon successful completion of the written and practical examinations, students will be eligible to take the certification exam from the California Department of Public Health.

Certified Nurse Assistants may find employment opportunities in acute, long-term care, and home health agencies. CNA certification is a requirement of students entering the Ventura College Nursing Program and other health care programs in the county.

The Medical Assistant Program assists students in developing the skills needed for a career as a medical assistant, trained in either administrative (front office) or clinical (back office) skills or both. This comprehensive program provides the opportunity for students to develop effective communication skills, computer skills, and technical skills that lead to success in working in a variety of healthcare settings. Jobs in this field include, front office medical assistant, medical secretary, back office medical assistant, entry level medical biller, hospital admitting clerk, hospital unit coordinator and entry level medical records clerk.

Offered is an Associate Degree in Nursing with a program of clinical components in which the student cares for patients in the acute care and community settings. Upon completion of the Associate Degree program in Nursing, students will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination leading to licensure as a Registered Nurse. The student must have fulfilled all requirements as defined by the California State Board of Registered Nursing. A licensed Registered Nurse (RN) may seek employment in an entry-level staff nurse position in a variety of healthcare settings. An additional 30-unit option is available to LVNs.