Beaufort County Community College celebrated the first graduates of its new Veterinary Assistant program. Josie Brockington, Megan Elliot, Katie Price, Monica Reyes, and Kassidy Weinheim completed the program. With the support of instructor Karen Hailey, the students completed 250 hours of classroom and clinical training across two semesters.
The Veterinary Assistant program equips students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians in clinical settings. Over two semesters, students gain experience in animal care, laboratory procedures, and veterinary office support. The first semester consists of 150 hours of online and in-person instruction. The second semester includes 100 hours of clinical work in the field.
The comprehensive curriculum covers topics such as animal anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, animal behavior, and veterinary pharmacology. Students are trained to perform administrative and clinical tasks, including record-keeping, patient handling, diagnostic imaging, and assisting with surgical and medical procedures.
“These students represent the beginning of a new chapter in veterinary education at Beaufort CCC,” said Dr. Stacey Gerard, vice president of continuing education. “It has been my goal to bring this program to the college for a long time, so this is a wonderful moment. The success of these students speaks to their dedication and to the demand for quality animal care across our region.”
Students from the current cohort will be in clinicals this fall, and the next cohort will begin in January 2026.
For more information about the Veterinary Assistant program, visit their web page.