IGNITE's Veterinary Assistant Program

The Most Modern, Supported Path to Becoming an Approved Veterinary Assistant

IVAP is one of only seven NAVTA-approved online veterinary assistant programs in the country—and the only one built entirely by veterinary professionals.

Whether you're just starting your career or looking to elevate your skills, IVAP delivers a flexible, modern, career-focused path to certification with unmatched support and expertise.

Enroll in IVAP Contact Us
$999 $1,499
Or pay in 6 installments at $199/month

Complete program including:

  • All course materials
  • Fear Free® Certification
  • Expert instructor support
  • Private student community
  • 1-year content access
A portion of proceeds supports Not One More Vet

The IVAP Difference

Expertise You Can Trust with Support You Can Count On. When you enroll in the IVAP program, you're not doing it alone. You're backed by a team, a community, and a system built around your growth.

Expert Leadership

Led by Dr. Jim Harrell – Your Expert Guide

One of the biggest differentiators of IVAP is the direct support and guidance from Dr. Jim Harrell, our Program Director and Instructor. With years of clinical and educational experience, Dr. Jim is here to help you succeed. We strive to be both high-tech and high-touch to ensure your success.

  • Ask questions in real time
  • Get expert advice on course topics or real-world challenges
  • Explore Dr. Jim's responses to other students in our IVAP community
  • Connect with fellow students and build your network
He's a mentor who shows up every week to support and inspire IVAP students through every phase of their journey.
Dr. Jim Harrell, IVAP Program Director
Community Support

A Private Student Community You Can Rely On

All students get access to our safe and secure online community, where you can connect, share, and grow together.

  • Share your progress
  • Ask questions (Dr. Jim will respond daily!)
  • Connect with your peers
  • Get encouragement and inspiration
It's a place where students and mentors come together, making sure you never feel like you're doing this alone.
IVAP Student Community
Live Support

Live Support When You Need It

Have a question or stuck on something? We've got your back with multiple ways to get support.

We're here to make sure you stay on track and feel confident every step of the way.
IVAP Live Support
Exclusive Resource

NAVTA-Approved Textbook

This resource enhances comprehension, boosts exam readiness, and strengthens real-world application.

  • Official NAVTA Approval – The only supplemental textbook recognized by NAVTA for veterinary assistant programs
  • Proven to Boost Exam Success – NAVTA has documented higher pass rates among students who use this textbook alongside their coursework
  • Written by Industry Experts – Authored by nationally recognized leaders in the veterinary field
  • Focused, Practical Content – Covers the most essential topics to help students retain knowledge and get the most out of their training
Whether you're preparing for your Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) exam or reinforcing your day-to-day learning, this textbook is a powerful tool that supports deeper understanding and long-term success.
NAVTA Approved Textbook
Free Certification

Fear Free® Certification – Included at No Extra Cost

Receive Fear Free® Certification (a $299 value)—integrated into your program at no additional cost. This nationally recognized credential helps you provide more compassionate care from day one.

  • Built Into IVAP – Included free for all graduates (no additional fees or add-ons)
  • Not Offered by Every Program – Many veterinary assistant programs do not include Fear Free training
  • Gentle, Compassionate Animal Handling – Learn low-stress techniques for restraint and interaction in clinical settings
  • Recognized Industry Standard – Learn more about Fear Free Certification at fearfreepets.com
Adding this certification to your resume helps set you apart—and prepares you to deliver the kind of care today's veterinary clients and patients expect.
Fear Free Certification
Large Animal Module

Skills in Equine & Livestock Care – Included Free

Included at no extra cost, this module builds skills in safe handling, species-specific anatomy, and preventive care for equine and livestock patients. You’ll also learn common medical procedures, fieldwork best practices, and how to spot signs of illness or distress in large animals.

  • Safe handling techniques for horses, cattle, and other livestock
  • Species-specific anatomy and preventive care practices
  • Hands-on medical procedures and fieldwork best practices
  • Early detection of illness and signs of distress
Included in IVAP Curriculum & Optional for Graduation – a unique bonus to expand your career opportunities.
Large Animal Module Training
Finance Certification

CareCredit® Finance Certification – Included Free

Included at no extra cost, this certification equips you with proven, compliant strategies to confidently discuss financing, integrate it into care recommendations, handle objections, and streamline enrollment—helping more clients move forward with care.

  • Learn how to confidently discuss client financing options
  • Integrate financing into treatment recommendations with compliance
  • Handle common client questions and objections effectively
  • Streamline the enrollment process for greater client success
Not Included in IVAP Curriculum & Not Required for Graduation – a valuable bonus to strengthen client communication skills.
CareCredit Finance Certification Training

What You'll Learn

Our comprehensive curriculum prepares you for every aspect of veterinary assistance, from clinical procedures to professional communication and career readiness.

Master Veterinary Clinical and Administrative Procedures

Gain a comprehensive understanding of clinic operations, including patient intake, medical records, history taking, pharmacy and inventory protocols, surgical prep, and exam room procedures.

Develop Proficiency in Animal Handling, Behavior, and Care

Learn safe and effective techniques for restraint, behavior assessment, and care of small animals, exotics, and birds, including triage, nutrition, oral health, and basic nursing skills, along with safe handling of cattle, horses, goats, and chickens.

Communicate Effectively and Ethically in Veterinary Settings

Build strong client communication skills, understand empathy, demonstrate professionalism and etiquette, understand the human-animal bond, and apply veterinary ethics in daily practice.

Perform Diagnostic, Laboratory, and Emergency Procedures with Confidence

Acquire hands-on skills in sample collection, parasitology, radiology, emergency care, and infection control following OSHA standards and safety protocols.

Prepare for Real-World Success and Career Longevity

Cultivate job-readiness through resume preparation, compassion fatigue management, understanding pet insurance, and completing practical and written final exams. Emphasis on Fear Free™ practices ensures better outcomes for pets, clients, and the team at no additional cost.

Ready to Explore the Complete Curriculum?

Dive deeper into our comprehensive program structure and see exactly what you'll master in each module.

View Full Curriculum

Sticky Learning by Design:
So You Remember It, Apply It, and Grow

Our innovative approach combines proven educational methodologies with cutting-edge technology to transform your veterinary assistant training experience

Retention-Focused Learning

Retention-Focused Learning

  • Designed to help students retain knowledge long-term
  • Emphasizes applying learning in real-world scenarios
  • Builds adaptability and confidence in clinical situations
Interactive Digital Tools

Interactive Digital Tools

  • Topic-centered digital worksheets simulate real-life scenarios
  • Connect emotional intelligence with clinical thinking
  • Reinforce the link between theory and practice
Hands-On Clinical Application

Hands-On Clinical Application

  • Perform diagnostic, laboratory, and emergency procedures with confidence
  • Acquire hands-on skills in sample collection, parasitology, and radiology
  • Learn emergency care and infection control following OSHA standards

Curriculum

View all

The Approved Veterinary Assistant designation is a nationally recognized designation created by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.

Upon graduation from a NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program, a participant is eligible to sit for the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) examination. Veterinary assistants who successfully complete the exam receive a documentation certificate and are entitled to use the designation AVA (Approved Veterinary Assistant).

For more information, visit the NAVTA website
How It Works

Veterinary Assistant Externship Experience

IVAP requires a 100-hour externship at a veterinary practice. Twenty-five of those hours are to be completed before reaching the sixth module of the program. The remaining 75 hours can be completed throughout the remainder of the program.

You will gain hands-on knowledge and experience during your externship while applying your skills, checklists, and knowledge to demonstrate what you have learned within IVAP.

We Help with Placement

Don't have an externship site? We'll help with placement through our extensive network of practices.

No Long Waits

There are no long waits for externship site approvals. Start when you're ready.

Testimonials

What Veterinary Professionals Say

Hear from industry experts about the importance of well-trained veterinary assistants and the impact of quality education programs.

"Skills development is crucial because they can jump in and help the technician gather materials for diagnostics or other tasks to aid the DVM in their cases, and get an answer faster for the client."
Photo of Emily Hinojosa
Emily Hinojosa
Licensed Veterinary Technician
"The more we take off the DVM plate to see more clients, the more we can build the business that way. DVMs don't need to be running labs; they need to be creating bonds with the clients."
Photo of Megan Hutchens
Megan Hutchens
Practice Manager
"Retention is the most important to me as a veterinarian and business owner. If we can keep people engaged, they will have a higher level of professional satisfaction, and we get better patient/customer service."
Photo of Seth Solomon
Seth Solomon
DVM & Practice Owner
Limited Time: Save $500 - Early Bird Pricing Ends Soon!
Ready to Start?

Enroll in IVAP Today

Join the most comprehensive, NAVTA-approved online veterinary assistant program and start your rewarding career in animal care.

Complete Program Includes:

  • Complete IVAP program access
  • Fear Free® Certification included
  • 100-hour externship support
  • 1-year content access
  • Private student community
  • Daily office hours with Dr. Jim
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Full Payment

Pay once and save big

$999
$1,499
Save $500!
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Monthly Plan

Flexible payment option

$199
6 monthly payments
Start Monthly Plan

Questions? We're Here to Help

Our enrollment advisors are ready to help you choose the best payment option and answer any questions about the program.

Call +1 (440) 544-6483
[email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about the IGNITE Veterinary Assistant Program.

To enroll in IVAP, you must:

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have reliable internet access
• Own or have access to a computer or tablet

No prior veterinary experience is required! Our program is designed to take you from beginner to job-ready veterinary assistant.

We offer flexible payment options to fit your budget:

Full Payment Option: $999 (save $500 from the regular price of $1,499)
Monthly Payment Plan: $35 per month with no interest charges

Both options include access to all course materials, the NAVTA-approved textbook, Fear Free® Certification (a $299 value), and ongoing support from Dr. Jim Harrell and our student success team.

IVAP is designed to be flexible and self-paced, but most students complete the program in 6-12 months.

The timeline depends on:

• Your study schedule (we recommend 5-10 hours per week)
• Your previous experience with online learning
• Time needed to complete your 100-hour externship

You have 12 months of access to all course materials, giving you plenty of time to learn at your own pace.

IVAP graduates work in a variety of settings, including:

• Private veterinary clinics
• Animal hospitals
• Emergency and specialty practices
• Animal shelters and rescue organizations
• Zoos and wildlife facilities
• Research institutions

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 19% job growth for veterinary assistants through 2031, much faster than average. Starting salaries typically range from $25,000-$35,000 annually, with experienced assistants earning $40,000+ in many markets.

No, we're here to help! While some students prefer to arrange their own externship at a practice where they'd like to work, we have an extensive network of veterinary practices that welcome IVAP students.

Our externship support includes:

• Help finding placement through our partner network
• No long waiting periods for site approvals
• Ongoing support throughout your 100-hour experience
• Flexible scheduling to work around your availability

Veterinary Assistants:

• Support veterinarians and technicians with daily tasks
• Handle animal restraint, basic care, and client communication
• Complete programs like IVAP (typically 6-12 months)
• Can start working immediately after training

Veterinary Technicians:

• Require an Associate's degree (2+ years)
• Must pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE)
• Perform more advanced procedures like anesthesia monitoring
• Have higher salary potential but require more education

Many veterinary assistants later pursue technician training, and IVAP provides an excellent foundation for that career path.

Yes! IVAP is approved by NAVTA (National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America), the leading professional organization for veterinary technicians and assistants.

This approval means:

• Your education meets industry standards
• Employers recognize and trust IVAP training
• You're eligible for the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) credential
• You receive the only NAVTA-approved textbook for veterinary assistant programs

NAVTA approval gives you confidence that your education will be respected by employers nationwide.

IVAP students receive comprehensive support including:

Dr. Jim Harrell's Daily Office Hours:
• Live Q&A sessions every weekday
• Expert guidance on course material and real-world applications

Private Student Community:
• Connect with fellow students
• Share progress and get encouragement
• Access to Dr. Jim's responses to other students

Multiple Support Channels:
• Live chat with our student success team
• Email support at [email protected]
• Direct access to Dr. Jim at [email protected]

Absolutely! IVAP is designed for working adults and busy schedules.

The program features:

• Self-paced learning - study when it works for you
• 24/7 course access - learn on your schedule
• Flexible externship arrangements - evenings and weekends available
• Mobile-friendly platform - study on your phone or tablet

Most students dedicate 5-10 hours per week to coursework and complete their studies while maintaining their current job. Many students are already working in veterinary settings and use IVAP to formalize their education and advance their careers.

Life happens, and we understand! IVAP offers flexibility if you need to pause your studies:

• 12-month access period gives you plenty of time to complete coursework
• Self-paced format means you can slow down or speed up as needed
• Ongoing support from our student success team
• No penalties for taking breaks when needed

If you need additional time beyond the 12-month access period, contact our student success team. We'll work with you to find a solution that fits your circumstances.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey - our community and support team are here to help you succeed, no matter what challenges arise.

Still Have Questions?

Our enrollment advisors are ready to help you with any questions about the program, payment options, or getting started.

Call +1 (440) 544-6483 [email protected]