Train Online for a Career in Animal Care & Grooming.
If you’ve ever dreamed of working with animals and helping them look and feel their best, Rockford Career College’s online Veterinary Assistant and Grooming Diploma program might be the perfect fit. This flexible, career-focused program teaches you the hands-on skills and knowledge needed for roles in animal grooming, veterinary support, pet care, and more, all while giving you the freedom to study from home.
You’ll learn the essentials of animal handling, grooming techniques, veterinary procedures, and client communication. It’s everything you need to start a career that makes tails wag.
DURATION: 12 Months
CREDENTIALS: Diploma
FORMAT: 100% Online
CREDITS: 53 quarter credit hours
Explore the Skills You’ll Gain in Rockford’s Vet Assistant and Grooming Program
Our online curriculum combines foundational animal science with industry-specific grooming instruction to help you develop a versatile skill set.
What You’ll Learn:
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By the time you finish, you won’t just understand the theory—you’ll have practiced real-world skills that prepare you to walk into an animal care setting with confidence.
Your Future in Animal Care
With pet ownership on the rise, so is the need for skilled professionals who can support veterinary teams and deliver top-notch grooming services. From salons to shelters to mobile services, there are many ways to turn your compassion into a career.
Graduates of the Vet Assistant and Grooming program are ready for careers as:
Meet the admissions requirements
Attend all classes, online and in-person
Be an active participant in the requirements of the classwork, homework and Community
Complete all courses to a satisfactory degree
Demonstrate proficiency of skills
Flexible. Focused. Built for real life.
Most programs are blended, combining scheduled on-campus classes with online coursework. This gives you the hands-on training you need — plus the flexibility to complete assignments at home.
You’ll typically take two classes every five weeks and should plan for 12–15 hours per week of homework and studying. Instructors also offer live virtual office hours for extra support.
Whether you’re working, parenting, or have other commitments — we’ll help make school work for you.
Q: How do I do the grooming part online? Do I need an animal at home?
The program includes video demos and virtual practice activities to help you learn grooming basics. While having a pet to practice on is helpful, it is not required. You’ll complete assignments and projects that reinforce skills in safe and ethical ways.
Q: Is the program fully online?
Yes. All instruction is delivered through a user-friendly digital learning platform, so you can access your classes from anywhere.
Q: Do I need previous experience working with animals?
No experience? No problem. This program is designed for beginners and provides the foundational training you need to feel confident.
Q: What support is available for online students?
You’ll have full access to academic resources like tutoring, advising, and tech support. Our Career Services team also assists with resume building, job searches, and interview prep—so you always have support when you need it.
Q: How does the program prepare me for the job market?
You’ll have full access to academic resources like tutoring, advising, and tech support. Our Career Services team also assists with resume building, job searches, and interview prep—so you always have support when you need it.
Next Session Starts: October 13, 2025
The pet industry is booming, with projected spending of over $143 billion by pet owners this year alone.1
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of  Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers is projected to grow 19% in Illinois from 2021 to 2031.2
See our classrooms, meet our staff, and imagine yourself in a career that matters.
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What Sets Rockford’s Veterinary Assistant and Grooming Program Apart:
The pet industry is booming, with projected spending of over $143 billion by pet owners this year alone.1
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of  Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers is projected to grow 19% in Illinois from 2021 to 2031.2
Worried about how to afford veterinary assistant and grooming training? Let us help! Our friendly financial aid team is here to help you explore funding, scholarships, and grants to help make Rockford fit your budget.
Rockford Career College
(A Branch Campus of Stautzenberger College-Maumee)
1130 S Alpine Rd #100,
Rockford, IL 61108
Phone: (815) 965-8616
or (888) 680-6682
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