HCC Vet Tech & Vet Assistant Programs

03/09/2026

We are so grateful to Legacy Equine Center & Sanctuary, one of our wonderful community partners. They play a crucial role in helping to educate our students to be advocates for all animals, small and large!

02/12/2026

It is such an honor to partner with Kane's Krusade! It's such a great organization doing so many great things...

We're giving BIG Paws Up to Dr. York, her students and staff at the Holyoke Community College Vet Tech program. Yesterday was our second day participating in their free exams. Four Kane's dogs were seen, receiving vaccinations, bloodwork, heartworm preventative and flea/tick treatment. A total of 11 Kane's dogs were seen this year.

This program is invaluable to Kane's as it saves us Vet Fund resources that we can apply to other pet families. We also want to thank Family Krew member William D. and Board member Jill L. for transporting three pet families so they could receive these vital services.

11/17/2025

We have some cats who need loving homes ASAP! They are SO SWEET. Beau is a handsome 6yr old neutered male playful kitty and Precious is a sweet older spayed female kitty.
Come visit them if you need to be convinced! If interested contact: [email protected].

10/28/2025

The Vet & Animal Science Department once again took home a prize at HCC's Trunk or Treat this year with its haunted vet clinic!

10/22/2025

HCC Vet Tech students had the exciting opportunity to learn about exotic pet handling, behavior, and health from some very special guests. Thanks so much to Dr. Brian Roy and Kalee Buteau for once again showing our students the ropes and helping to make them better advocates for these special animals!

10/16/2025

Just sharing the good news!

HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY VETERINARY CLINIC BECOMES FIRST VET TECH PROGRAM TEACHING HOSPITAL IN NEW ENGLAND TO EARN AAHA ACCREDITATION

The Holyoke Community College (HCC) Veterinary Technician program has been accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for more than 30 years, and the HCC Veterinary Assistant program has been approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) since its inception. These are the leading organizations that set educational standards for veterinary technician and assistant programs nationwide.

Now, the HCC Community Veterinary Clinic has reached a new milestone—becoming the first veterinary technology teaching hospital in New England to earn accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

AAHA is the only organization that accredits non-emergency veterinary hospitals and clinics in the U.S. and Canada based on a comprehensive list of standards that cover everything from pain management and patient care to staff training and hospital management.

Unlike in human healthcare, accreditation for veterinary practices is voluntary. Fewer than 5,000 veterinary practices across North America have chosen to pursue and maintain this rigorous certification. Accredited hospitals must demonstrate ongoing learning and improvement between re-evaluations, which occur every three years.

So why did our veterinary team pursue AAHA accreditation? Simply put: we believe our patients and students deserve the best. Achieving AAHA accreditation means meeting or exceeding nearly 50 mandatory standards—plus dozens of additional criteria—developed by experts and regularly updated to reflect advances in veterinary medicine.

This achievement affirms that HCC’s Community Veterinary Clinic delivers care that meets the highest professional benchmarks. It reflects our commitment to excellence in patient care, student education, and continuous improvement—raising the bar for veterinary medicine across the region.

10/15/2025

The Vet & Animal Science Department at HCC would love to wish all the Vet Techs out there a happy Vet Tech Week! We are so grateful for all of you!

10/06/2025

🐾 To All of Those Working in Area Practices... Want to help train the next generation of veterinary professionals?

HCC’s Vet Tech and Vet Assistant students complete externship hours working alongside veterinarians, techs, and assistants in local practices. Hosting an extern is a great way to mentor future colleagues and get to know potential new team members.

If your practice might be interested, reach out to:
📧 Erin Jackson – [email protected]

📧 Christine O’Neill – [email protected]

We’d love to partner with you to support our students and strengthen the local vet community! 💙

— Dr. Jennifer (Kip) York, HCC Veterinary Programs

10/03/2025

Just sharing the story of this sweet little guy in case he may be the right fit for someone out there looking for a new friend!

You may remember this sweet face from early August when Dewey was rushed to the ER with a spinal cord injury. 💔 While his road to recovery isn’t over just yet, we’re thrilled to share that Dewey is finally ready to start looking for his new home! 🏡💕

This snuggly, soulful pit bull-type pup is all heart. Dewey may not be your hiking buddy, but he will be your most loyal companion and constant source of love. ❤️

Thanks to the dedication of his foster family, Dewey has made great strides in gaining strength and mobility. While he’s still healing, our veterinary team believes he’d benefit from delaying his neuter surgery—so we’re looking for a foster-to-adopt situation to give him the best shot at recovery and stability.

Dewey would likely thrive with respectful kids and calm pets, and he needs a home that can provide above-average veterinary care—as well as someone with the physical ability to lift him when needed (up stairs, into cars, etc.).

Right now, Dewey weighs around 25 lbs, but he’s not yet full-grown. Due to his spinal injury, he’ll need help with stairs and mobility for the foreseeable future. But don't worry—what he lacks in mobility, he makes up for in pure, unconditional love.

If you have room in your heart and home for a very special pup, Dewey is waiting to meet you. 🐾💛

Call us to learn more about fostering and setting up an appointment to meet this amazing little fighter.

03/26/2025

Just a reminder to hop into our Open House tonight! https://www.facebook.com/share/1FWko7EDJu/

11/19/2024

Hi all! We know of two adorable bonded bunny brothers looking for a good home! Please contact us ASAP if interested!

11/18/2024

Interested in applying to HCC's Vet Tech or Vet Assistant program? Come to an information session where you can get all of your questions answered! There will be an in-person information session this Wednesday, November 20th, and an online information session Wednesday , December 4th. https://hcc.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Events/EventDetails?eventId=8f681d02-96a2-ef11-8b17-0ae88c136cb7
https://hcc.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Events/EventDetails?eventId=c26dec68-9da2-ef11-8b17-0ae88c136cb7