Free CPD-Accredited Advanced Diploma Opens the Door to Animal Care Careers as Demand for Veterinary Support Staff Reaches Record Levels
Alison has launched a new CPD-accredited diploma: Diploma in Veterinary Assistant Care and Support. This free advanced-level online course gives aspiring veterinary assistants the practical, evidence-based knowledge they need to support veterinary teams in real clinical settings — covering animal anatomy and behaviour, patient care and handling, clinic procedures, surgery preparation, infection control, laboratory support, client communication, workplace safety, and end-of-life care. No prior qualifications required, no cost — just the job-ready skills that veterinary practices need and animal care careers demand.
The diploma was developed in partnership with Sandra Rini, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with experience in companion animal medicine, preventive healthcare, and client education. It equips learners to assist with routine animal care, prepare treatment areas, support examinations, handle animals safely, and contribute to diagnostic and surgical procedures under supervision — while also developing the communication skills, record-keeping practices, and clinic standards that allow a veterinary practice to run smoothly and professionally.
A Sector Under Pressure, and a Workforce Gap That Is Growing
The relationship between people and their animals has never been more significant. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated an already-growing trend in companion animal ownership across North America, Europe, and beyond — as millions of people welcomed pets into their homes during lockdown, the demand for veterinary services surged. That surge has not abated. In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects veterinary assistant and laboratory animal caretaker employment to grow faster than the national average over the coming decade. Veterinary practices across the world are operating under acute pressure, with documented shortages of trained support staff compounding the well-publicised burnout crisis affecting veterinarians themselves.
The pipeline problem is not one of passion — it is one of access. Many of the people best suited to veterinary assistant roles, those with a deep empathy for animals, a calm presence in clinical environments, and a genuine commitment to animal welfare — are locked out of the profession not by lack of ability but by lack of accessible training. Formal veterinary assistant programmes exist in many countries but carry tuition fees, geographic constraints, and entry requirements that put them beyond reach for significant portions of the population, particularly in lower-income countries where animal health infrastructure is growing rapidly but training resources remain scarce.
Veterinary Knowledge as a Public Good
Sandra Rini, DVM, the course's subject matter expert, speaks to the broader importance of accessible veterinary education: "Reliable veterinary education is more important than ever. This course provides learners with practical, evidence-based knowledge that helps learners better understand animal health, make informed decisions, and recognize when professional veterinary care is needed."
Mike Feerick, Founder and CEO of Alison, added: "Veterinary assistants are the backbone of animal healthcare — they are the people who keep practices functioning, keep animals calm, and keep clients informed. The demand for trained, capable veterinary support staff is growing globally, and the training to enter this career should not be something that only some people can afford. This diploma makes it free for everyone."
This launch adds to Alison's growing health sciences and animal care portfolio, reinforcing its mission to make career-grade professional training freely accessible to learners everywhere.
To learn more or enrol in the course, visit: alison.com/course/diploma-in-veterinary-assistant-care-and-support
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About Alison
Alison is a global leader in free online learning and skills development. With over 50 million registered learners across 193 countries (as of October 2025), Alison empowers individuals, communities, and organisations to upskill quickly and effectively – at zero cost.
The Alison platform provides immediate access to over 6,000 free, CPD-accredited courses, covering essential areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Business Operations, Healthcare and Sustainability. Courses are created by a mix of independent experts and global leaders, including IBM, Stanford and Microsoft.
For organisations, Alison offers a Free Learning Management System (LMS) that enables unlimited learners to access thousands of courses with no upfront cost. A premium version with advanced analytics and customisation is also available. Alison's offering includes a full suite of assessments and psychometric tools, including a Workplace Personality Assessment, Mental Health & Wellbeing Assessment, English Language Proficiency Test, as well as Numerical, Verbal, and Abstract Reasoning tests.
To further support career development, learners also gain access to a Career Guide, a Resumé Builder, and the ability to study offline through the Alison App. The platform is also expanding its reach with multilingual versions, starting with complete Spanish, French, and Hindi offerings — reaffirming its mission to make education accessible to anyone, anywhere.
Founded in 2007, Alison pioneered the concept of free, large-scale online learning and is recognised as the world’s first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platform. Today, its mission continues: to break down barriers to learning, helping people gain skills, build confidence, and improve their lives — no matter where they live or what they earn.
