MVA Veterinary Assistant diploma program is housed within Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital's Highland Heights (Ohio) location. Our hospital is designed with a human medical model in mind, offering a 24-hour emergency department along with several specialty departments, including cardiology, ophthalmology, oncology, internal medicine, neurology/neurosurgery, surgery (soft-tissue & orthopedic), critical care, and an in-house blood bank. Metropolitan is dedicated to providing the gold standard of medicine for both our patients and future veterinary professionals.
Join us in shaping the future of veterinary medicine!
Our Veterinary Assistant program offers students a unique chance to bridge classroom knowledge with hands-on clinical experience in our 24-hour veterinary emergency room and specialty hospital. After completing the theoretical coursework, students engage in an externship right here in the Highland Heights veterinary hospital, Akron hospital, or an approved veterinary general practice. Appling knowledge during the externship allows time to refine practical skills in a real-world setting. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you'll delve into essential topics such as veterinary office procedures, animal restraint & handling, medical terminology, standards of disinfection, and advanced imaging. With your diploma in hand, you'll be well-equipped to assist veterinarians and other clinical team members.
Mission Statement & Vision
Metropolitan Veterinary Academy's mission is to build essential skills, knowledge, and professionalism to prepare graduates for a career in the veterinary field. Through a comprehensive learning experience, MVA exposes students to a variety of real-world cases in a working specialty hospital, providing opportunities to gain hands-on experience and insight into diverse veterinary practices. The combination of practical and professional skills gained by students enables graduates to move into employment with the confidence necessary to contribute to the veterinary workforce, the well-being of animals, and the advancement of veterinary care.
History of The Academy
In 1968, modeled after the human medical concept, Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital opened its doors in Akron, Ohio and was established with a goal in mind — to provide necessary advanced care options for your animals, including 24-hour emergency and specialty care.
During 2022 Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital opened its second location offering the same services as what originated in Akron; specialty services, 24-hour emergency room access, critical care management, and participation in case studies, located in Highland Heights, Ohio.
In September 2022, Metropolitan Veterinary Academy (MVA) was approved by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. MVA educates students in veterinary assistant skills in both a classroom and clinical setting.
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December 2025, MVA received accreditation by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET). ACCET has been continuously recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a reliable authority on educational quality since 1978.
Meet Our Campus Director
"My journey in veterinary medicine has truly come full circle. I began my career as a Registered Veterinary Technician at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in 1999, and returning years later to help create MetroVet Academy has been one of the most meaningful accomplishments of my career."
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"Leading the vision of this program and sharing my knowledge with students who are passionate about veterinary medicine is the most rewarding part of what I do."
- Jeanette Fessler, RVT, Campus Director