What You'll Learn
This veterinary assistant training course is perfect for animal lovers looking to pursue a career helping animals. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that the employment of veterinary assistants will grow 19% by 2033, with an average of 25,800 job openings each year.
Discuss the fundamentals of animal anatomy and physiology, and basic examination tasks relevant to veterinary assisting
Describe how to respond appropriately to veterinary medical emergencies, surgeries, and various laboratory procedures
Summarize the roles, responsibilities, and applicable laws and ethics as they pertain to the veterinary healthcare team
Handling medical records and communicate with clients and coworkers
Proper technique when restraining animals for procedures, taking vital signs, and bathing them
Nutrition, vaccinations and administering medication
Veterinary Assistant FAQs
What does a veterinary assistant do?
The number one job of a veterinary assistant is to support the veterinarian as well as veterinarian technicians with basic tasks. Veterinary assistants typically feed, weigh, bathe and take the temperature of animals. They may also help give medication, clean cages and help restrain animals during treatment or other medical procedures as needed.
Do veterinary assistants handle administrative duties?
Some veterinary assistants perform clerical work such as scheduling appointments and speaking with customers. As a vet assistant, you may handle many of the logistical and operating duties, such as check-in, billing and after visit care. Duties will vary depending on the office you work in, but every task is to ensure the health and well-being of animals inside the veterinary practice.
What’s the difference between a veterinary assistant and veterinary technician?
Veterinary assistants are typically training through a certificate program to help with basic duties. Veterinary technicians, on the other hand, have a formal education and work as the nurse of a veterinarian. Veterinary technicians need two-year associate degrees accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Can i go from a veterinary assistant to a veterinary technician?
Yes. If you pursue additional education and licensing, you could become a veterinary technician. Working as a vet assistant is a great first step to understanding the industry, different specialties and advanced duties required to work as a vet technician.
Course Outline
This program prepares you to assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians in providing patient care. In addition to hard skills, this program also helps you develop the soft skills required to work effectively with clients and the entire veterinary team
- The Veterinary Health-Care Team
- Veterinary Team Culture and Communication
- Introduction to Veterinary Medical Terminology
- Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology (Part I)
- Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology (Part 2)
- Veterinary Receptionist Duties and Responsibilities
- Veterinary Inventory Management
- Physical Exam and Patient History
- Small-Animal Vaccines and Infectious Diseases
- Small-Animal Nutrition
- Small-Animal Nursing Procedures
- The Human-Animal Bond and Euthanasia
- Laboratory Procedures for Veterinary Assistants
- Diagnostic Imaging for Veterinary Assistants
- Small-Animal Surgical Assisting
- Hospitalized Patient Care
- Pharmacy Procedures
- Hospital Safety and Infection Control
- The Role of the Assistant During Emergencies
- Veterinary Dental Assisting
- Assisting with Exotic Species
- Assisting with Large-Animal Species
- Personal and Professional Development
- Beginning Your Career as a Vet Assistant
- Land the Job
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The instructional materials required for this program are included with enrollment.
Building Community
This training program is delivered to the San Antonio community through a partnership with Ed2Go.
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