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Veterinary Assistant Training
Become a Veterinary Assistant
Are you an animal lover with a desire to make a meaningful impact in the world of veterinary care? Our online Veterinary Assistant course is your gateway to turning that passion into a rewarding career.
This comprehensive course covers every aspect of veterinary assisting, from anatomy and physiology to emergency care, small and large animal assistance, exotic species, veterinary dentistry, human-animal bond, pharmacy procedures, and more.
Our curriculum equips you with technical expertise and emphasizes the importance of professional-client interaction and education, ensuring you become a well-rounded and effective professional.
The veterinary assistant training course concludes with a tailored lesson on entering the job market, where you will learn to craft an effective resume, enhance your expertise, and develop strong interview skills. Enroll today and step into a world where your passion transforms into expertise!
Course Details
210 Course Hours
Max of 6 months to complete
Cost: $2,795
Workforce funding may be available for qualifying students.
Job Outlook for Veterinary Assistant
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), veterinary assistants earn a median salary of around $34,740 (as of May 2022), with the highest 10% earning over $44,920.
Jobs for veterinary assistants are likely to grow by 20% through 2032, which is much faster than the average rate for all other positions (3%).
Course Objectives
Summarize the roles, responsibilities, and applicable laws and ethics as they pertain to the veterinary healthcare team
Discuss the fundamentals of animal anatomy and physiology, restraint techniques, and basic examination tasks relevant to veterinary assisting, using proper terminology
Explain how to perform veterinary assistant pharmacy tasks within the law's scope and discuss vaccinations, infectious diseases, transmission, and prevention.
Describe how to respond appropriately to veterinary medical emergencies, surgeries, and various laboratory procedure
Understand how to perform the veterinary assistant’s responsibilities related to veterinary dentistry
Prerequisites and Requirements
No prior requirements are necessary for enrollment. While a high school diploma or its equivalent is advised, it is not obligatory.
Curriculum
Getting Started file
Welcome to the Veterinary Hospital file
Getting Ready for Your First Visit file
Physiology and Anatomy 1: Directional Signs and the Skeletal System file
Physiology and Anatomy 2: The Nervous System, Endocrine System, and Muscles and Joints file
Physiology and Anatomy 3: The Circulatory and Respiratory Systems file
Physiology and Anatomy 4: The Digestive System, Urogenital System, Liver, and Spleen file
Front Office Duties: Records, Confidentiality, and Client Relations file
More Front Office Tips, and Determining Age and Gender of Kittens and Puppies file
Canine Restraint file
Feline and Exotic Restraint file
The Physical Examination: Procedures, Restraint, and Vital Signs file
Everyday Procedures for the Veterinary Assistant file
Workplace Hazards and Infection Control file
The Reproductive Cycle and Sterilization Procedures file
Vaccinology file
Nutrition Basics and Prescription Foods file
Prescriptions: Preparing and Calculating Doses file
Prescriptions: Types of Medications and What They Do file
Giving Medications file
The Euthanasia Process file
Taking Blood Samples file
Interpreting Blood Tests and Handling Blood file
Urine Collection, Handling, and Interpretation file
Tests: Serology, Scrapings, Smears, Flotations, and Necropsies file
Radiographs and Personal Safety file
Radiographic Positioning file
Pain Recognition and Emergency Care file
Dentistry: Charting, Tooth Disease, and Dental Care file
External Parasites: Fleas, Ticks, Mites, and More file
Parasites of the Gastrointestinal Tract and Heart file
Poisonings in Pets file
Surgery 1: Preparing the Patient file
Surgery 2: Your Role During and After file
Understanding Animal Behavior file
The Job Search and Future Opportunities file
Instructor
Tracy Heyland, RVT
Tracy Heyland is a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT), earning the Academic and Practical Proficiency Award upon graduating. She brings 25+ years of experience in small animal medicine to her teaching, earned the Provincial Instructor Diploma, is certified as a Professional Co-Active Coach, and is Fear Free Certified. Tracy has worked in general practice, emergency medicine, veterinary sales, operations management, and teaching positions and runs her own coaching and training company for veterinary teams, leaders, and managers.
Giving back to the veterinary profession is a passion of Tracy’s where she volunteers for a veterinary technologist program advisory committee, remotely located spay and neuter projects, and a veterinary technologist association continuing education committee.
FAQ
What are the duties of a veterinary assistant?
Veterinary assistants play a crucial role in supporting veterinarians and ensuring the smooth operation of veterinary clinics. Their responsibilities include restraining animals during exams and procedures, assisting with laboratory tests, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the clinic, administering medications under supervision, and offering comfort and care to both animals and their owners. They are the backbone of the veterinary team, contributing to the overall welfare of animals and the efficiency of the clinic.
What skills are essential for a successful career as a veterinary assistant?
To excel as a veterinary assistant, a combination of technical skills and interpersonal qualities is crucial. Technical skills include a solid understanding of animal anatomy and physiology, proficiency in laboratory procedures, and the ability to assist with medical treatments. Additionally, strong communication skills are essential for effectively interacting with both clients and the veterinary team. Compassion, patience, and a genuine love for animals are qualities that make a veterinary assistant truly stand out. Adaptability and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also valuable traits that ensure success in this dynamic field.
