SEF-VET8500 - Veterinary Assistant

Course Description

Do you love animals? Have you ever thought about a career as a veterinary assistant? This intensive course will provide the information you need to become a productive member of a veterinary team. The course is designed for people who want to work as veterinary assistants at veterinary hospitals and for those already employed in related positions. Upon completion of the course, you will also have the opportunity to gain access to an Externship Starter Kit.

Are you looking for veterinary assistant schools near you? The course covers all the requirements that hospitals and veterinarians' offices look for, and more! You'll learn about every aspect of veterinary assisting, including anatomy and physiology, animal restraint, laboratory sample collection, assisting in surgery and dentistry, prescription preparation, and taking radiographs.

You'll also learn how to interact professionally with clients and gain the expertise you need to educate them about key topics in pet care, such as nutrition, vaccinations, and administering medication. The course concludes with a lesson to prepare you for the job market, in which you'll see how to create an effective resume, advance your expertise, and develop strong interview skills. You will truly learn everything you need to know to be successful in your new career.

Disclaimer: To qualify for the externship applications process, students must successfully complete the online course content. Going through the externship application process does not guarantee an externship. COVID may be affecting the externship process or site availability in your area. Students can begin researching the steps of the application process 2 weeks prior to completing courses.

Course Outline

1. Getting Started
2. Welcome to the Veterinary Hospital
3. Getting Ready for Your First Visit
4. Physiology and Anatomy 1: Directional Signs and the Skeletal System
5. Physiology and Anatomy 2: The Nervous System, Endocrine System, and Muscles and Joints
6. Physiology and Anatomy 3: The Circulatory and Respiratory Systems
7. Physiology and Anatomy 4: The Digestive System, Urogenital System, Liver, and Spleen
8. Front Office Duties: Records, Confidentiality, and Client Relations
9. More Front Office Tips, and Determining Age and Gender of Kittens and Puppies
10. Canine Restraint
11. Feline and Exotic Restraint
12. The Physical Examination: Procedures, Restraint, and Vital Signs
13. Everyday Procedures for the Veterinary Assistant
14. Workplace Hazards and Infection Control
15. The Reproductive Cycle and Sterilization Procedures
16. Vaccinology
17. Nutrition Basics and Prescription Foods
18. Prescriptions: Preparing and Calculating Doses
19. Prescriptions: Types of Medications and What They Do
20. Giving Medications
21. The Euthanasia Process
22. Taking Blood Samples
23. Interpreting Blood Tests and Handling Blood
24. Urine Collection, Handling, and Interpretation
25. Tests: Serology, Scrapings, Smears, Flotations, and Necropsies
26. Radiographs and Personal Safety
27. Radiographic Positioning
28. Pain Recognition and Emergency Care
29. Dentistry: Charting, Tooth Disease, and Dental Care
30. External Parasites: Fleas, Ticks, Mites, and More
31. Parasites of the Gastrointestinal Tract and Heart
32. Poisonings in Pets
33. Surgery 1: Preparing the Patient
34. Surgery 2: Your Role During and After
35. Understanding Animal Behavior
36. The Job Search and Future Opportunities

Learner Outcomes

What you will learn

• The anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems.
• How to handle medical records and communicate with clients and coworkers.
• How to restrain animals for procedures, take vital signs, and bathe them.
• All about nutrition, vaccinations, and administering medication.
• How to assist during surgery and dental procedures.
• Preparation of prescriptions and taking blood samples and radiographs.

How you will benefit

• Upon passing this course, you will have the knowledge to be a valued team member in a veterinary hospital.
• You will be able to use your instructor as a professional reference.
• Assistance from our Externship Coordinator and access to our Externship Starter Kit.

Notes

This is an asynchronous online course offered through the third party vendor ed2go. This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook. There are no prerequisites to take this course. A high school diploma or equivalent is recommended but not essential.

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:

• Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant, by Teresa Sonsthagen

Please note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.

FAQs

What does a veterinary assistant do?

The number one job of a veterinary assistant is to assist the veterinarian and veterinarian technicians with basic tasks. As a veterinary assistant, you may feed, weigh and take the temperature of various animals. You may also help give medication, clean cages, and provide nursing care for animals when they have surgery or other medical procedures. You may also bathe and exercise animals as needed and help restrain them during treatment. As a veterinary assistant, it is also your responsibility to clean and sterilize equipment and exam rooms. Some veterinary assistants even perform clerical work such as scheduling appointments and speaking with customers as well. The duties vary widely, but all are important to ensuring the health and well-being of animals inside the veterinary practice.

How to become a veterinary assistant?

The typical career path for a veterinary assistant involves earning a high school diploma or GED, enrolling in a certificate course, learning the specifics of the job, and gaining skills that will help you in your new role. After earning a certificate of completion, you will be prepared to begin work as a veterinary assistant.

How much do veterinary assistants make?

According to Indeed.com (as of 2023), the average salary for veterinary assistants is $31,904, with those who have more than 10 years of experience earning over $37,000.

How long does it take to become a veterinary assistant?

This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start whenever you are ready and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive six months to complete the course.

What is the difference between a veterinary assistant and a veterinary technician?

While the people in both these jobs may work in the same location (and potentially with the same animals), they perform very different roles. Veterinary assistants most likely have received training through a certificate program and training on the job by veterinary technicians to help with basic duties like setting up equipment and cleaning areas of the clinic like surgery sites. Veterinary technicians, or vet techs, have a formal education—likely a two- or four-year degree accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. They are also required to pass a licensing exam in most states. In short, veterinary technicians can perform more advanced clinical tasks under a veterinarian's supervision to help treat animals.

Do I need to obtain certification to work as a veterinary assistant?

No, you do not need to obtain certification to work as a veterinary assistant. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there is no required credentialing exam for veterinary assistants.

Does this course provide a veterinary assistant certification?

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America has a certification course that began in 2012. Currently, this requires attending a college that also has a veterinary technician certification course. Once NAVTA creates a way for online courses to lead to certification, we will be exploring this avenue.

What kind of support will I receive?

The course instructor will be available by email to answer any questions and provide feedback on your performance. Occasionally, your course may be supported by a team of industry experts. You will also receive support from the student advising team.

What happens when I complete the course?

Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

Am I guaranteed a job?

This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.