Course: VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Online Veterinary Assistant Training
Become a Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary assistants take charge of making sure office visits and procedures go smoothly for animals under veterinary care. Our 100% online course will train you to become a veterinary assistant, so you can turn your love of animals into a rewarding career.
Job Outlook for Veterinary Assistant
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a veterinary assistant is currently just over $26,000 per year.
Jobs are expected to increase by 19% through 2026, which is considered much faster than average positions. There should be plenty of job opportunities for veterinary assistants regardless of location.
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 Objectives
- Anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems
- Handling medical records and communicate with clients and coworkers
- Restraining animals for procedures, take vital signs, and bathe them
- Nutrition, vaccinations and administering medication
- Preparing prescriptions, taking blood samples and radiograph
Prerequisites and Requirements
There are no prerequisites to take this course.
Curriculum
I. GETTING STARTED
II. WELCOME TO THE VETERINARY HOSPITAL
III. GETTING READY FOR YOUR FIRST VISIT
IV. PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY 1: DIRECTIONAL SIGNS AND THE SKELETAL SYSTEM
V. PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY 2: THE NERVOUS SYSTEM, ENDOCRINE SYSTEM, AND MUSCLES AND JOINTS
VI. PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY 3: THE CIRCULATORY AND RESPIRATORY SYSTEMS
VII. PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY 4: THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM, UROGENITAL SYSTEM, LIVER, AND SPLEEN
VIII. FRONT OFFICE DUTIES: RECORDS, CONFIDENTIALITY, AND CLIENT RELATIONS
IX. MORE FRONT OFFICE TIPS, AND DETERMINING AGE AND GENDER OF KITTENS AND PUPPIES
X. CANINE RESTRAINT
XI. FELINE AND EXOTIC RESTRAINT
XII. THE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: PROCEDURES, RESTRAINT, AND VITAL SIGNS
XIII. EVERYDAY PROCEDURES FOR THE VETERINARY ASSISTANT
XIV. WORKPLACE HAZARDS AND INFECTION CONTROL
XV. THE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE AND STERILIZATION PROCEDURES
XVI. VACCINOLOGY
XVII. NUTRITION BASICS AND PRESCRIPTION FOODS
XVIII. PRESCRIPTIONS: PREPARING AND CALCULATING DOSES
XIX. PRESCRIPTIONS: TYPES OF MEDICATIONS AND WHAT THEY DO
XX. GIVING MEDICATIONS
XXI. THE EUTHANASIA PROCESS
XXII. TAKING BLOOD SAMPLES
XXIII. INTERPRETING BLOOD TESTS AND HANDLING BLOOD
XXIV. URINE COLLECTION, HANDLING, AND INTERPRETATION
XXV. TESTS: SEROLOGY, SCRAPINGS, SMEARS, FLOTATIONS, AND NECROPSIES
XXVI. RADIOGRAPHS AND PERSONAL SAFETY
XXVII. RADIOGRAPHIC POSITIONING
XXVIII. PAIN RECOGNITION AND EMERGENCY CARE
XXIX. DENTISTRY: CHARTING, TOOTH DISEASE, AND DENTAL CARE
XXX. EXTERNAL PARASITES: FLEAS, TICKS, MITES, AND MORE
XXXI. PARASITES OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT AND HEART
XXXII. POISONINGS IN PETS
XXXIII. SURGERY 1: PREPARING THE PATIENT
XXXIV. SURGERY 2: YOUR ROLE DURING AND AFTER
XXXV. UNDERSTANDING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
XXXVI. THE JOB SEARCH AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Instructors
Jeff Grognet
Jeff Grognet has been a companion animal veterinarian for 25 years. He was a pioneer
in the field of veterinary assistant teaching, developing his first course more than
18 years ago. Due to the success of his veterinary receptionist/assistant courses,
he expanded his teaching into other high-demand areas including pet first aid and
alternative medical therapies for companion animals. He practices at a veterinary
hospital and contributes regularly to several magazines.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.