Program Overview
Program Overview
The Veterinary Assistant program is designed to train individuals to become veterinary assistants, providing them with the necessary skills to support veterinarians and veterinary technicians in their daily tasks. The program is 100% online and consists of 225 hours of instruction, which can be completed within 6 months at a self-paced rate.
Program Fee and Format
- The program fee is $2,795, which includes online instruction and a textbook.
- A high school diploma or equivalent is recommended but not essential.
- Installment payment options are available as low as $136 per month.
Externship Starter Kit
To qualify for the externship application process, students must successfully complete the online course content. Note that completing the course does not guarantee an externship. Students can begin researching the externship application process 2 weeks prior to completing the course.
Job Outlook for Veterinary Assistants
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a veterinary assistant is approximately $30,000 per year. Jobs are expected to increase by 19% through 2031, which is significantly faster than average positions.
Veterinarian Assistant FAQ's
What Does a Veterinary Assistant Do?
The primary job of a veterinary assistant is to support veterinarians and veterinary technicians with basic tasks, such as feeding, weighing, bathing, and taking the temperature of animals. They may also assist with giving medication, cleaning cages, and restraining animals during treatment or other medical procedures.
Do Veterinary Assistants Handle Administrative Duties?
Some veterinary assistants perform clerical work, including scheduling appointments and speaking with customers. Duties can vary depending on the office but are focused on ensuring the health and well-being of animals.
What's the Difference Between a Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician?
Veterinary assistants are typically trained through a certificate program to help with basic duties, while veterinary technicians have a formal education and work as the nurse of a veterinarian, requiring a two-year associate degree accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Can I Go from a Veterinary Assistant to a Veterinary Technician?
Yes, with additional education and licensing, it is possible to become a veterinary technician. Working as a vet assistant is a great first step to understanding the industry and advanced duties required to work as a vet technician.
Are There Any Prerequisites to Take This Course?
There are no prerequisites, but a high school diploma or equivalent is recommended.
What Kind of Support Will I Receive?
The course instructor will be available by email to answer questions and provide feedback. Occasionally, the course may be supported by a team of industry experts, and students will also receive support from the student advising team.
What If I Don't Have Enough Time to Complete the Course Within the Time Frame Provided?
If unable to complete the course, students should contact their Student Advisor to work out a suitable completion date. Note that an extension fee will be charged, and if funded through a third-party organization, approval may also be required.
Course Objectives
- Anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems
- Handling medical records and communicating with clients and coworkers
- Restraining animals for procedures, taking vital signs, and bathing them
- Nutrition, vaccinations, and administering medication
- Preparing prescriptions, taking blood samples, and radiographs
Curriculum
Getting Started
- Welcome to the Veterinary Hospital
- Getting Ready for Your First Visit
Physiology and Anatomy
- Directional Signs and the Skeletal System
- The Nervous System, Endocrine System, and Muscles and Joints
- The Circulatory and Respiratory Systems
- The Digestive System, Urogenital System, Liver, and Spleen
Front Office Duties
- Records, Confidentiality, and Client Relations
- More Front Office Tips, and Determining Age and Gender of Kittens and Puppies
Animal Restraint and Procedures
- Canine Restraint
- Feline and Exotic Restraint
- The Physical Examination
- Procedures, Restraint, and Vital Signs
- Everyday Procedures for the Veterinary Assistant
Workplace Safety and Infection Control
- Workplace Hazards and Infection Control
Reproductive Cycle and Sterilization Procedures
- The Reproductive Cycle and Sterilization Procedures
Vaccinology and Nutrition
- Vaccinology
- Nutrition Basics and Prescription Foods
Prescriptions and Medications
- Preparing and Calculating Doses
- Types of Medications and What They Do
- Giving Medications
- The Euthanasia Process
Sampling and Radiology
- Taking Blood Samples
- Interpreting Blood Tests and Handling Blood
- Urine Collection, Handling, and Interpretation
- Tests: Serology, Scrapings, Smears, Flotations, and Necropsies
- Radiographs and Personal Safety
- Radiographic Positioning
Pain Recognition, Emergency Care, and Dentistry
- Pain Recognition and Emergency Care
- Dentistry: Charting, Tooth Disease, and Dental Care
External Parasites and Surgery
- External Parasites: Fleas, Ticks, Mites, and More
- Parasites of the Gastrointestinal Tract and Heart
- Poisonings in Pets
- Surgery 1: Preparing the Patient
- Surgery 2: Your Role During and After
Understanding Animal Behavior and Job Search
- Understanding Animal Behavior
- The Job Search and Future Opportunities
About Your Instructor
Jeff Grognet has been a companion animal veterinarian for 25 years and is a pioneer in the field of veterinary assistant teaching. He has developed courses in veterinary receptionist/assistant training, pet first aid, and alternative medical therapies for companion animals. He practices at a veterinary hospital and contributes regularly to several magazines.