Program Overview

Online Veterinary Assistant Training

The online Veterinary Assistant course is designed for individuals who are passionate about animal care and wish to pursue a career in veterinary assisting. This comprehensive course covers various aspects of veterinary assisting, including anatomy and physiology, emergency care, small and large animal assistance, exotic species, veterinary dentistry, human-animal bond, pharmacy procedures, and more.

Course Objectives

The course objectives include:

• Summarizing the roles, responsibilities, and applicable laws and ethics as they pertain to the veterinary healthcare team
• Discussing the fundamentals of animal anatomy and physiology, restraint techniques, and basic examination tasks relevant to veterinary assisting, using proper terminology
• Explaining how to perform veterinary assistant pharmacy tasks within the law's scope and discussing vaccinations, infectious diseases, transmission, and prevention
• Describing how to respond appropriately to veterinary medical emergencies, surgeries, and various laboratory procedures
• Understanding 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.

Instructor

The course instructor is Tracy Heyland, RVT, a Registered Veterinary Technologist with 25+ years of experience in small animal medicine. She 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.

Job Outlook for Veterinary Assistants

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), veterinary assistants earn a median salary of around $34,740, 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.

Veterinary Assistant FAQs

• 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.
• 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.

Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Wesleyan University is an inclusive community grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and dedicated to scholarship, service, lifelong learning, and environmental stewardship. The university inspires students to build meaningful lives through engagement in Coastal Virginia's dynamic metropolitan region, the nation, and the world.