Program Overview
The Veterinary Assistant program at Madison College equips students with the knowledge and skills to care for animals in professional settings. The program covers veterinary medical terminology, animal anatomy and physiology, and safe animal handling. Graduates can pursue employment in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and other settings within the veterinary healthcare industry. Upon completion of the associate degree, students can continue their education in the Veterinary Technician program and become certified Veterinary Technicians.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Veterinary Assistant program at Madison College is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to care for animals in various professional settings. The program prepares students to support veterinarians and veterinary technicians by performing essential tasks such as cleaning enclosures, feeding, weighing, bathing, taking temperatures, restraining animals during treatment, and administering medications.
Objectives:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of veterinary medical terminology, disease causes and symptoms, animal anatomy and physiology, and safe animal handling.
- Develop proficiency in administering medications, collecting blood samples from various species, assisting in surgeries, and performing office duties such as record-keeping.
- Enhance communication skills to effectively educate and support clients.
- Cultivate a strong foundation in animal care and nursing techniques through hands-on experience in a clinical setting.
Outline:
Pre-Program:
- 10-806-105 Principles of Animal Biology (4 credits)
First Semester:
- 10-091-102 Intro to Veterinary Office Preparations and Procedures (2 credits)
- 10-091-107 Animal Disease 1 (2 credits)
- 10-091-140 Animal Anatomy & Physiology 1 (3 credits)
- 10-091-170 Veterinary Medical Terminology (2 credits)
- 10-091-171 Animal Care and Management 1 (3 credits)
Second Semester:
- 10-091-108 Animal Disease 2 (2 credits)
- 10-091-109 Pharmacology 1 - Animals (2 credits)
- 10-091-123 Lab Animal Science 1 (2 credits)
- 10-091-134 Veterinary Assistant and Technician Preparation for Surgery (1 credit)
- 10-091-137 Veterinary Clinic Work Experience 1 (2 credits)
Careers:
Career Paths and Opportunities:
Graduates of the Veterinary Assistant program can pursue employment in various settings within the veterinary healthcare industry, including:
- Veterinary clinics
- Animal shelters
- Pet stores
- Doggy daycare facilities
- Boarding facilities
Program Completion Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the Veterinary Assistant program, graduates will have the qualifications to advance their careers in the veterinary healthcare field. Additionally, students who complete the associate degree can continue their education in the Veterinary Technician 2-year program and become certified Veterinary Technicians after passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).