In just six months, this online veterinary assistant program teaches you every aspect
of veterinary assisting, including anatomy and physiology, animal restraint, laboratory
procedures, emergency care, small and large animal assisting, exotic species, veterinary
dentistry, the human-animal bond, pharmacy procedures, and more.
You will also learn soft skills to help you interact professionally with clients while
gaining hard skills needed to educate them about key topics in pet care, such as nutrition,
vaccinations, and administering medication.
There is even a lesson to prepare you for the job market, in which you will see how
to create an effective resume, advance your expertise, and develop strong interview
skills!
Job Outlook for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists
With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that the employment of veterinary
assistants will grow 19% by 2033, with an average of 25,800 job openings each year,
now is a great time to enroll in an online vet assistant program.
FAQs
What does a veterinary assistant do?
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. They are the backbone
of the veterinary team, contributing to the welfare of animals and the clinic's efficiency.
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.
Course Objectives
Course Objectives
Summarize the roles, responsibilities, and applicable laws and ethics as they pertain
to the veterinary healthcare team
Discuss the fundamentals of animal anatomy and physiology, restraint techniques, and
basic examination tasks relevant to veterinary assisting, using proper terminology
Explain how to perform veterinary assistant pharmacy tasks within the law's scope
and discuss vaccinations, infectious diseases, transmission, and prevention.
Describe how to respond appropriately to veterinary medical emergencies, surgeries,
and various laboratory procedures
Understand how to perform the veterinary assistant’s responsibilities related to veterinary
dentistry
Curriculum
PREREQUISITIES AND REQUIREMENTS There are no prerequisites to take this course.
Instructors
Tracy Heyland, RVT
Tracy Heyland is a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT), earning the Academic
and Practical Proficiency Award upon graduating. She brings 25+ years of experience
in small animal medicine to her teaching, earned the Provincial Instructor Diploma,
is certified as a Professional Co-Active Coach, and is Fear Free Certified. Tracy
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.
Mary Mould
Mary Mould has a bachelor's in veterinary technology and a master's in education.
She has taught veterinary technology courses for 22 years and distance education for
over 24 years. Completing her education through distance learning has been extremely
helpful in understanding her students and the variables that go along with distance
learning.
Mary is a member of the Association for Veterinary Technology Education (AVTE), Veterinary
Support Personnel (VSPN), and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians (NAVTA).
