Online Veterinary Assistant Training

Become a Veterinary Assistant

Are you an animal lover with a desire to make a meaningful impact in the world of veterinary care? Our online Veterinary Assistant course is your gateway to turning that passion into a rewarding career.

This comprehensive course covers every aspect of veterinary assisting, from anatomy and physiology to emergency care, small and large animal assistance, exotic species, veterinary dentistry, human-animal bond, pharmacy procedures, and more.

Our curriculum equips you with technical expertise and emphasizes the importance of professional-client interaction and education, ensuring you become a well-rounded and effective professional.

The veterinary assistant training course concludes with a tailored lesson on entering the job market, where you will learn to craft an effective resume, enhance your expertise, and develop strong interview skills. Enroll today and step into a world where your passion transforms into expertise!

Job Outlook for Veterinary Assistant

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), veterinary assistants earn a median salary of around $34,740 (as of May 2022), 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 (3%).

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. They are the backbone of the veterinary team, contributing to the overall welfare of animals and the efficiency of the clinic.

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

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

Prerequisites and Requirements

No prior requirements are necessary for enrollment. While a high school diploma or its equivalent is advised, it is not obligatory.

Curriculum

GETTING STARTED
WELCOME TO THE VETERINARY HOSPITAL
GETTING READY FOR YOUR FIRST VISIT
PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY 1: DIRECTIONAL SIGNS AND THE SKELETAL SYSTEM
PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY 2: THE NERVOUS SYSTEM, ENDOCRINE SYSTEM, AND MUSCLES AND JOINTS
PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY 3: THE CIRCULATORY AND RESPIRATORY SYSTEMS
PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY 4: 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
CANINE RESTRAINT
FELINE AND EXOTIC RESTRAINT
THE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: PROCEDURES, RESTRAINT, AND VITAL SIGNS
EVERYDAY PROCEDURES FOR THE VETERINARY ASSISTANT
WORKPLACE HAZARDS AND INFECTION CONTROL
THE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE AND STERILIZATION PROCEDURES
VACCINOLOGY
NUTRITION BASICS AND PRESCRIPTION FOODS

PRESCRIPTIONS: PREPARING AND CALCULATING DOSES
PRESCRIPTIONS: TYPES OF MEDICATIONS AND WHAT THEY DO
GIVING MEDICATIONS
THE EUTHANASIA PROCESS
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 AND EMERGENCY CARE
DENTISTRY: CHARTING, TOOTH DISEASE, AND DENTAL CARE
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
THE JOB SEARCH AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

GETTING STARTED
WELCOME TO THE VETERINARY HOSPITAL
GETTING READY FOR YOUR FIRST VISIT
PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY 1: DIRECTIONAL SIGNS AND THE SKELETAL SYSTEM
PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY 2: THE NERVOUS SYSTEM, ENDOCRINE SYSTEM, AND MUSCLES AND JOINTS
PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY 3: THE CIRCULATORY AND RESPIRATORY SYSTEMS
PHYSIOLOGY AND ANATOMY 4: 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
CANINE RESTRAINT
FELINE AND EXOTIC RESTRAINT
THE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: PROCEDURES, RESTRAINT, AND VITAL SIGNS
EVERYDAY PROCEDURES FOR THE VETERINARY ASSISTANT
WORKPLACE HAZARDS AND INFECTION CONTROL
THE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE AND STERILIZATION PROCEDURES
VACCINOLOGY
NUTRITION BASICS AND PRESCRIPTION FOODS
PRESCRIPTIONS: PREPARING AND CALCULATING DOSES
PRESCRIPTIONS: TYPES OF MEDICATIONS AND WHAT THEY DO
GIVING MEDICATIONS
THE EUTHANASIA PROCESS
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 AND EMERGENCY CARE
DENTISTRY: CHARTING, TOOTH DISEASE, AND DENTAL CARE
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
THE JOB SEARCH AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

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.

Giving back to the veterinary profession is a passion of Tracy’s where she volunteers for a veterinary technologist program advisory committee, remotely located spay and neuter projects, and a veterinary technologist association continuing education committee.

Registration and Enrollment

This course is open enrollment. You can enroll and begin anytime.