This online course will prepare you to become a productive member of a veterinary team.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 8 or later.
• Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:

• Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant, by Teresa Sonsthagen

Please Note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.

Do you love animals? Have you ever thought about a career as a veterinary assistant? This intensive course will provide the information you need to become a productive member of a veterinary team. The course is designed for people who want to work as veterinary assistants at veterinary hospitals and for those already employed in related positions. Upon completion of the course, you will also have the opportunity to gain access to an Externship Starter Kit.

Are you looking for veterinary assistant schools near you? The course covers all the requirements that hospitals and veterinarians' offices look for, and more! You'll learn about every aspect of veterinary assisting, including anatomy and physiology, animal restraint, laboratory sample collection, assisting in surgery and dentistry, prescription preparation, and taking radiographs.

You'll also learn how to interact professionally with clients and gain the expertise you need to educate them about key topics in pet care, such as nutrition, vaccinations, and administering medication. The course concludes with a lesson to prepare you for the job market, in which you'll see how to create an effective resume, advance your expertise, and develop strong interview skills. You will truly learn everything you need to know to be successful in your new career.

Disclaimer: To qualify for the externship applications process, students must successfully complete the online course content and have account balances up to date (at a minimum). Going through the externship application process does not guarantee an externship. COVID may be affecting the externship process or site availability in your area. Students can begin researching the steps of the application process 2 weeks prior to completing courses.

1. Getting Started file
2. Welcome to the Veterinary Hospital file
3. Getting Ready for Your First Visit file
4. Physiology and Anatomy 1: Directional Signs and the Skeletal System file
5. Physiology and Anatomy 2: The Nervous System, Endocrine System, and Muscles and Joints file
6. Physiology and Anatomy 3: The Circulatory and Respiratory Systems file
7. Physiology and Anatomy 4: The Digestive System, Urogenital System, Liver, and Spleen file
8. Front Office Duties: Records, Confidentiality, and Client Relations file
9. More Front Office Tips, and Determining Age and Gender of Kittens and Puppies file
10. Canine Restraint file
11. Feline and Exotic Restraint file
12. The Physical Examination: Procedures, Restraint, and Vital Signs file
13. Everyday Procedures for the Veterinary Assistant file
14. Workplace Hazards and Infection Control file
15. The Reproductive Cycle and Sterilization Procedures file
16. Vaccinology file
17. Nutrition Basics and Prescription Foods file
18. Prescriptions: Preparing and Calculating Doses file
19. Prescriptions: Types of Medications and What They Do file
20. Giving Medications file
21. The Euthanasia Process file
22. Taking Blood Samples file
23. Interpreting Blood Tests and Handling Blood file
24. Urine Collection, Handling, and Interpretation file
25. Tests: Serology, Scrapings, Smears, Flotations, and Necropsies file
26. Radiographs and Personal Safety file
27. Radiographic Positioning file
28. Pain Recognition and Emergency Care file
29. Dentistry: Charting, Tooth Disease, and Dental Care file
30. External Parasites: Fleas, Ticks, Mites, and More file
31. Parasites of the Gastrointestinal Tract and Heart file
32. Poisonings in Pets file
33. Surgery 1: Preparing the Patient file
34. Surgery 2: Your Role During and After file
35. Understanding Animal Behavior file
36. The Job Search and Future Opportunities file

What you will learn

• The anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems.
• How to handle medical records and communicate with clients and coworkers.
• How to restrain animals for procedures, take vital signs, and bathe them.
• All about nutrition, vaccinations, and administering medication.
• How to assist during surgery and dental procedures.
• Preparation of prescriptions and taking blood samples and radiographs.

How you will benefit

• Upon passing this course, you will have the knowledge to be a valued team member in a veterinary hospital.
• You will be able to use your instructor as a professional reference.
• Assistance from our Externship Coordinator and access to our Externship Starter Kit.

Jeff Grognet has been a companion animal veterinarian for 25 years. He was a pioneer in the field of veterinary assistant teaching, developing his first course more than 18 years ago. Due to the success of his veterinary receptionist/assistant courses, he expanded his teaching into other high-demand areas including pet first aid and alternative medical therapies for companion animals. He practices at a veterinary hospital and contributes regularly to several magazines.