The Veterinary Healthcare Team
Identify the roles, responsibilities, laws, and ethics as they relate to each member of the veterinary healthcare team.
Veterinary Team Culture and Communication
Identify soft skills and communication strategies necessary to work effectively with clients and team members.
Introduction to Veterinary Medical Terminology
Demonstrate appropriate use of medical terminology and abbreviations including anatomical terms.
Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology (Part I)
Discuss the fundamentals of animal anatomy and physiology, specifically skin, the skeletal system, the muscular system, the digestive system, the urinary system, and the reproductive system.
Small-Animal Behavior and Restraint
Explain how to perform restraint techniques for small animals depending on the species, type of procedure, and animal behavior.
Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology (Part II)
Discuss the fundamentals of animal anatomy and physiology, specifically the cardiovascular system, the endocrine system, the brain and spinal cord, the auditory system, and the visual system.
Veterinary Receptionist Duties and Responsibilities
Explain how to perform office and hospital administration tasks.
Veterinary Inventory Management
Explain inventory management in the veterinary facility, especially the pharmacy.
Pharmacy Procedures
Describe how to perform pharmacy tasks within the scope of the law and what is allowable for veterinary assistants.
Hospital Safety and Infection Control
Explain proper cleaning and disinfection procedures that prevent injury and disease transmission.
Physical Exam and Patient History
Explain the tasks performed by a veterinary assistant during the physical examination and how to take a patient history.
Small-Animal Vaccines and Infectious Diseases
Discuss infectious diseases, transmission, prevention, and the role that vaccines play in animal health and safety.
Small-Animal Nutrition
Describe the basic nutritional needs of small animals.
Small-Animal Nursing Procedures
Explain small-animal nursing, grooming, and care procedures that are performed by veterinary assistants.
The Human–Animal Bond and Euthanasia
Discuss the bond between humans and animals, the euthanasia process, and grief.
Midterm Exam
Laboratory Procedures for Veterinary Assistants
Explain how to perform the laboratory procedures that a veterinary assistant is allowed to perform in their role based on laws and ethics.
Diagnostic Imaging for Veterinary Assistants
Explain how to provide patient restraint, preparation, and positioning to assist the veterinarian and veterinary technician during diagnostic radiography.
Small-Animal Surgical Assisting
Explain how to assist in tasks before, during, and after small-animal surgical procedures.
Hospitalized Patient Care
Explain how to provide care for hospitalized patients, including cleaning, disinfection, and avoiding disease transmission.
The Role of the Assistant During Emergencies
Describe how to respond appropriately to veterinary medical emergencies.
Veterinary Dental Assisting
Explain how a veterinary assistant can help and support the veterinary healthcare team while providing dental care to patients.
Assisting with Exotic Species
Explain how veterinary assistants can help provide care to exotic animal species including birds, rabbits, pocket pets, reptiles, and other exotic pets.
Assisting with Large-Animal Species
Explain how veterinary assistants can help provide care to large-animal species, including horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and swine.
Personal and Professional Development
Describe the importance of personal and professional development in obtaining and keeping a good job, and how to handle common mental health challenges that veterinary assistants face.
Beginning Your Career as a Vet Assistant
Prepare for your job search by creating the tools you'll need (resume, cover letter, interview preparation) and begin networking and job seeking for your new career.
Final Exam