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.
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.
What does a veterinary assistant do?
The number one job of a veterinary assistant is to assist the veterinarian and veterinarian technicians with basic tasks. As a veterinary assistant, you may feed, weigh and take the temperature of various animals. You may also help give medication, clean cages, and provide nursing care for animals when they have surgery or other medical procedures. You may also bathe and exercise animals as needed and help restrain them during treatment. As a veterinary assistant, it is also your responsibility to clean and sterilize equipment and exam rooms. Some veterinary assistants even perform clerical work such as scheduling appointments and speaking with customers as well. The duties vary widely, but all are important to ensuring the health and well-being of animals inside the veterinary practice.
How to become a veterinary assistant?
The typical career path for a veterinary assistant involves earning a high school diploma or GED, enrolling in a certificate course, learning the specifics of the job, and gaining skills that will help you in your new role. After earning a certificate of completion, you will be prepared to begin work as a veterinary assistant.
How much do veterinary assistants make?
According to Indeed.com, the average salary for veterinary assistants is $31,904, with those who have more than 10 years of experience earning over $37,000.
How long does it take to become a veterinary assistant?
This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start whenever you are ready and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive six months to complete the course.
What is the difference between a veterinary assistant and a veterinary technician?
While the people in both these jobs may work in the same location (and potentially with the same animals), they perform very different roles. Veterinary assistants most likely have received training through a certificate program and training on the job by veterinary technicians to help with basic duties like setting up equipment and cleaning areas of the clinic like surgery sites. Veterinary technicians, or vet techs, have a formal education—likely a two- or four-year degree accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. They are also required to pass a licensing exam in most states. In short, veterinary technicians can perform more advanced clinical tasks under a veterinarian's supervision to help treat animals.
Do I need to obtain certification to work as a veterinary assistant?
No, you do not need to obtain certification to work as a veterinary assistant. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there is no required credentialing exam for veterinary assistants.
Does this course provide a veterinary assistant certification?
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America has a certification course that began in 2012. Currently, this requires attending a college that also has a veterinary technician certification course. Once NAVTA creates a way for online courses to lead to certification, we will be exploring this avenue.
Can I register for a course if I am an international student?
Yes, ed2go courses are completely online. However, keep in mind that not all certifying bodies or industry-specific certifications are recognized internationally. Please review your country's regulations prior to enrolling in courses that prepare for certification.
When can I start the course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
How long does it take to complete this course?
This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive six (6) months to complete the course.
What if I don't have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
What kind of support will I receive?
The course instructor will be available by email to answer any questions and provide feedback on your performance. Occasionally, your course may be supported by a team of industry experts. You will also receive support from the student advising team.
What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
Am I guaranteed a job?
This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
Can I get financial assistance?
This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.
How can I get more information about this course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.
I loved that I could do my classes any time of the day...being a military spouse I don't have a lot of free time, most of the time! I wouldn't change anything! I loved it and was satisfied with everything!!
- C.S., Fayetteville Technical Community College
I very much enjoyed this course and feel that I am walking away with a wealth of knowledge in this career field.
- K.L., Southeast Missouri State University
I loved being able to complete assignments and work at home. I am a single mother of two children and cannot afford to put them in daycare so staying home with them while I completed the course saved a lot of money. I was able to spend much needed time with my girls!
- C.N., Central Carolina Technical College
I really liked the fact that it was all based on my own schedule and I did not feel rushed or stressed about homework assignments or tests.
- B.S., Jackson State Community College
My instructor was wonderful! She checked in to see if everything went the way it should and made sure everyone knew they could ask any questions that they had!
- A.L., Ivy Tech Community College - Bloomington
I like how this program is self-paced and how quickly everything is graded. The facilitator always got back to me in a timely manner and I feel that I learned a lot.
- P.H., Atlantic Cape Community College
Dr. Grognet is an excellent facilitator. The course content was extremely meaningful and relevant because Dr. Grognet authored the learning modules - and he appeared/demonstrated in course videos. The course content and assignments were substantive and challenging. His credentials, professional experiences, and passion for veterinary medicine are inspiring for students. The feedback received from Dr. Grognet was very timely and individualized for the student. He demonstrates professionalism and style. Lastly, the online learning platform was student friendly - ease in navigation and understandability. An excellent with distinction - program and facilitator!
- M.D., Youngstown State University
I really enjoyed the way in which the material was represented. It was fun to learn with the review games and helpful pictures. Also my facilitator was helpful in answering my questions. They answered them quickly and with much description.
- S.K., University of North Dakota