: Becoming a Veterinary Assistant can be a rewarding career in which you have the potential to make a difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them. This course provides an overview of the history of veterinary medicine and the overall day to day operations in a hospital or clinic setting. You will be introduced to basic skills such as maintaining medical records, pet health care such as grooming and dental practices, and potential diseases that affect animals. The field of veterinary medicine is constantly growing and the job outlook is increasing. By taking our course, you will gain valuable knowledge about the field and its many opportunities!
: This class is an independent-study course. Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.
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Lesson 1
Discover a Career as a Veterinary Assistant Module 1 Chapters 1-2
Becoming a Veterinary Assistant
Module one provides an overview of the history of veterinary medicine as well as standard day to day procedures of a hospital or clinic setting. Some of the procedures involve maintaining medical records and scheduling appointments, as well as roles and responsibilities of the veterinary team. Maintaining patient confidentiality and proper professional communication is critical to a successful career in veterinary medicine.
History of Veterinary Medicine
Careers in Veterinary Offices or Hospitals
Day to Day Office Procedures
Professional Communication
Patient Confidentiality
Discover a Career as a Veterinary Assistant Module 2 Chapters 3-4
Reproduction and Diseases
Module two discusses protection against potential diseases that can affect both animals and people. The best ways to diagnose and treat an infestation of fleas, ticks, heartworms and other parasites will be determined. Also, the basics of cat and dog reproductive anatomy, as well as hormonal cycles, breeding times and sterilization procedures such as spaying and neutering will be discussed.
Disease Treatment and Prevention
Vaccines
Cat and Dog Reproduction
Spaying and Neutering
Anatomy and Hormone Cycles
Discover a Career as a Veterinary Assistant Module 3 Chapters 5-6
Euthanasia and Assisting Procedures
Deciding the right time to euthanize an animal is one of the hardest things can owner can potentially face. Module three will examine the delicate subjects of euthanasia, death of a pet and the stages of grief people experience after the loss. We will also explain the correct methods for performing a physical examination, grooming, dental care and administration of injections and fluids.
Death of a Pet and Stages of Grief
Euthanasia
Veterinary Assisting Procedures
The Physical Examination
Injections and Fluid Administration
Discover a Career as a Veterinary Assistant Module 4 Chapters 7-8
Hospital Procedures and Animal Behaviors
Module four will review proper laboratory, pharmacy and radiology procedures as well as surgeries and emergency pet care. Performing CPR, filling prescriptions and educating owners on medication use are all important topics that are covered. An overview of animal behaviors, what is learned and instinctive and training tips for the pet owner are provided.
Laboratory, Pharmacy and Radiology Procedures
Pet Surgery
Emergency Situations
Learned and Instinctive Behaviors
Animal Training Tips
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