Veterinary Support Assistant

Course details

Many people aspire to work with animals, but it can be difficult to distinguish the reality from the fluffy image. This course gives a firm grounding in reality, with essential skills such as animal handling and restraint, pet psychology and recognizing pain, and working as part of a veterinary team - as well as an understanding of technical terms, anatomy and physiology, and first aid.

The Veterinary Support Assistant

The Veterinary Support Assistant (VSA) is a highly capable member of the veterinary team, trained informally within the practice. A VSA is responsible for many crucial jobs within the clinic, such as ensuring good hygiene and sterility, handling animals, and interfacing with clients. Many VSAs use the opportunity to gain valuable experience and go on to qualify as Vet Technicians.

This course is of benefit to anyone with an interest in animal health, working with animals, or wondering if a career in the veterinary environment is right for them. It includes an overview of how veterinary practice works, health and safety, basic anatomy and physiology, animal handling techniques, first aid, and coping with emergency situations as well as emotional issues such as euthanasia.

Learn Core Skills Such As:

Anybody who comes into regular contact with animals be that in a kennel, rescue center, or a vet clinic, benefits from learning and understanding key aspects such as:
Veterinary terminology
Handling dogs, cats, small mammals, and exotics
Animal psychology - interpreting signs of stress or pain
Handling the fractious animal safely
How to gently restrain animals for minor procedures
The importance of disinfection and disease control
Monitoring inpatients, such as taking vital signs and record keeping

Basic animal anatomy and physiology

Health and Safety regulations
Feeding animals - both healthy and sick
The Role of VSA within Veterinary Practice:
When you are in an unfamiliar environment, a veterinary practice can seem a busy, confusing, and intimidating place. The course equips you with information to help you find your feet quickly and make the most of the experience.
The structure of veterinary practice
Different roles within the veterinary team
Confidentiality and professionalism
How to learn on the job
People skills such as dealing with anxious clients and booking appointments
Understanding common procedures
Be familiar with commonly used equipment

The Emotional Side

Pets are family members, and when faced with a hard decision in the best interests of their pet's welfare, many owners become very emotional. The course helps you understand how to deal with this distress, what to expect when a pet is euthanized, and the practicalities involved afterwards.

Handling Emergencies

There may be occasions when you are faced with a pet in urgent need for emergency treatment. The course teaches you how to act whilst waiting for help to arrive
Assessing the patient
The principles of resuscitation
Emergency stabilisation of haemorrhage, breathing difficulties, fractures etc.

First aid

Your role during an emergency
Working with animals is a hugely rewarding career. Whether you aspire to work in veterinary practice or at a shelter, or wish to investigate the commitment involved, this course gives a sound grounding in the core skills involved. Updated on 06 February, 2023