Veterinary Assistant

Course details

Working as a veterinary assistant is a rewarding career choice for those who have a genuine concern for the welfare of animals. Stratford's course can help you turn your passion into a fulfilling career as a veterinary assistant.

Students can learn more about a number of veterinary assistant duties and jobs related to caring for a wide variety of animals ranging from small and large animals to exotic pets and wild animals. Human relations for the veterinary assistant, medical terminology, and veterinary technology are also covered.

Veterinary Assistant Course Outline

Veterinary Assistant Module 1

Studies in Human Relations for Veterinary Assistants

• Human Relations Defined
• Foundations of Human Behavior
• The Process of Socialization
• Social Issues in the Workplace
• Attitudes for Human Relations Success
• Stress and Frustration
• Common Errors of Workplace Social Interaction

Veterinary Assistant Module 2

The Veterinary Assistant Career and Medical Terminology

• A Career as an Animal Caretaker Specialist
• Your Role on the Veterinary Team
• The History of Veterinary Medicine
• Understanding Veterinary Terminology
• Body Structure and Organization 
• Essential Life Support: The Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems 
• Processing Nutrients and Waste: The Digestive and Urinary Systems 
• Structure, Movement, and Support: The Musculoskeletal System and Skin 
• Perception and Coordination: The Nervous and Sensory Systems 
• Survival of the Species: The Reproductive System 
• Terms Used in Pharmacology 

Veterinary Assistant Module 3

Animal Anatomy and Physiology

• Introduction to Animal Anatomy and Physiology
• The Skin and Accessory Structures 
• The Musculoskeletal System 
• The Cardiovascular System and the Blood 
• The Lymphatic, Respiratory and Digestive Systems
• The Urinary and Reproductive Systems
• The Nervous and Sensory Systems 
• The Endocrine System

Veterinary Assistant Module 4

Animal Communication, Behavior, and Restraint

• Introduction to Domestic Animal Behavior, Communication, and Restraint
• The Handling and Restraint of Domestic Animals
• Neighs, Purrs, Barks, and Bleats: How Animals Communicate
• Signs of Aggression
• Handling and Restraint Techniques of Dogs, Cats, Horses, Cattle, Swine, Sheep, and Goats

Veterinary Assistant Module 5

Veterinary Assistant Tasks in Small Animal Practice

• Communication and Client Relations
• Office Procedures
• Medical Recordkeeping
• Routine Animal Care
• Common Diseases and Conditions of Cats and Dogs
• Small Animal Nursing
• Surgical Preparation and Assisting
• Pharmacy and Pharmacology
• Laboratory Procedures and Recordkeeping
• Radiology and Ultrasound Imaging
• Equipment and Facility Maintenance and Safety

Veterinary Assistant Module 6

Veterinary Assistant Tasks in Large Animal Practice

• Large Animal Practice of Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Goats, and Swine
• Large Animal Clinical Examinations
• Emergency and Critical Care

Veterinary Assistant Module 7

Veterinary Assistant Tasks in Exotic Pets and Wild Animals

• What Are Exotic Pets?
• Overview of Reptiles and Amphibians
• Snakes, Ferrets, Rabbits, and Guinea Pigs
• General Guidelines for the Capture and Handling of Wild Animals
• Wildlife Care
• Small Wild Mammals
• Large Rodents
• Wild Canines, Wild Cats
• Bears
• Hoofed Animals