What is Veterinary Assistant Training?

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To be an effective Veterinary Assistant, you need to understand animal anatomy and physiology, how to handle different types of animals, and how to properly assist the veterinarian. A training program will teach you the basics and introduce you to the furry friends you might encounter on the job.

What Will I Learn in a Vet Assistant Program?

Under the guidance of professionals from the field, you participate in classroom lessons and hands-on assignments in a lab. Some of the important topics that should be covered include:

Anatomy and Physiology

You need to know some basics about animal anatomy and physiology, including the diseases and health problems that can plague the cardiovascular, digestive, and nervous systems of small animals.

Medical Terminology

Like other medical fields, veterinary science has its own language to identify the diseases, treatments, and medicines that are used. Many of the words will seem like a foreign language when you first hear them—and they kind of are since they often come from Latin roots—but when you hear them enough, they’ll become second nature.

Surgical Assisting and Treatment

Learn how to assist the vet during surgery and how to take X-rays of small animals. Your instructor will also coach you on how to nurse animals during treatment and how to perform emergency care.

Pharmacology and Toxicology

It’s important to understand how medicine is accurately calculated and dosed for small animals. You also need to learn what medications are safe for animals and what drugs may be considered harmful or poisonous.

Preventative Care

As a Veterinary Assistant, part of your job will be to explain to pet owners how to keep their four-legged family members healthy. You need to know the best practices for preventative care including nutrition, bathing, grooming, and vaccines.

Fear Free Certification

Some programs provide Fear Free Certification. This complementary training program teaches you how to put anxious pets at ease when they visit the vet.

What You Can Expect from a Veterinary Assistant Career

People love their pets and want them to receive the best care. Because of this, the demand for veterinary assistants is high and will continue to grow over the next decade. With Veterinary Assistant training, you can qualify for entry-level jobs in animal hospitals, clinics, private veterinarian offices, and research labs. Training can help you stand out from other candidates and shows that you have the confidence and skills to get the job done. When you start your first position, you can expect to perform basic duties such as bathing and grooming, handling animals during an exam, cleaning cages and kennels, and collecting blood and urine samples.

Are you ready to start on the path to a rewarding career as a Veterinary Assistant? Contact Charter College today. We offer a Certificate in Veterinary Assistant that includes a 180-hour externship and Fear Free Training at no extra cost. Classes are enrolling now. Call 888-200-9842 or fill out the form to learn more.

888.200.9942