Veterinary Assistant Courses at Penn Foster Career School
Program Name:
Veterinary Assistant
| Learning Strategies |
The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our website; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations. |
| Introduction to Animal Care |
Career opportunities in animal care; certification; animal care skills. |
| Behavior |
Types of animal behavior; role of the Veterinary Assistant in behavior counseling; common animal behavior problems. |
| Handling and Restraint |
Handling and restraint of dogs, cats, birds, horses, and other animals; transporting animals. |
| Introduction to Veterinary Terminology |
Anatomical and veterinary procedure terminology; metric terms and abbreviations. |
| Animal Skeletal and Muscular Systems |
Anatomy and physiology overview; skeletal system structure and function; joints; muscular system structure and function; muscle groups and muscle physiology; skeletal muscle functions. |
| Integumentary, Circulatory, and Respiratory Systems |
Integumentary system structures; the cardiovascular system; blood and other bodily fluids; the lymphatic system; respiratory system structure and processes. |
| Digestive, Reproductive, and Urinary Systems |
The digestive system; accessory digestive organs; the reproductive systems; the urinary system. |
| Nervous System, Sensory Organs, and Endocrine System |
The nervous system; the sensory organs; endocrine system. |
| Nutrition |
Nutrients; pet foods; methods of feeding; anorexic animals; dietary management. |
| Genetics, Reproduction, and Aging |
Classification by breeds; reproductive cycles; gestation; aging. |
| Avian and Reptile Anatomy |
Functions of the major body systems; components of avian body systems. |
| History and Physical Examination |
The chart; systems history; observation, palpation, auscultation; client education. |
| Pathology |
Signs of disease; common diseases of animals; prevention; immunity; zoonoses. |
| Immunology |
Vaccination; vaccination schedules; adverse reaction to vaccines. |
| Emergency Care |
Common emergencies; wounds; fractures; exposure; triage; shock; crisis intervention. |
| Wound Care and Management |
Types of wounds; healing; wound care; bandaging techniques; casts and slings. |
| Clinical Parasitology |
Types of parasites; ectoparasites and endoparasites; testing for parasites. |
| Small and Large Animal Nursing, Parts 1 & 2 |
Introduction to veterinary pharmacology; techniques of drug administration; types of drugs. |
| Radiology, Parts 1 & 2 |
Safety; radiography; ultrasonography; caring for equipment. |
| Instrumentation and Principles of Aseptic Technique |
Small and large instruments; surgical packs; cleaning and sterilization; patient preparation. |
| Surgical and Anesthetic Preparation |
The assistant’s role; animal surgery; surgical preparation; assisting with anesthesia administration; post-surgical cleanup. |
| Veterinary Practice and Administration |
Veterinary staff roles; procedure and personnel manuals; facility cleanliness and safety; inventory and supplies; records and logs; admission and discharge; records retrieval and protection; basic filing systems and equipment; screening and processing mail. |
| Interpersonal Communication |
Basic elements of communication; essential personality traits; professional interactions with clients; prejudice, insensitivity, and discrimination; barriers to effective communication; improving your speech; stress and defense mechanisms. |
| General Accounting Practices |
Basic accounting terminology; common accounting systems in veterinary offices; doctors’ fees and fee policies; accepting and declining checks; extending credit on accounts receivable; adjusting or cancelling fees; billing statements and collection letters; deposit slips and bank statements; petty cash; payroll data. |
| Veterinary Practice Procedures |
Practical applications for accounting, interpersonal communications, and office administration skills. |
Program description: Work with animals! The Penn Foster Career School Veterinary Assistant Program can help you make a difference. Your abilities can keep animals healthy, nurse them when ill — even save their lives! Train quickly and conveniently.
Learn how to:
Obtain animal health histories and records.
Provide specialized nursing care.
Assist in surgical procedures.
Wash, feed, and care for animals, and much more.
And you’ll learn it all at home — no classroom needed! You’ll get valuable information about animal-related issues from care and handling to veterinary practice and administration.
Start a rewarding career in a growing field.
Why take a Veterinary Assistant training program? With the right credentials, you can:
Be an important part of a professional veterinary staff.
Work at a veterinary hospital, animal shelter, kennel, or laboratory.
Demand for professional Veterinary Assistants will rise nearly 23% through 2018.* Pet owners increasingly take advantage of veterinary services, spurring employment growth for Veterinary Assistants. That means more opportunity for you!
