CERTIFICATE OF TECHNICAL STUDIES PROGRAM
DIVISION: ALLIED HEALTH
A veterinary assistant is a veterinary professional whose main duty is to assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with duties including: restraining animals, processing lab work, sterilizing equipment, kennel work, clerical duties, filing prescriptions, handling specimen samples, assisting with taking radiographs, educating pet owners (clients), and researching records regarding vaccines or other medications. Students will be instructed on proper techniques to perform all of the skills referenced plus any additional skills appropriate for a veterinary assistant. As a graduate of the certificate program, students will be prepared for entry-level positions in veterinary hospitals, including specialty hospitals.
A proficient veterinary assistant can greatly ease the burdens and stresses on veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Having a trained veterinary assistant can free up the veterinarian and technician to complete skills only those professionals are legally allowed to perform and leave the less complicated tasks to the veterinary assistants. Veterinary assistants are an important part of the veterinary health care team.
This program will help prepare graduates to take the NAVTA Approved Veterinary Assistant Exam (AVA) once it is designated a NAVTA approved training program.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the Veterinary Assistant Certificate of Technical Studies program, the learner will be able to:
- Communicate effectively, exhibit appropriate professional conduct, and perform basic office clerical duties (SLO #1)
- Describe and demonstrate nursing skills for veterinary care for a variety of species to include restraint, nail trims, TPR assessment, breed identification, and ear cleaning (SLO #2)
- Complete basic lab procedures to include sample collection and setting up various veterinary tests (SLO #3)
- Describe basic surgery procedures including maintaining sterility, patient prep, and cleaning instruments/equipment (SLO #4)
- Perform basic radiology procedures and assist in restraining animals (SLO #5)
- Recognize workplace safety procedures including zoonotic disease and basic inventory procedures (SLO #6)
- Complete pharmacy tasks such as labeling, storing, handling, giving oral medications, and completing inventory of drugs and vaccines (SLO #7)
- Describe and discuss animal husbandry and nutrition requirements (SLO #8)
- Explain basic kennel techniques such as sanitation and disinfections, housing, and feeding requirements for different species (SLO #9)
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