CERTIFICATE OF TECHNICAL STUDIES PROGRAM
SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES - SCHOOL OF 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 and exhibit appropriate professioanl conduct (SLO #1)
- Recoginize workplace saftey procedures (SLO #2)
- Perform inventory procedures and basic office clerical duties (SLO #3)
- Describe and demonstrate surgery and nursing skills for veterinary care for a variety of species to include restraint, nail trim, husbandry, nutrition, disinfection, TPR assessment, patient prep, sterility, and ear cleaning (SLO #4)
- Perform basic lab and radiology procedures to include sample collection, restraining animals, and setting up various veterinary tests (SLO #5)
- Perform pharmacy tasks such as labeling, storing, handling, and administering oral medication; and conducting inventory of drugs and vaccines (SLO #6)
