Veterinary Assistant
Become a Veterinary Assistant with at-home training from Penn Foster Workforce Development.
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...
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Instruction Set 1
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.
Instruction Set 2
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.
DVD: Handling and Restraint
Instruction Set 3
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.
Supplement: Your Guide to Medical Terminology (online only)
Instruction Set 4
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.
Learning Aid: Anatomy Charts
Instruction Set 5
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.
DVD: Physical Examination and Bandage Care
Instruction Set 6
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.
Instruction Set 7
Clinical Parasitology
Types of parasites; ectoparasites and endoparasites; testing for parasites.
Small and Large Animal Nursing, Parts 1 & 2
Administering oral medications; assisting with the administration of injections; nursing newborns; geriatric care.
Veterinary Pharmacology
Introduction to veterinary pharmacology; techniques of drug administration; types of drugs.
DVD: Small Animal Nursing
Instruction Set 8
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.
DVD: Radiology, Anesthetic, and Surgical Preparation
Instruction Set 9
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.
Supplements:
• Work Experience Option (online only)
• Successful Job Seeking (online only)
You must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED to enroll in this program.
We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.
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