Note: if there is no section of this live class available that fits in your schedule, there is a self paced version available to start whenever you are ready to begin! . See the link below. 

https://outschool.com/classes/biology-veterinary-vet-assistant-part-1-of-2-HM5hBxVv?usid=N9rj5Fx8&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link


This course is for learners who are focusing on a career in veterinary medicine. This is part 1 of a 2 semester veterinary assistant course. Semesters will be 14 then 13 weeks and will  meet live twice a week for 50 minutes. No background knowledge is required to join this class.   

The class will follow a flipped classroom model. Students will receive lesson videos and reading assignments in advance of the live meetings and it will be expected that the learner will have completed the material prior to the live meetings. Recap/ Q&A will begin each live meeting, then the rest of the class will be discussion, hands-on, and other collaborative activities. 

The curriculum is designed based on the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) approved veterinary assistant program’s essential skills list. This course is NOT however, affiliated with NAVTA nor does it qualify learners to sit for the NAVTA AVA exam. With that said, there are currently no certification requirements to work as a veterinary assistant. 

The curriculum is a comprehensive look into the subjects that a new veterinary assistant will need to begin their career. This is also a great stepping stone for learners who intend to become veterinary technicians or veterinarians. 

This part 1 course will consist of 2 class meetings weekly with lecture, discussion, and practical hands on skills practice with some required skills. This course will NOT use live animals for practice.  Any hands on animal handling skills must be practiced on stuffed animals. (Suggested models can be provided by the instructor, but any stuffed cat and a medium to large stuffed dog are fine to use. These will be used in both semester 1 and 2.) 

Practical skills will be demonstrated and practiced in class. 

Worksheets, and at home projects will be available in some units but not required to be turned in for grading. There will be a quiz for each unit and a final exam at the end of the course for grades. 

A full syllabus will be available when the course begins and will include reading assignments, assigned videos, projects/practical assignments, and quiz dates. 

Topics in Veterinary Assistant 1 will be: 
Day 1 - Course Introduction 
Day 2 & 3 - Veterinary Terminology 
Day 4 & 5 - Front Desk Etiquette 
Day 6 & 7 - Client Communication and Phone Etiquette 
Day 8 & 9 - Phone Triage 
Day 10 & 11 - Medical Records and Practice Management Software 
Day 12 & 13 - Feline Behavior and Restraint 
Day 14 - Feline Vaccines 
Day 15 & 16 - Canine Behavior and Restraint 
Day 17 - Canine Vaccines 
Day 18 - Legal Issues 
Day 19 - Safety Protocols
Day 20 -24  - Exam Room Etiquette 
Day 25 - Pharmacology 
Day 26 - Dog and Cat Breeds
Day 27 - Exotic Pet Husbandry and Restraint
Day 28 - Review for Final Exam 



Some topics in this course and part two have been discussed in some of our Advanced Vet Science series, however this course will go into more detail or cover different aspects and there will be more practical skills and assessments. 

Grades will be provided. A 70% or higher will be required to take Veterinary / Vet Assistant part 2. 

THIS COURSE DOES NOT PREPARE LEARNERS TO DIAGNOSE OR TREAT ANY ANIMALS. THE INSTRUCTOR WILL NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS SPECIFIC TO YOUR PETS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL VETERINARIAN FOR ADVICE ON YOUR OWN ANIMALS.