Online Courses and Classes for Veterinary Assistants

If you've always wanted to work in a veterinary clinic but lacked the training, online courses or classes for veterinary assistants can prepare you for a career in this field. Topics in veterinary assistant courses include veterinary office practices, veterinary medical terminology, assisting with surgical procedures and recognizing illnesses. Online veterinary courses can result in a certificate and can prepare students for future study in advanced degree programs.

Online Courses and Classes for Veterinary Assistants

Online courses and classes for veterinary assistants are offered at many colleges and universities. Although veterinary assistant courses are offered online, most are hybrid courses, so only the classroom sessions can be completed online.
Students enrolled in veterinary assistant courses online can earn veterinarian assistant certificates or may expand their education and pursue degrees, such as Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Veterinary Technology or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Veterinary Technology. Veterinary assistants can find career opportunities in animal hospitals, veterinary clinics or animal shelters. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports veterinary assistant employment is expected to grow up to 21% between the years of 2008 and 2018 (www.bls.gov).

Online Course Requirements

While enrolled in online veterinary courses or classes, students will need a computer with high-speed Internet access, a Web browser and an e-mail address.
Students may be required to be online at specific times to participate in Web conferencing, lectures, student interaction, and turn in assignments or tests. Upon completion of the classroom part of the veterinary assistant course, students are required to complete their lab work in an veterinary clinic or animal hospital with a licensed veterinarian.

Online Veterinary Assistant Courses

Veterinary Technology Introduction Course

Topics in this course include roles and responsibilities of the veterinarian assistant, medical terminology, veterinary assistant certification, laws for veterinary technicians and occupational hazards. Students are also introduced to the history of veterinary technology.

Basic Anatomy for Veterinary Technicians Course

An introduction to the major body systems, particularly the main domesticated species is provided in this course. Students learn to create a mental image of an animal to assist in positioning the animal for diagnostic procedures and treatment. Emphasis is placed on identifying anatomical structures on models or skeletons.

Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians Course

This course teaches students the principles of pharmacology as they apply to the practice of veterinary technician. Topics include medical terminology, how medications work, dosage calculations, and possible side effects of commonly used veterinary drugs. Students learn to handle and store pharmaceuticals, monitor in-hospital animals and recognize drug reactions.

Veterinary Assistant Course

Students learn the duties of a veterinary assistant, including caring for ill animals and assisting veterinarians in office or clinic. The administrative duties of the veterinary assistant, such as bill collection, accounts payable, banking and dealing with pet insurance are also addressed.

Veterinary Administration and Practice

This course teaches students the administrative role of veterinary staff, including understanding procedures regarding safety and cleanliness, processing mail, and monitoring supplies and inventory. Other topics include interacting with customers and their animals, assisting vets with examinations and recognizing symptoms of disease and illness.

Animal Nursing Course

Working with animals requires specialized skill and knowledge, which students will develop with this course. Students learn effective and safe methods of restraining animals for examinations, medication administrations, ear cleanings, basic grooming and other minor procedures.