Contact Us
Continuing Education
Email: continuing.ed@uwrf.edu
Phone: 715-425-3256
Become a Veterinary Assistant
In just six months, this online veterinary assistant program teaches you every aspect of veterinary assisting, including anatomy and physiology, animal restraint, laboratory procedures, emergency care, small and large animal assisting, exotic species, veterinary dentistry, human-animal bond, pharmacy procedures, and more.
You will also learn soft skills to help you interact professionally with clients while gaining hard skills needed to educate them about key topics in pet care, such as nutrition, vaccinations, and administering medication.
There is even a lesson to prepare you for the job market, in which you will see how to create an effective resume, advance your expertise, and develop strong interview skills!
The University of Wisconsin - River Falls, in partnership with ed2go, offers online programs to help you gain skills for professional-level jobs. These courses are for personal enrichment or professional development and may not be applied toward your degree plan at UW-River Falls.
With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that the employment of veterinary assistants will grow 19% by 2033, with an average of 25,800 job openings each year, now is a great time to enroll in an online vet assistant program.
What does a veterinary assistant do?
Veterinary assistants play a crucial role in supporting veterinarians and ensuring the smooth operation of veterinary clinics. Their responsibilities include restraining animals during exams and procedures, assisting with laboratory tests, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the clinic, administering medications under supervision, and offering comfort and care to both animals and their owners. They are the backbone of the veterinary team, contributing to the welfare of animals and the clinic's efficiency.
What skills are essential for a successful career as a veterinary assistant?
To excel as a veterinary assistant, a combination of technical skills and interpersonal qualities is crucial. Technical skills include a solid understanding of animal anatomy and physiology, proficiency in laboratory procedures, and the ability to assist with medical treatments. Additionally, strong communication skills are essential for effectively interacting with both clients and the veterinary team. Compassion, patience, and a genuine love for animals are qualities that make a veterinary assistant truly stand out. Adaptability and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also valuable traits that ensure success in this dynamic field.
- Summarize the roles, responsibilities, and applicable laws and ethics as they pertain to the veterinary healthcare team
- Discuss the fundamentals of animal anatomy and physiology, restraint techniques, and basic examination tasks relevant to veterinary assisting, using proper terminology
- Explain how to perform veterinary assistant pharmacy tasks within the law's scope and discuss vaccinations, infectious diseases, transmission, and prevention.
- Describe how to respond appropriately to veterinary medical emergencies, surgeries, and various laboratory procedures
- Understand how to perform the veterinary assistant’s responsibilities related to veterinary dentistry
No prior requirements are necessary for enrollment. While a high school diploma or its equivalent is advised, it is not obligatory.
Instructors
Tracy Heyland, RVT
Heyland is a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT), earning the Academic and Practical Proficiency Award upon graduating. She brings 25+ years of experience in small animal medicine to her teaching, earned the Provincial Instructor Diploma, is certified as a Professional Co-Active Coach, and is Fear Free Certified. Heyland has worked in general practice, emergency medicine, veterinary sales, operations management, and teaching positions and runs her own coaching and training company for veterinary teams, leaders, and managers.
Mary Mould
Mould has a bachelor's in veterinary technology and a master's in education. She has taught veterinary technology courses for 22 years and distance education for over 24 years. Completing her education through distance learning has been extremely helpful in understanding her students and the variables that go along with distance learning.
Mould is a member of the Association for Veterinary Technology Education (AVTE), Veterinary Support Personnel (VSPN), and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians (NAVTA).
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.