More schools are offering training programs for veterinary assistants, covering topics such as animal anatomy, nutrition, and terminology. Basic education courses are also included, as well as emergency management and office administration.
While traditionally many veterinary assistants received on-the-job training, many schools are beginning to offer training programs for veterinary assistants. Often, an individual may begin volunteering or be hired by a veterinarian while still in high school to perform tasks such as cleaning cages, feeding animals, administering medication, or sterilizing equipment. Training programs for veterinary assistants now offered by many schools are much more detailed, including instruction in areas such as animal anatomy, nutrition, husbandry and proper handling.
The foundation of many veterinary assistant training programs offered by most schools will include basic education courses such as math, computers, and language arts. Not only does this provide a comprehensive training experience, but it also provides the student with the valuable skills needed to complete roles in an office environment. These skills can help with feeding and watering animals, administering medications, and communicating with co-workers and pet owners.
Terminology is another important area of veterinary assistant training. It is generally very helpful to know the terminology used in a veterinary office. Many things can be happening at once, and knowledge of any acronyms, abbreviations, and special terms used can make the veterinary assistant a more efficient and effective worker.
Animal anatomy is another big component of training for veterinary assistants. This encompasses a wide range of systems within the animal, such as muscular, nervous and skeletal systems. Knowledge of the anatomy of various animals can help a veterinary assistant properly handle and care for animals in the office.
Other aspects are also learned in a veterinary assistant training program. Knowledge of how to read an animal’s chart and review its history is also important. This can help prevent accidents from happening by ensuring that the medication being given is not a known allergy, that the proper immunizations are given, or that the right supplies are ready for the appointment. How to properly immunize an animal is also crucial knowledge.
Sometimes animals may be taken to the vet’s office because they need emergency care. Proper wound care and emergency management are two additional areas of study in some veterinary assistant training programs. This covers things like proper dressings, animal casting, triage, and crisis intervention. Several programs also incorporate training in areas such as basic accounting, office administration, inventory and supplies, and interpersonal communication. These items can prepare an individual for further study to become a veterinary assistant.
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