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During the Ross Veterinary Assistant program, students will be instructed to function as an assistant to a Veterinarian and/or Veterinary Technician. They should complete the program with an understanding of veterinary ethics and law, animal anatomy and physiology, terminology, animal care activities, and technology and equipment used.
Experienced training school instructors will give direction on software used, medical records and documentation, and administrative/clerical procedures and duties. A graduate of this program should be prepared to work in an entry-level position in an animal clinic or hospital.
Veterinary assistants fill a crucial position. They work under the direction of a technician or a veterinarian and also alongside them during a variety of procedures. They are often responsible for providing routine care for animals like bathing or feeding. They also clean and sterilize all tools and operating and exam rooms before and after a procedure. At some offices, veterinary assistants will assist in the preparation of surgical patients, taking X-rays, and assist in the preparation of diagnostic lab procedures.
After completing their classroom modules in the school training program, students will begin their externship experience. This is an extremely important and meaningful aspect of the program as it gives students an opportunity to practice their skills in a veterinary office setting with other professionals. It also allows local employers to assess students' skills before making hiring decisions.
In recognition of the contributions veterinary assistants make to the practice team and to the health of pets, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) has an Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) designation.
Upon graduation from a NAVTA approved veterinary assistant program, students are eligible to sit for the Approved Veterinary Assistant designation examination. Upon successful completion of the exam, the student would be entitled to use the designation AVA and would receive a documenting certificate.
Currently, all of the Ross campuses that offer the Veterinary Assistant Program are NAVTA approved and the graduates can take the exam on campus, which is paid for by Ross.
I had a great experience at Ross. Everyone was very accommodating and knowledgeable in my field. Every day I walked in, I was greeted with a positive, ready-to-help staff member. Ross provided me with the tools I needed to take the next step in my life and find my forever job. I cannot thank everyone at Ross enough for this fantastic experience. I feel like I walked in as a scared student and I'm leaving as a graduate with lifelong friends.
Brittney Wittmer Graduate Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student at Ontario, OH campus Graduation: March 12, 2019
Ross is a school of excellence. With Ross, the opportunities are endless. Being enrolled here among staff and classmates is truly an honor.
Yasmean Nasser Graduate Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student at Taylor, MI campus Graduation: January 14, 1999
As an older student returning to the classroom after 20 years, I had concerns that the pace and the computer skills needed would make it hard for me to keep up. But I found the staff was incredibly supportive and patient with students at all levels. The small class created an encouraging, friendly environment to learn.
Denise Stillwell Graduate Medical Assistant student at Granger, IN campus Graduation: March 27, 2019
My experience here at Ross has been nothing short of amazing! With the small class sizes, flexible hours, friendly staff, and hands-on activities, what more could you ask for? I chose the Dental course because a smile can brighten anyone's day! I've learned that dental is not all about teeth. You will also be taught the anatomy of the human body which is very interesting and my favorite Mod so far. My instructor ensures that we are comfortable with the material before moving on. Who knew that in just 9 short months you would be out working in the community doing what you love. Ross is a great school and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to fulfill their dream in the medical field. Ross offers many different courses like medical assistant, pharmacy tech, veterinarian, dental assistant, medical billing and coding, and much more. Come check us out!
Tanisha Shemwell Graduate Dental Assistant student at Owensboro, KY campus Graduation: April 23, 2019
The program has changed me a lot. I learned to be more professional. I've learned a lot and I watched myself make progress, from getting better grades to having a better and more professional attitude, as well as understanding situations better. It also expanded my knowledge about the medical field. I recommend the program if you are looking to go into the medical field, I think it's a good start.
Anderih Toma Graduate Medical Assistant student at Madison Heights, MI campus Graduation: November 18, 2019The Veterinary Assistant program at Ross consists of six modules. During each of the modules, students will be instructed on important information and skills needed for working as a professional in the field.
View course curriculum detailsThis course teaches the fundamentals of medical language and will instruct students on prefixes, suffixes, definitions, and uses of veterinary terms.
Students will gain an understanding of the computer-based elements of a veterinary office. Keyboarding, computer skills, and financial literacy will be learned.
This course teaches the fundamentals of animal restraint and handling, such as the different types of ropes and knots as they pertain to animal restraint. Students will learn proper positioning procedures and the veterinary terminology that goes along with the techniques.
Students will be introduced to the history and standards of veterinary medicine and will gain a familiarity with the roles of those on a veterinary team. Instructors will cover professional ethics and the sensitive topic of euthanasia.
Students will be instructed on the use of pharmaceuticals in a veterinary office. Legal issues, proper packaging, handling, and storage techniques, and administration will be discussed. Students will learn to identify different groups and types of drugs.
The foundational study of anatomy and physiology is presented, particularly for dogs and cats, as well as for certain farm animals and other domestic animals.
Students will be familiarized with common diseases and medical conditions affecting cats and dogs that result in visits to the vet. Diseases and conditions that affect other domestic and farm animals are also discussed.
This course teaches the fundamentals of examination room protocol. Cleaning, disinfecting, documenting medical history, and monitoring vital signs are some of the skills taught throughout the class. Students will also learn vaccination protocols.
In this class, students will be instructed on the fundamentals of small animal care. Students will learn how to identify breeds of dogs and cats, and learn how to provide preventative care, such as nutrition, socialization, bathing, nail clipping, and dental hygiene.
Students will gain a basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, including recording laboratory results and identifying common parasites. Students will be instructed on how to collect and process urine and fecal samples.
Students will be instructed on the skills necessary for the veterinary assistant to serve animal hospital staff before, during, and after a surgical procedure. Techniques for how to properly maintain medical asepsis, position patients, and dispose of medical waste are taught in this course.
In this course, students will develop an appreciation for the animal/human bond. Students will learn documentation and maintaining of records, as well as inventory restocking procedures and safety measures and precautions.
