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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.
Being at Ross has completely changed my life. I had just had my son and knew I had to figure out what I wanted to do. My first day at Ross, I knew I wanted to be here. I am so happy I made the leap to be here and am so close to being on the career path I am meant to be on.
Gabrianna Lambert Graduate Medical Assistant student at Erlanger, KY campus Graduation: January 18, 2019
The experience I have had at Ross has been great! I am lucky to have such a wonderful and helpful person as a teacher like Ms. Jenny. Ross has a very friendly, positive, supportive, and productive environment. Really the entire staff has been supportive, accommodating, sympathetic, and comforting throughout my learning process. They are all great leaders, which better prepares me to become a great leader myself once I get out in the dental field. Every day at Ross is a day full of laughs and smiles.
Lindsey Massey Graduate Dental Assistant student at Johnson City, TN campus Graduation: May 28, 2019
I have loved my time here. I have gained so much knowledge in this field. It has made me prepared and excited to start my career in an office in Michigan!
Sierra Fisher Graduate Dental Assistant student at Sylvania, OH campus Graduation: March 19, 2019
My name is Chana Ware. I attended Ross Medical In Portage, MI. Ross is an awesome school to attend. They have great instructors, as well as a great staff. They were very helpful and inspirational. I would not have made it without the staff at Ross. And now because of all of the support that I received from them, I can say that I have a great career as a Registered Medical Assistant.
Chana Ware Graduate Medical Assistant student at Portage, MI campus Graduation: November 27, 2018
Ross has changed my life by helping me to obtain a certificate for the career I want to have. They help you get to where you want to be quickly.
Krista Skaggs Graduate Medical Assistant student at Dayton, OH campus Graduation: June 22, 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.
