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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
From the first day I walked through the doors at Ross, I have found the staff friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. They are there for you every step of the way to help you succeed.
Sherry Beltz Graduate Medical Assistant student at Ontario, OH campus Graduation: April 24, 2019
Ross was a huge leap for me. I have never been one to like school or do well in school. I came to Ross searching for a new beginning, a fresh start. I came searching for MY purpose in the world. Before I even walked through the doors I prayed that God would just lead me in the direction he wanted me to go. When I walked through the doors I was immediately welcomed by warm, smiling faces and sweet hellos. I knew immediately this was the place for me. When I signed up for classes I was really scared. I was scared of failure and rejection. When I finally got into the class, I was so wrong. The instructor went above and beyond to try to help me succeed. I exceeded even my own best expectations of myself. I believe my success was not only driven by my determination, but also the support I received from all of the staff here at Ross. This decision changed my life for the better. It gave me the confidence to continue to step out of my comfort zone. It gave me the courage to try new things. It gave me a better self-image. It taught me that even though things may be tough, if I just keep my head up and push through, I can overcome anything! Ross has been nothing short of a blessing for me. I would highly recommend it to anyone. Especially to the ones who never thought they could. With a good support system and a little determination, you can do anything!
Brooklyn Willett Graduate Medical Assistant student at Owensboro, KY campus Graduation: February 14, 2019
Ross has helped me to realize even higher goals than I could have imagined for myself. I like the multi-cultural environment. Ross values diversity and gives back to the community through volunteer opportunities. I have been inspired to even pursue my master's degree and eventually my PhD. With English being my second language, it is a huge challenge for me to grasp the clinical part of the program, but because of the different resources and help that Ross has provided for me, I am more efficient and confident of my abilities as a future medical assistant.
Isabelita Tatman Graduate Medical Assistant student at Fort Wayne, IN campus Graduation: March 27, 2019
Ross opened up a whole new world for me. I am warmly welcomed every morning with a smile and everyone here makes me feel like this is where I should be. All of the staff and instructors want to see me and the other students succeed, which creates such a positive environment. I decided to change my life for the better and Ross is helping me reach all of my goals. Ms. Julie is the best instructor I have had. She makes learning fun and easy! I cant wait to see what I continue to learn and where the road takes me now that I am on the path to my dream career!
Kelsey Russell Graduate Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student at Saginaw, MI campus Graduation: May 7, 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.
