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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.
Throughout my time during the program, I learned so much that will influence my future. Ross does a great job setting up your externship and career services will work with you to help you find a job. You get out what you put in! Ross has changed my life and I am so happy that I made the decision to go there. They were very caring of me and my fellow classmates, making sure we were succeeding at everything we did.
Tori Bluhm Graduate Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student at Roosevelt Park, MI campus Graduation: July 13, 2018
One of the most difficult things to do in life is to start. Ross is where I started. Ross did an excellent job providing information, tools, advice, and homework that helped me discover that there are no ideal conditions and what matters is that I take action to start somewhere; a valuable lesson to integrate into all aspects of my life.
Haider Almosawi Graduate Medical Assistant student at Saginaw, MI campus Graduation: November 15, 2018
I am so grateful for my opportunity at Ross. Being able to just start in a program and learn the skills I need to become a Dental Assistant without the hassle of taking extra classes in such a short time is awesome. The Ross staff is amazing and so supportive throughout the whole experience. I would recommend Ross to anyone and everyone. Choose Ross and get started in a career today!
Dana Snyder Graduate Dental Assistant student at Brighton, MI campus Graduation: January 3, 2019
I chose Ross Medical Education Center for schooling because I was looking for a great place to learn and start a fantastic career path. Before attending Ross, I was not sure which medical career path I wanted to enroll in. I toured the school and the administrative staff told me a little bit about each class offered. I decided to join the Dental Assistant program. Throughout the course, Ross Medical Education Center went above and beyond to make sure each student had everything they needed in order to be successful. My learning experience at Ross was exceptional! I learned so much more than I had anticipated. Ross is very hands-on and allows students to practice clinically in school and practice during externship at a medical office. I really enjoy that the school gives students the opportunity and benefit of learning "on-site" and being a part of a co-worker team. While I was on externship, I gained working confidence and efficiency on the things I was taught in school. I was able to get my radiology certification while on externship and I am now able to take x-rays on patients when needed. I've also been able to assist the dentist on procedures, sterilize instruments, set up trays and operatories. Overall, I think Ross Medical Education Center was a great school choice! I could not ask for a better school to help me prepare and start a great career! I would recommend Ross schools to anyone wanting to start a career in the medical field.
Paige White Graduate Dental Assistant student at Brighton, MI campus Graduation: November 25, 2019
Being a student at Ross has been an amazing adventure. I have learned so much and have grown as an individual and as a student. I love the sense of community and family Ross has. I will be a part of the Ross family for the rest of my life!
Clarissa Brown Graduate Medical Assistant student at Kokomo, IN campus Graduation: January 7, 2020The 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.
