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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 can honestly say that enrolling in the Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration program at Ross Medical has changed my life for the better. I can take what I have learned and get a better paying job to support my family and grow professionally. The staff and students are like a second family to me. Not only have I learned about coding and office administration, I have formed life-long friendships.
Nicole Brenner Graduate Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student at Knoxville, TN campus Graduation: March 12, 2019
My experience at Ross has been nothing but positive. From the day that I first expressed interest, all the way through to the externship experience, Ross has provided me with an outstanding training of my chosen field. The small class size and differentiated instruction has allowed me to feel more than prepared to enter in to the medical coding and billing field.
Monica Hubbard Graduate Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student at Ontario, OH campus Graduation: April 2, 2019
Putting myself through the Medical Assistant program at Ross has been the best investment I've made toward my future because I have a stable lifetime career that I truly enjoy. I will always remember the support and encouragement that I was given by the staff and my instructors. Thank you, Ross, for being around to help me invest in my future.
Kaycea Garner Graduate Medical Assistant student at Portage, MI campus Graduation: October 11, 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, 2019
I like Ross because it's very hands-on and fast-paced. Everyone is very nice and welcoming. I also like how they help place you in an office when you're completely done with schooling.
Brianna Lee Graduate Dental Assistant student at Kokomo, IN campus Graduation: March 23, 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.
This 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.
