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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
Ross' medical assisting program is amazing. I have been to a couple places for the MA program and none of them are anything like Ross. They take their time with you. Choose Ross; no regrets at all.
Venetia Hayward Graduate Medical Assistant student at Madison Heights, MI campus Graduation: April 10, 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
I thank Ross for everything that they have done, from the first time I stepped foot on their campus. I was so afraid, but not so much of starting school, but afraid of failure. That was my biggest fear until talking with one of the school's administrators. She made me feel so comfortable in becoming a student at Ross. Once I started and met my teachers it became so easy. They took time out to help me when I didn't understand things, which made it that much easier. Once I got to my externship I was so excited yet afraid at the same time. However, where they sent me for my externship is where I wanted to go and upon completion, I am very proud to say that I got hired and I am still working there to this day! Ross helped me with my career so much that I enrolled in the online school for Ross and received my associates degree. It was hard being a full-time mom, employee, and student, but I did it and so can you, thanks to Ross and its amazing team!
Shayla Hall Graduate Medical Assistant student at Portage, MI campus Graduation: November 9, 2016
I am glad that I attended Ross to start a new career. I attended Ross for the Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration program, and boy I am glad I changed my tomorrow, today! I attended the Flint Campus on Miller Road where I found the staff and instructors to be friendly and very helpful, and when I say they had my best interest at heart, I believe that. I am now about to start my externship, excited and feeling very confident in my skills and knowledge that I acquired through Ross in less than a year. Ross a place where I came and changed my tomorrow, today.
Shontella Russell Graduate Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student at Flint, MI campus Graduation: February 26, 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.
