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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 was wary to go to school completely online since my past experiences with it weren't so great, but from the very beginning, all of the faculty and staff have been more than supportive with me, which is super important for a student who lives thousands of miles away from the actual campus.
Talor Hall Graduate Online - Medical Office Management student at Ross College Online campus Graduation: October 3, 2017
I am so glad that I came to Ross. It is a great school with great instructors!
Delores Taylor Graduate Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student at Erlanger, KY campus Graduation: May 3, 2019
In May of 2017, I decided to start my journey, and though many obstacles popped up trying to prevent me from starting, I was able to begin school in June of 2017. When I started school, I was working a part time job and juggling being a full time mom of six beautiful children. It wasn't easy; it took hard work and dedication. I kept two planners: one for work and appointments, the other for school assignments and tests. In January of of 2018, I finished my externship and received my certificate. I even accepted a position when I finished my externship; my hard work had paid off. I absolutely love my job! My team members and patients are great. Best of all, they make work fun. I have truly found my calling.
Erica Shelly Graduate Medical Assistant student at Kokomo, IN campus Graduation: January 3, 2018
Ross has been an amazing journey for me so far. I have learned a lot about the healthcare field and a lot about professionalism. I have gained confidence in myself because of Ross. I truly feel the genuine care that the staff has toward us students. It warms my heart to see the dedication of the instructors and staff on my campus. They all are constantly going over and beyond to make sure we succeed. I am overwhelmed with joy to be a part of the Ross Grand Rapids North Campus, and to gain the tools I need to be able to succeed in the healthcare field.
Shanice Hildebrand Graduate Medical Assistant student at Grand Rapids, MI campus Graduation: May 22, 2019
What I love about Ross is the program structure, the small classes and easy access to your instructors. Because Ross focuses mainly on your certification, the completion time is short and you aren't burdened with unnecessary pre-requisite classes.
Trevondra McClinton Graduate Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student at Kokomo, IN campus Graduation: January 4, 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.
