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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.
My name is Alyson Harris. I am currently enrolled in the Medical Assistant course at Ross Medical Education Center. I think Ross Medical Education Center is a wonderful place to learn, not only because of the job preparation and knowledge they give you, but also because of the care from the staff and the close friendships formed that becomes your support system all through your education. The dedication of the instructors to give you the best learning experience possible shows through all the extra work put in to help us succeed in all aspects of the course. Going back to school was a difficult decision for me but Ross has made it so much easier. That is why I would recommend attending any of their programs to anyone just beginning their college education or looking for a career change.
Alyson Harris Graduate Medical Assistant student at Brighton, MI campus Graduation: April 24, 2019
It was my dream to return to school. Ross' Medical Assisting program stood out to me. I am thankful for the support of the amazing faculty and the smaller class size that allowed me to succeed!
Kelsi Blankenship, Graduate Medical Assistant student at Muncie, IN campus Graduation: March 27, 2019
As an older student returning to the classroom after 20 years, I had concerns that the pace and the computer skills needed would make it hard for me to keep up. But I found the staff was incredibly supportive and patient with students at all levels. The small class created an encouraging, friendly environment to learn.
Denise Stillwell Graduate Medical Assistant student at Granger, IN campus Graduation: March 27, 2019
Before I joined Ross, I lost my job, my car, and I lost a child. I came to the conclusion that I was tired of being broke and working dead end jobs that I didn't enjoy doing. I wanted to do something I enjoyed and got paid to do because I take pride in my work. I always have to consider my 5 year old daughter when I make my life decisions, because she's been with me through all the struggles within the past five years. This time around I just had a talk with God. I asked him what I was destined for. That's how I ended up at Ross Medical. I am enrolled in the medical assistant program. I want to be a Phlebotomist and EKG Technician. The teachers and advisers are awesome! They are very fluent, vocal, and hands on when it comes to helping their students be successful. I enjoy coming to school every day. When I'm having a rough day, everyone is so welcoming, warming, family oriented, and understanding. Ross makes me happy. I appreciate and thank you ALL.
Keturah Roberson Graduate Medical Assistant student at Saginaw, MI campus Graduation: January 17, 2019
The best way to change your life is to do something that will challenge you to grow. Ross is that challenge for me. With the help of my teachers and the entire Ross staff, I am learning to be better worker, team player, and student.
Cailin Neubert Graduate Medical Assistant student at Ann Arbor, MI campus Graduation: April 5, 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.
