Veterinary Assistant

Stratford's veterinary assistant distance learning course could help you turn your love of animals into a rewarding new career.

In general, a veterinarian assistant is essential in helping to compassionately care for a variety of animals in a professional setting such as an animal hospital, veterinary office, animal shelter, or kennel.

Stratford's in-depth program can teach you the procedures and skills necessary to bring health and comfort to animals and their owners.

Now, all of our veterinary assistant course materials are also available digitally in our online student center. With the extended flexibility to study however you need, taking a course is easier than ever!

Veterinary Assistant Module 1
Studies in Human Relations for Veterinary Assistants
• Human Relations Defined
• Foundations of Human Behavior
• The Process of Socialization
• Social Issues in the Workplace
• Attitudes for Human Relations Success
• Stress and Frustration
• Common Errors of Workplace Social Interaction

Veterinary Assistant Module 2
The Veterinary Assistant Career and Medical Terminology
• A Career as an Animal Caretaker Specialist
• Your Role on the Veterinary Team
• The History of Veterinary Medicine
• Understanding Veterinary Terminology
• Body Structure and Organization
• Essential Life Support: The Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems
• Processing Nutrients and Waste: The Digestive and Urinary Systems
• Structure, Movement, and Support: The Musculoskeletal System and Skin
• Perception and Coordination: The Nervous and Sensory Systems
• Survival of the Species: The Reproductive System
• Terms Used in Pharmacology

Veterinary Assistant Module 3
Animal Anatomy and Physiology
• Introduction to Animal Anatomy and Physiology
• The Skin and Accessory Structures
• The Musculoskeletal System
• The Cardiovascular System and the Blood
• The Lymphatic, Respiratory and Digestive Systems
• The Urinary and Reproductive Systems
• The Nervous and Sensory Systems
• The Endocrine System

Veterinary Assistant Module 4
Animal Communication, Behavior, and Restraint
• Introduction to Domestic Animal Behavior, Communication, and Restraint
• The Handling and Restraint of Domestic Animals
• Neighs, Purrs, Barks, and Bleats: How Animals Communicate
• Signs of Aggression
• Handling and Restraint Techniques of Dogs, Cats, Horses, Cattle, Swine, Sheep, and Goats

Veterinary Assistant Module 5
Veterinary Assistant Tasks in Small Animal Practice
• Communication and Client Relations
• Office Procedures
• Medical Recordkeeping
• Routine Animal Care
• Common Diseases and Conditions of Cats and Dogs
• Small Animal Nursing
• Surgical Preparation and Assisting
• Pharmacy and Pharmacology
• Laboratory Procedures and Recordkeeping
• Radiology and Ultrasound Imaging
• Equipment and Facility Maintenance and Safety

Veterinary Assistant Module 6
Veterinary Assistant Tasks in Large Animal Practice
• Large Animal Practice of Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Goats, and Swine
• Large Animal Clinical Examinations
• Emergency and Critical Care

Veterinary Assistant Module 7
Veterinary Assistant Tasks in Exotic Pets and Wild Animals
• What Are Exotic Pets?
• Overview of Reptiles and Amphibians
• Snakes, Ferrets, Rabbits, and Guinea Pigs
• General Guidelines for the Capture and Handling of Wild Animals
• Wildlife Care
• Small Wild Mammals
• Large Rodents
• Wild Canines, Wild Cats
• Bears
• Hoofed Animals

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This educational program is an introductory course designed to help students gain knowledge necessary for the vocational application of this subject. Completion of this program does not fulfill the legal requirements of particular provincial licenses or certifications, which may require additional training or apprenticeships. One or more of the course subjects/textbooks may vary as courses are updated.