The Veterinary Assistant Fundamentals program introduces learners to the essential skills, knowledge, and workplace practices required in veterinary settings. Through a structured progression of modules, learners explore healthcare communication, veterinary office operations, animal anatomy and behavior, nursing care, and basic surgical and diagnostic support. The program culminates with career exploration to help learners understand pathways and expectations within the veterinary field.
Module 1: Communication in Healthcare
Healthcare team roles, collaboration strategies, team success, and identifying champions in clinical environments.
Module 2: Veterinary Office Practice
Overview of the veterinary profession, medical terminology, office procedures, and client relations.
Module 3: Veterinary Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, and Pharmacy
Basic animal anatomy and physiology, pharmacology principles, and pharmacy practices.
Module 4: Animal Behavior and Care
Understanding animal behavior, safe restraint techniques, animal husbandry, and nutrition.
Module 5: Animal Nursing
Core animal care and nursing practices, including avian, exotic, and large animal care and husbandry.
Module 6: Surgical Assisting, Laboratory, and Diagnostics
Anesthesia basics, surgical assisting, laboratory procedures, and diagnostic imaging.
Module 7: Career Exploration for Veterinary Assistants
Roles, responsibilities, workplace expectations, and career pathways in the veterinary field.
By completing this program, the learner will be able to:
Communicate effectively within healthcare and veterinary teams
Apply basic medical terminology and office procedures in a veterinary setting
Describe foundational principles of animal anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pharmacy
Demonstrate awareness of animal behavior, restraint, husbandry, and nutrition
Recognize core animal nursing responsibilities across small, large, avian, and exotic species
Identify basic surgical assisting, laboratory, and diagnostic imaging functions
Explore career roles and opportunities as a veterinary assistant
Upon successful completion, learners will be prepared to sit for the National Career Certification Board (NCCB) and/or Certified Animal Care Worker (CACW) national certification exams.
This class is an independent-study course. Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.