Veterinary Assistant

The Veterinary Assistant certificate program prepares you to assist vet professionals in the practice of veterinary medicine in animal care settings. Throughout the program, you gain the knowledge and skills required to support vet professionals including safe handling and restraint techniques, general care of companion animals and administrative and reception duties. Using the knowledge learned in your lecture classes, you develop basic diagnostic laboratory techniques, radiography, surgical support procedures, and client service skills in the labs and also in the on-site veterinary hospital.

Graduates may find a range of occupations as a member of veterinary health care team, including employment in veterinary clinics, zoos, wild-life centers, pet stores, animal shelters, and grooming facilities.

What You’ll Learn

• Provide clients with current information regarding the general health and nutritional requirements of their pets as recommended by veterinary professionals.
• Provide humane and ethical nursing care to dogs and cats within the scope of regulations and laws that govern the veterinary profession.
• Assist with veterinary diagnostic imaging procedures including patient positioning and processing of images that produce diagnostic quality radiographs.
• Collect and process samples for diagnostic tests from the veterinary patient.
• Prepare and maintain asepsis of equipment and workspaces for surgical procedures.
• Assist with the handling and preparation of veterinary pharmaceuticals within the scope of practice for a veterinary assistant.
• Perform administrative and reception duties in a professional and ethical manner.
• Maintain an orderly and sanitary environment in the animal care workplace, using appropriate disinfecting agents and following recognized biohazard disposal protocols.
• Apply basic entrepreneurial strategies to identify and respond to new opportunities.
• Identify and interpret animal behaviours and body language in order to safely restrain and care for companion animals in a clinical setting.