The number one job of a veterinary assistant is to support the veterinarian as well as veterinarian technicians with basic tasks. Veterinary assistants typically feed, weigh, bathe and take the temperature of animals. They may also help give medication, clean cages and help restrain animals during treatment or other medical procedures as needed.

Some veterinary assistants perform clerical work such as scheduling appointments and speaking with customers. As a vet assistant, you may handle many of the logistical and operating duties, such as check-in, billing and after-visit care. Duties will vary depending on the office you work in, but every task is to ensure the health and well-being of animals inside the veterinary practice.

Veterinary assistants are typically trained through a certificate program to help with basic duties. Veterinary technicians, on the other hand, have a formal education and work as the nurse of a veterinarian. Veterinary technicians need two-year associate degrees accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Yes. If you pursue additional education and licensing, you could become a veterinary technician. Working as a vet assistant is a great first step to understanding the industry, different specialties and advanced duties required to work as a vet technician.

Anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems

Handling medical records and communicating with clients and coworkers

Restraining animals for procedures, taking vital signs, and bathing them

Nutrition, vaccinations, and administering medication

Preparing prescriptions, taking blood samples and radiographs

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

Getting started

Welcome to the veterinary hospital

Getting ready for your first visit

Physiology and anatomy 1: directional signs and the skeletal system

Physiology and anatomy 2: the nervous system, endocrine system, and muscles and joints

Physiology and anatomy 3: the circulatory and respiratory systems

Physiology and anatomy 4: the digestive system, urogenital system, liver, and spleen

Front office duties: records, confidentiality, and client relations

More front office tips, and determining age and gender of kittens and puppies

Canine restraint

Feline and exotic restraint

The physical examination: procedures, restraint, and vital signs

Everyday procedures for the veterinary assistant

Workplace hazards and infection control

The reproductive cycle and sterilization procedures

Vaccinology

Nutrition basics and prescription foods

Prescriptions: preparing and calculating doses

Prescriptions: types of medications and what they do

Giving medications

The euthanasia process

Taking blood samples

Interpreting blood tests and handling blood

Urine collection, handling, and interpretation

Tests: serology, scrapings, smears, flotations, and necropsies

Radiographs and personal safety

Radiographic positioning

Pain recognition and emergency care

Dentistry: charting, tooth disease, and dental care

External parasites: fleas, ticks, mites, and more

Parasites of the gastrointestinal tract and heart

Poisonings in pets

Surgery 1: preparing the patient

Surgery 2: your role during and after

Understanding animal behavior

The job search and future opportunities

Jeff Grognet

Jeff Grognet has been a companion animal veterinarian for 25 years. He was a pioneer in the field of veterinary assistant teaching, developing his first course more than 18 years ago. Due to the success of his veterinary receptionist/assistant courses, he expanded his teaching into other high-demand areas including pet first aid and alternative medical therapies for companion animals. He practices at a veterinary hospital and contributes regularly to several magazines.

This course is 100% online. Start anytime.