VetBloom Veterinary Assistant - Apprenticeship

This module provides the veterinary assistant student with an understanding of the human animal bond, expected conduct of the veterinary professional, and how to effectively communicate with clients and coworkers. Basic medical terminology and medical records, including the electronic medical system, are introduced in this module. Zoonotic and contagious diseases are discussed including in-depth coverage of the role of the veterinary assistants and the importance of cleaning in the veterinary hospital and performing correct hand hygiene. Students are taught basic breed identification and animal husbandry including the expectations of treating deceased pets with respect. We begin discussing common medical conditions and diseases of the digestive system. Restraint and handling of the veterinary patient are discussed in depth and are the focus of a large portion of the hands-on teaching. Students also begin learning how to set up equipment necessary for the veterinary technician or veterinarian to perform a variety of common procedures. 

The veterinary assistants’ role in assisting the veterinary technician with caring for the hospitalized patient are the focus of this module. An introduction to IV fluids, fluid pumps, fluid lines, and basic calculations are covered. The importance of and how to document hospitalized patient events and treatments, patient assessment and medication administration, and the importance of nutrition are taught. Students also learn how to perform basic medical calculations, basic grooming skills. A basic overview of diseases of the endocrine and urinary systems are taught. 

Laboratory record keeping, how to submit samples to outside labs and how to run basic in-house laboratory equipment are covered in this module. Students are taught the basics of veterinary hospital inventory control and how to stock various areas of the veterinary hospital including the exam room, treatment/procedure areas, and the surgical prep area.  Students are introduced to the veterinary pharmacy including the handling of controlled substances and proper medication disposal. Wellness exams, wellness testing, vaccines and an overview of diseases associated with the hematologic, integumental system, and pansystemic system are included in this module

This module focuses largely on preparing the veterinary assistant student to assist the surgical technician when setting up for and cleaning up after surgery including how to set up the anesthetic machine and monitoring equipment. Radiation safety and radiology basics are also covered. Having mastered the handling and restraint of the average veterinary patient in previous modules, students are now introduced to the handing of aggressive, compromised, and contagious patients. An overview of nervous system and musculoskeletal disorders are included in this module

Basic emergency readiness, triage and the emergency crash cart are introduced in this module. Students are taught client communication and basic phone skills, patient discharge procedures. Basic ophthalmologic and cardiopulmonary diseases are covered. 

Hands-on training and experience are essential to your success as a veterinary assistant! Students work directly with credentialed veterinary technicians and veterinarians as directed by the Externship Site Supervisor observing, practicing, and demonstrating skills required of a veterinary assistant. A checklist of required skills to complete during your externship must be completed and uploaded into VetBloom documenting you have successfully mastered these skills. Please note, students are not issued dosimeter badges by the VetBloom Veterinary Assistant Program and therefore should not be in the radiology suite when radiographs are taken. Students may assist with positioning patients as directed by a credentialed technician or veterinarian however must leave the area prior to the radiograph being taken.

Working with actual patients in the veterinary hospital and applying the knowledge and skills you learned during your didactic learning on VetBloom is crucial to your success. Be sure to ask questions of the experienced veterinary technicians and veterinarians to make the most of your clinical externship experience.

Clinical externships are completed at a full-service veterinary hospital or clinic. The VetBloom Veterinary Assistant Program has established relationships with several externship sites around the country. A list of externship sites with their contact information will be provided however other qualifying veterinary hospitals and clinics may be used provided they meet the VetBloom Veterinary Assistant Program requirements.  All externship sites must complete our Clinical Externship Site Agreement and the Externship Site Supervisor agreement prior to beginning the externship. The VetBloom Veterinary Assistant program provides an informational online webinar for Externship Site Supervisors to help them better understand the important role they play in your education. Please contact the externship site directly to inquire if they are accepting students, their externship policies, your schedule, etc.

All students are required to complete a minimum of 120 hours of hands-on experience in a veterinary hospital in a full-service veterinary hospital or clinic. Animal handling experience at shelters and animal rescue site is not acceptable for this program. VetBloom will assists students with an externship site. Liability insurance is required during the entire externship and proof of coverage must be provided prior to beginning any externship.