Veterinary Assisting Career Opportunities

Contact Information If you have questions regarding course requirements, you may call Phone: (650) 949-7203 FAX: (650) 949-7375 Email: peterkm@foothill.edu During the Spring and Summer of 2004, while Dr. Peter is on sabbatical, please contact 1) Kathy DePaolo, Program Assistant @ (650) 949-7818 OR Dr. Maureen Mac Dougall, Interim Program Director @ (650) 949-7468 BH Division office, (650) 949-7249 Biological & Health Sciences Home Page Foothill College Main Campus (650) 949-7777

Introduction
Gain the competitive edge as a formally trained veterinary assistant. Prepare to work with companion animals in this six-month program to qualify for entry-level employment in a veterinary hospital. This innovative online and hands-on program prepares you for veterinary clerical responsibilities to medical treatments within the scope of the law.

Everywhere there are animals; there is a need for Veterinary Assistants. Work for veterinarians, in animal shelters, humane societies, kennels, pet shops, and more. Use your skills and knowledge to care for dogs, cats, and other animals. In this program, experts teach you anatomy, physiology, nutrition, general care...plus details on breeding and running a veterinary office. Learn at home, in your spare time, at your own pace and earn your career diploma in as little as one year! All required textbooks, learning aids and software are included. Complete student support is available by phone, mail, and e-mail.

Program Overview

It takes more than a veterinarian to run a successful veterinary practice - it takes a dedicated staff as well. Foothill College Veterinary Technology Program provides high quality education and training, which leads to certification of veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants as a means to improve the level of knowledge and clinical skills of the veterinary health care team and enhance the productivity of the veterinary practice as a whole.

If you love working with animals and people, consider exploring some of the options available to you in the animal care industry. Education and training can help you qualify for interesting and rewarding careers in the animal care services and veterinary field.

Career Possibilities

When most people think of animal care, the first professional that pops into their heads is the veterinarian. In reality, the animal care industry contains much more than just veterinarians. While there are some jobs that do not require any formal education or training, many good jobs, such as working as a veterinary assistant, require various levels of preparation and study including on the job training and coursework from an accredited school.

The need for animal care workers is expected to grow faster than average through at least 2012, according to the United States Bureau of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook. Not only is the pet population for the United States expected to increase, but the number of people who take advantage of services such as veterinary care, animal shelters, grooming, boarding, and training is also expected to rise.

• Foothill College Veterinary Technology Program presents a convenient home study course in Veterinary Assisting, which is designed to prepare you for a career working with veterinarians and veterinary technicians in an animal hospital, animal shelter, pet store, or wildlife program.
• There are no educational or experience prerequisites required to enroll.
• You will learn practical knowledge and hands-on skills, useful in real-world situations.
• As an animal lover, you owe it to yourself to deliver the finest care possible to your own pets, too!
• The objective of the Veterinary Assistant program is to prepare students with the knowledge, the technical skills and the work habits required for an entry-level position in the veterinary field or a related area. While the focus of this program is on small animal handling and care, content on the handling and husbandry of large and exotic species will also be briefly addressed.
• This comprehensive course will show you how. Enjoyable, practical home study training from Foothill College makes learning easy!
• Prepares students for an exciting new career as a veterinary assistant. Students in the program learn about the care of animals as well as how to recognize signs of illness and disease. This online program also covers interpersonal communication, interaction with clients and their animals, as well as how to assist the veterinarian during examinations. Duties of the veterinary receptionist are covered at length.
• The Veterinary Assistant program prepares students to work as veterinary assistants in a variety of settings including animal hospitals and clinics, animal shelters, laboratories, zoos, and animal parks. The veterinary assistant provide basic care, perform laboratory procedures and assist in the veterinary clinic with other functions.
• The program includes classroom theory, laboratory, and internship experience in local veterinary clinics. Students participate in hands-on experience with animals. Graduates of this program may perform duties under the direct supervision of a veterinarian or certified veterinary technician as stated according to applicable state regulations.
• The California State University, East Bay Veterinary Assistant Certificate will appeal to those who would like to work in a veterinary office, but lack the necessary preparation.
• Students who take advantage of the Foothill College program will acquire the range of knowledge and skills that prospective employers expect. The curriculum covers topics from veterinary medical terminology and veterinary office practices to recognizing signs and symptoms of illness and assisting a veterinarian with surgical and treatment procedures.
• Enjoy the rewards of working with animals! This exciting new online Veterinary Assistant Program can help you can make a difference. The essential skills you will learn in this program will help you keep animals healthy, help care for them when they are ill, and assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians in their offices! Learn how to:
  • Interact with animals and their owners.
  • Obtain animal health histories and keep medical records.
  • Understand veterinary medical terminology.
  • Recognize the major breeds of various animals.
  • Assist the veterinarian with caring for animals.
  • Assist with surgical and treatment procedures.
  • Recognize signs and symptoms of illness and disease.
  • Perform receptionist and administrative duties in the veterinarian's office.

Course Assignments

Assignments in our distance-learning program will take a variety of forms, such as:

• Reading selected chapters in the text or online and taking a written test.
• Viewing a video and completing a video-based assignment.
• Practicing skills and having a preceptor confirm by observing and signing a skills checklist.
• Writing assignments - multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and essay questions.
• Submitting work products such as radiographs or blood smears for evaluation by staff.
• Internet-based research and exploratory assignments.
• Making a videotape of the student performing a skill or task and then submitting it for evaluation by the staff

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