VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Program Outline
Major: VETA
Length: 1 Year
Delivery: 2 Semesters
Credential: Ontario College Certificate
Effective: 2011 - 2012
Location: Orillia
Start: Winter 2012
Description
The Veterinary Assistant Program provides an opportunity for students to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to assist Veterinary Professionals in the practice of Veterinary Medicine and also in other animal care settings. This one year (two semester) program prepares the student to handle and restrain companion animals as well as perform basic husbandry and clinical procedures. The student also learns a variety of basic diagnostic laboratory techniques, surgical support procedures, and receptionist and client relation skills. Students learn and reinforce their skills and knowledge through a combination lecture and hands on laboratory practice in our Orillia campus veterinary hospital.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will find a range of occupations as a member of the Veterinary Health Care Team, including employment in veterinary clinics, zoos, wild-life centres, pet stores, SPCAs, grooming facilities etc.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- provide humane and ethical care for the basic needs of companion animals within the scope of the regulation, laws and statutes governing animals and the Veterinary profession;
- identify and interpret animal behaviours and body language and restrain and manage a variety of breeds of companion animals in clinical situations;
- perform basic clinical procedures on animals such as assessing vital signs and administering medications, including common chemical restraints as required, under the supervision of a veterinary professional;
- collect and process samples for diagnostic laboratory work and perform basic diagnostic tests such as parasite load assays and urine chemistries;
- prepare and maintain the surgical area and supplies ensuring adequate levels of asepsis and assist during surgical procedures;
- assist with the production of diagnostic quality radiographs;
- perform client relation skills, including animal care counseling, reception and basic bookkeeping duties through the use of current word processing software as well as veterinary specific software;
- identify the implications of veterinary assistant practice on the natural environment and to employ environmentally sustainable practices to reduce the impact on the environment.
Program Progression
Winter Intake:
Sem 1 - Winter 2012
Sem 2 - Summer 2012
External Recognition
Georgian College is accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and by the Canadian Council on Animal Care as a "Good Animal Practice" facility.
Admission Requirements
Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD - 30 credits) or equivalent with satisfactory grades in each of the following courses:
- Grade 12 English C or U (ENG4C, ENG4U)
- Grade 11 C Biology or 11 or 12 U Biology (SBI3C, SBI4U, SBI3U)
Applicants who are 19 years of age or over by the first day of classes, and who lack the academic admission qualifications, may be considered for entrance as mature students. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis and acceptance will be determined by counselling, Communication Placement Assessment (CPA), previous post-secondary education and evaluation of experience. Some programs also have specific prerequisite requirements that must be met prior to admission. Mature applicants must meet all program specific prerequisites. Those applying as mature students and having no documentation of Grade 12 education must supply, if requested, proof of age, such as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's licence.
Graduation Requirements
11 Mandatory Courses
1 Communications Courses
1 General Education Courses
Graduation Eligibility
To graduate from this program, the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to year and to graduate is 60%. Additionally, a student must attain a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester.
Mandatory
VETA1000 Basic Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology
VETA1001 Veterinary Medical Terminology
VETA1002 Front Office and Reception Part One
VETA1003 Clinical Procedures Part One
VETA1004 Laboratory Procedures and Imaging
COMP1067 Computer Literacy
VETA1005 Pharmacology for Veterinary Assistants
VETA1006 Front Office and Reception Part Two
VETA1007 Clinical Procedures Part Two
VETA1008 Surgical Assisting
VETA1009 Kennel and Hospital Duty
The descriptions that follow provide brief outlines of the courses. Please note that some courses have prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements not shown here, that need to be met in order to enroll in the course. You will be advised of any requisite requirements during the registration process, or you can contact the academic area for further details.
Communications
COMM1000 College Communications
COMM1001 Communications at Work
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
COMM1000 College Communications 42.0 Hours
Effective communication skills are essential for success in college and career. This entry level course promotes development of college level skills related to information literacy and current communication technology. Students focus on writing, researching, presenting, editing and proofreading. They incorporate writing conventions, analyze and evaluate information, and prepare and deliver ideas orally. In addition, they edit and proofread their own and others' writing.
COMM1001 Communications at Work 42.0 Hours
Students develop their communication skills for the workplace. Using available technology, they research, write and edit work-related correspondence and short reports, individually and collaboratively. With audio-visual support, they prepare and deliver professional presentations that have vocational emphasis. In addition, students complete other communication tasks specific to their vocational areas.
COMP1067 Computer Literacy 28.0 Hours
This course is designed for development of word processing, spread sheet and presentation creation skills. Students will use word processing software to create, enhance, and format documents. Students will learn how to organize, calculate, manipulate and use graph data and will use presentation software to prepare professional looking presentations.
VETA1000 Basic Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology 42.0 Hours
This course is an overview of basic anatomy, physiology and common diseases of dogs and cats. Emphasis will be on clinical anatomy and physiology as it applies to the role of the Veterinary Assistant in everyday practice. The course material will be presented based on a body systems approach. Commonly encountered diseases and disorders will be discussed with each body system.
VETA1001 Veterinary Medical Terminology 14.0 Hours
Students learn correct medical terminology for use when communicating with other veterinary professionals in practice and for use in client communication educations situations. The concept of breaking down medical terms into their roots, prefixes and suffixes will be introduced and practiced. Terminology related to each area of veterinary practice will be discussed as well as anatomical directional terms.
VETA1002 Front Office and Reception Part One 28.0 Hours
This course focuses on the Veterinary Assistant's role in the veterinary practice as a small business. The positions of the various veterinary health care team members are defined. The duties of the VA as a receptionist are described as well as other office procedures such as inventory management and maintenance of medical logs. Occupational health and safety issues and professional ethics are also discussed.
VETA1003 Clinical Procedures Part One 56.0 Hours
This course employs a combination of theory and practice to enable the students to learn about handling, restraint and basic husbandry of companion animals. Students will identify breeds of dogs and cats and be introduced to the topic of canine and feline behaviour. Examination and treatment room duties such as record keeping, basic physical exams, and wellness grooming are discussed and practiced. Cleaning and sanitation of the veterinary facility will also be discussed.
VETA1004 Laboratory Procedures and Imaging 56 Hours
This combination theory and laboratory course introduces the student to a variety of basic laboratory techniques and also to the knowledge and skills to assist with the production of diagnostic quality radiographs. Students will learn how to collect and process samples for diagnostic laboratory procedures and how to perform basic diagnostic tests such as parasite load assays and urine chemistries. The imaging section of the course will focus on the VA's role using imaging equipment under safe working conditions for the staff and the animal patients.
VETA1005 Pharmacology for Veterinary Assistants 28.0 Hours
In this course students are introduced to nomenclature of veterinary products, their classification, indications, side effects and administration routes. Pharmacy skills including safe handling, record keeping, dispensing, storage and disposal of drug products are studied. Basic pharmacy calculations are discussed and practiced.
VETA1006 Front Office and Reception Part Two 42 Hours
This course focuses on the Veterinary Assistant's role in communication and client relations in the veterinary practice. Client communications in written and verbal forms and in various circumstances are discussed including conflict and grief situations. Medical records and appointment management are described. Commonly used veterinary practice software systems will be explored.
VETA1007 Clinical Procedures Part Two 56 Hours
In this course students learn and practice basic nursing care procedures for dogs and cats. Safe handling and record keeping for ill and injured patients including those with zoonotic potential and isolation requirements will be discussed. Preventive medicine, basic clinical nutrition and common emergencies are described. Under the supervision of a veterinary professional, noninvasive administration of medications and therapeutic nursing procedures will be studied and practiced. Restraint for therapeutic and advanced diagnostic procedures will be included.
VETA1008 Surgical Assisting 56 Hours
In this combination theory and laboratory course students will learn and perform aseptic technique procedures related to the function and maintenance of the surgical suite and personnel. Identification, preparation, care and sterilization of surgical and dental instruments and supplies will be practiced. Students will learn the skills needed to assist with aseptic preparation of the surgical patient and the surgical team. Post surgical clean up and appropriate disposal of hazardous medical wastes will be discussed and practiced.
VETA1009 Kennel and Hospital Duty 28 Hours
In this course students are assigned animal husbandry duties and hospital maintenance duties on a rotational basis. Students learn and practice basic husbandry of dogs and cats in an animal health facility setting. Cleaning and sanitation of the hospital environment are also learned and practiced.
Adults with significant life and work experience may receive credits toward a college certificate or diploma program through an assessment process.
More information about Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
NOTE: Information contained in College documents respecting programs is correct at the time of publication. Academic content of programs and courses is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational objectives and employment market needs. The college reserves the right to add or delete programs, options, courses, timetables or campus locations subject to sufficient enrolment, and the availability of courses.
Last Update: March 08, 2012.