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Veterinary Assistant

Horse Barn Photo

Description:
The Veterinary Assistant program is a 1-year class designed to introduce students to a wide variety of veterinary practices. Students will learn how to properly administer medication prescribed by the Veterinarian, perform sanitization of labs and surgical areas, and provide animal care before and after surgery. In addition to the hands-on learning, students will be enhancing their communication skills and basic office procedures as well as attending Work Based Education in a variety of career field settings. Students leave this program with the knowledge and skill base needed to become employed in an entry-level position at a veterinary clinic/hospital, a farm/ranch operation, or pursue other educational opportunities that include degrees ranging from an associate degree for Vet Technician to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Hours:
Morning session – 8:10 – 11:10 a.m.
Afternoon session – 12:45 – 3:45 p.m.

Career Major Name:  Veterinary Assistant
Clock Hours/Weeks of Instruction:  450/17
Normal Completion Time:  17 weeks for full-time status

Required Courses:

  • Anatomy of Domestic Animals
  • Animal Reproduction & Nutrition
  • Diagnostic Procedures for Vet Assistant
  • Internship for Vet Assistant
  • Introduction to Veterinary Assistant
  • Laboratory Techniques
  • Physiology of Domestic Animals
  • Principles of Large Animal Care
  • Principles of Pharmacology For Vet Assistant
  • Principles of Small Animal Care
  • Principles of Veterinary Pathology and Parasitology
  • Safety, Workplace Hazards, and Infection Control
  • Surgical Procedures for Veterinary Assistant
  • Veterinary Medical Terminology
  • Veterinary Office Procedures
  • Workforce Skills Training

Career Opportunities:

  • Animal hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Research Laboratories
  • Universities
  • Ranches
  • Retail Sales

For more information on occupations go to www.onetonline.org

Application Process:
High school students see your home school counselor
Adults contact Mid-America counselor (405) 449-3391

Average Salary:
$16,900-$32,340

Accreditation:
OSBCTE (Oklahoma State Board of Career & Technology Education)

Certifications:

ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate

  • Bronze
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Platinum

ODCTE Competency Certification

  • Veterinary Assistant
  • Veterinary Medical Applications

**CTSO: SkillsUSA

**Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO)