Veterinary Assistant

PROGRAM OUTLINE

Instruction Sets
Your program consists of 11 Instruction Sets designed to take you step-by-step through the techniques and skills you'll use in your new career.

Here's how it works: Your first Instruction Set will be sent immediately after your enrollment has been accepted. Other Instruction Sets will follow as you complete your exams, so you will always have training materials to work with. Here is an overview of what you'll learn and the order in which you'll receive your lessons:

Instruction Set 1
- Learning Strategies
  - The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our web site; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.
- Introduction to Animal Care
  - Career opportunities in animal care; certification; animal care skills.
Instruction Set 2
- Behavior
  - Types of animal behavior; role of the Veterinary Assistant in behavior counseling; common animal behavior problems.
- Handling and Restraint
  - Handling and restraint of dogs, cats, birds, horses, and other animals. Transporting animals.
- Video: "Handling and Restraint"
Instruction Set 3
- Introduction to Veterinary Terminology
  - Anatomical and veterinary procedure terminology; metric items and abbreviations.
- Introduction to Digestive System
  - Body and organization; the digestive system; accessory digestive organs.
- Skeletal ,Muscular, and Integumentary Systems
  - Skeletal system and joints; the muscular system; muscle groupings; the integumentary system.
- Supplement: Your Guide to Medical Terminology
- Audiocassettes: Pronunciation Guides
- Learning Aid: Flash Cards
Instruction Set 4
- Respiratory and Circulatory Systems
  - The respiratory system; the cardiovascular system; blood and other bodily fluids.
- Reproductive and Urinary Systems
  - The reproductive system; the urinary system.
- Nervous System, Sensory Organs, and Endocrine System
  - The nervous system;the sensory organs; endocrine system.
- Learning Aid: Anatomy Charts
Instruction Set 5

Nutrition
- Nutrients; pet foods, methods of feeding; anorexic animals; dietary management.
Genetics, Reproduction, and Aging
- Classification by breeds; reproductive cycles, gestation; aging.
Avian and Reptile Anatomy
- Functions of the major body systems;
History and Physical Examination
- The chart; systems history; observation, palpation, auscultation, client education.
Video: "Physical Examination and Bandage Care"

Instruction Set 6
- Pathology
  - Signs of disease, common diseases of animals; prevention; immunity; zoonoses.
- Immunology
  - Vaccination; vaccination schedules; adverse reaction to vaccines.
- Emergency Care
  - Common emergencies; wounds; fractures; exposure; triage; shock; crisis intervention.
- Wound Care Management
  - Types of wounds; healing; wound care; bandaging techniques; casts and slings.
- Learning Aids:
  - First Aid Slide Guide
  - Flash Cards
Instruction Set 7
- Clinical Parasitology
  - Types of parasites; ectoparasites and endoparasites; testing for parasites.
- Small and Large Animal Nursing, Parts 1 & 2
  - Administering oral medications; assisting with administration of injections; nursing newborns; geriatric care.
- Veterinary Pharmacology
  - Introduction to veterinary pharmacology; techniques of drug administration; types of drugs.
- Video: "Small Animal Nursing"
- Learning Aids:
  - Narrative Guide for Photo Cards
  - Internal and External Parasite Photo Cards
  - Animal Disease Photo Cards
  - Flash Cards
Instruction Set 8
- Radiology, Parts 1 & 2
  - Safety; radiology; ultrasonography; caring for equipment.
- Instrumentation and Principles of Aseptic Technique
  - Small and large instruments; surgical packs; cleaning and sterilization; patient preparation.
- Surgical and Anesthetic Preparation
  - The Assistant's role; animal surgery; surgical preparation; assisting with anesthesia administration; post surgical clean-up.
- Laboratory Animal Procedures
  - Animal welfare regulations; lab research animals; basic care procedures; lab cleanliness and orderliness.
- Supplement:
  - Work Experience Option
- Video: "Radiology, Anesthetic, and Surgical Preparation"
At this point in your program, you'll be able to choose three of the four optional Instruction Sets.
The options are:

Option A
- Veterinary Practice and Administration
- Interpersonal Communication
- General Accounting Practices
- Veterinary Practice Procedure
- Supplement: Successful Job Seeking
Option B
- Cat Breeds
- Cat Shows and Training
- Breeding and Cattery Management
- Understanding Cats
- Textbook: Simon & Schuster's Guide to Cats
- Video: "A Video Guide to American Pedigreed Cats"
- Learning Aid: Cat Breed Chart
Option C
- Dog Breeds
- Dog Shows and Training
- Breeding and Kennel Management
- Understanding Dogs
- Textbook: Simon & Schuster's Guide to Dogs
- Video: "Show Handling I - Basic"
- Learning Aid: Dog Breed Chart
Option D
- Horse Breeds
- Horse Shows and Training
- Stable Management
- All About Horses
- Textbooks: Simon & Schuster's Guide to Horses and Ponies
- Video: "The American Show Jumping Series by Olympic Medalist Greg Best - Volume I: Basic Jumping"
  Learning Aid: Horse Breed Chart

Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster Career School have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster Career School.

You must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED to enroll in this program.
We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.