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Program Overview

Veterinary assistants support veterinarians with every aspect of animal care. Students will learn to work as part of a team, to respect one another as well as the patients, and to communicate effectively using proper terminology and self-confidence. Topics to be covered include basic first aid, medical terminology, professional and ethical standards of veterinary medicine, handling and restraint, animal anatomy, diseases and treatments, and various related studies. Completion of this course will prepare the students for full-time employment as a veterinary assistant in a veterinary hospital.

Students will be expected to meet all of the course goals and be able to demonstrate their understanding of the underlying concepts. The instruction will include lecture, class discussion, hands on training whenever possible, and assigned reading materials. Students will be asked to work both individually and in teams and practice communication and problem solving skills. The veterinary community will be involved to a certain extent in the student’s educational process, and may be counted on to provide sources for outside activities.

Program Structure and Courses

• This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting three postsecondary adult courses that comprise three occupational completion points. Planned and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE) must be provided through one or more of the following: (1) directed laboratory experience, (2) student project, (3) placement for experience, or (4) cooperative education. This program is comprised of courses which have been assigned course numbers in the SCNS (Statewide Course Numbering System) in accordance with Section 1007.24 (1), F.S. Career and Technical credit shall be awarded to the student on a transcript in accordance with Section 1001.44 (3)(b), F.S. 
  
  The following table illustrates the postsecondary program structure:
  
  

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