West Virginia University, through a partnership with Gatlin Education Services, offers online career training services for adults who want to attain the skills needed for many in-demand professions such as veterinary assistant training. The essential skills the student will learn in this program will help keep animals healthy, care for them when they are ill, and assist veterinarians in their offices.

Computer Requirements
This course can be taken from either a Mac or a PC. There are no specific computer requirements other than an Internet connection and email capability.

Background
Veterinary Assisting is a rewarding career in a growing field. As a Veterinary Assistant you can work with animals and be a part of a professional veterinary staff. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for professional veterinary assistants will rise 39% by 2010.

Course Goal
This Veterinary Assistant Certificate Program is designed for students to learn about the care of animals as well as how to recognize signs of illness and disease. The online program also covers interpersonal communication, interaction with clients and their animals, as well as assisting the veterinarian during examinations. Administrative duties, such as fee collection, banking, and accounts payable will be emphasized, and the student will learn basic information about pet insurance.

Course Objectives
Students will:

• Be able to identify the roles and responsibilities of the veterinary assistant.
• Have knowledge of safety measures to prevent injury to animals and their owners, as well as the veterinary team.
• Know how to communicate in an effective manner with the veterinary team, animal owners, and visitors to the veterinary clinic.
• Be able to apply ethical and legal standards to issues in the veterinary office.
• Have knowledge of professional work habits.
• Understand proper office and compartment cleaning methods for safety of animals and the veterinary team.
• Be able to identify the major breeds of various animals.
• Understand veterinary medical terminology.
• Be able to perform office procedures related to the administration of the veterinary office.
• Understand the importance of observation skills.
• Know the importance of confidentiality.
• Understand the basics of responsible animal care.
• Know how to handle animal specimens correctly and process them accurately.
• Be able to identify opportunities for employment in the field of veterinary assisting.

Course Structure and Schedule
This is a non-credit course offered for 240 hours. The student can register at any time during the year. Cost is $1,795 per student. A certificate for course completion will be issued.

Prerequisite(s)
Students should be proficient in keyboarding, have a basic understanding of a word-processing computer program (Microsoft Word recommended), and have a command of English grammar and punctuation. No veterinary office work experience is required.

Materials
Included are Veterinary Office Practices, Illustrated Guide to Veterinary Medical Terminology.

Overview/Subject Matter
Veterinary Medical Terminology
Veterinary Office Practices
Computers in the Veterinary Practice
The Veterinary Assistant as Communicator
Ethics and Law in the Veterinary Office
Billing and Collecting in the Veterinary Office
Assisting the Veterinarian and Grooming Basics
Preparing for Employment

Registration

Register online through our secure server or fill out this form and fax or mail it to Extended Learning. You will be given class access by email within five working days. Call 1-800-2Learn2, or email WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu if you have any questions. Major credit cards and electronic checks are accepted.

Refund Policy
Any cancellation and refund request must be submitted in writing by the student to WVU Extended Learning. A $50 processing fee will be charged to the student for a cancellation requested before materials (books) are mailed to the student. If the student cancels within ten days after the materials are mailed to the student, then a $100 processing fee will be charged, provided the student returns the materials, within five days of the written request, in their original condition. If the materials are not returned within the specified period of time or are not in their original condition, then a $500 processing fee will be charged to the student. If the student cancels any time between eleven and thirty days after the materials ae mailed to the student, then a $300 processing fee will be charged, provided the student returns the materials, within 5 days of the written request, in their original condition. If the materials are not returned within the specified period of time or are not in their original condition, then a $500 processing fee will be charged to the student. No other refunds will be considered.