Veterinary Assistant Schools in Fresno, CA

About the School

San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) is a college founded in 1977.

They offer certificate and degree programs in a wide variety of areas, including business, medical, dental, industrial, and skilled trades.

For the past four and a half decades, they have supported countless students in developing real-world skills and experience essential to entering the careers of their choice.

They have also continued to uphold their core values, which are: Communication, Diversity, Family, Integrity, Professionalism, and Success.

They are dedicated to helping them achieve their goals, improve their families’ lives, and serve their community with integrity.

Regardless of background, ethnicity, socio-economic status, age, and gender, they welcome everyone with open arms.

Their classes, whether classroom, online, or hands-on learning, are designed to give all students opportunities to learn, grow, and be heard and help them feel included and safe.

They have multiple campuses across California, and they are found in:

• Northern California – Modesto (Salida) and Rancho Cordova
• Central California – Bakersfield, Delano, Fresno, Fresno Trades Education Center, Hanford, Madera, Porterville, Santa Maria, and Visalia
• Southern California – Antelope Valley (Lancaster), Ontario, Rancho Mirage, Temecula, and Victor Valley (Hesperia)

Courses Offered

The Veterinary Assistant Program aims to teach students how to provide support to veterinarians and veterinary technicians, as well as perform routine, preventative, emergency, and postoperative care to animals.

It requires 100 contact hours and features the following courses:

• Animal Nursing
• Veterinary Laboratory Procedures
• Veterinary Radiology
• Veterinary Dentistry and Critical Care

Its objectives are to train students to be able to successfully carry out the following:

• Veterinary clinic reception and management and general computer knowledge and skills
• Venipuncture, placing IV catheters, administering injections, and monitoring anesthesia during surgeries
• Diagnostic and laboratory procedures and radiographic film processing
• In-home dental care and dental prophylaxis
• Obtaining and recording patient history and vitals, pet restraining techniques, and other exam room protocols
• Client communication skills, professional behavior and appearance, and social skills
• Critical analysis, reasoning, and ethical behavior and interpersonal interaction

The full program takes 36 weeks to complete, and graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion.

About the School

Fresno Pacific University is a private Christian University in Central California, occupying 42 acres between the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

Their Continuing Education courses, certificates, and programs are designed to teach students the skills to enter the workforce and meet the ever-increasing demand for professional services in various industries.

They are committed to supporting not only their students but also their teachers, the school districts, and their communities for more and better opportunities, lifelong learning, and a higher quality of life.

Founded in 1944 as Pacific Bible Institute, they are accredited by the Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Courses Offered

The Veterinary Assistant Specialist Program aims to prepare students for a career in the veterinary medicine field.

It teaches how to care for animals, identify signs of illnesses and diseases, and assist the veterinarian during exams and procedures.

It also covers interaction with clients and their pets, professional behavior, and interpersonal skills.

The program outline consists of a wide range of courses, such as:

• Basic Medical Terminology
• The Musculoskeletal System
• Common Animal Terms and Animal Names
• The Different Animal Body Systems (Gastrointestinal, Urinary, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Integumentary, Endocrine, Reproductive, Nervous, Lymphatic)
• Testing, Pharmacology, and Surgery Terminology
• Veterinary Concepts for Canines, Felines, Equine, Ruminants, Swine, Birds, and Other Species
• Veterinary Laboratory Techniques
• The Study of Pathogens
• Pharmacology and Pharmacy
• Wounds, Fractures, and Injuries
• Surgery
• Emergency and Critical Care
• Dentistry
• Animal Management
• Nutrition
• Nursing Care

Upon completion, students can participate in a hands-on practicum and/or externship for real-world practice.

They can also test for the NAVATA Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) Designation Exam and the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Exam.