Los Angeles, December 2, 2008 – Properly-trained veterinary assistants are essential members of the veterinary team, and Animal Behavior College (ABC), a national animal career training school, is helping to ensure that these professionals receive an exceptional education with their new Certified Veterinary Assistant Training program.
After speaking with numerous veterinarians and staff, ABC discovered that not only was there an insufficient amount of veterinary assistants in the field, but these individuals often lacked formal education. Veterinarians also shared that hands-on training is a fundamental component in this vocation that is often overlooked. The ABC Certified Veterinary Assistant program is unique because it allows students to not only learn from an extensive curriculum but also receive the critical hands-on experience that is so crucial to mastering these skills. What’s more, ABC staff members responsible for assisting the students through the program are all registered veterinary technicians with decades of experience in the field.
“Having a well-trained veterinary assistant is invaluable, like having a well-trained medical assistant or nurse. They are able to assist the doctors everyday. It’s great to have someone with a formal education because if they are familiar with the terminology, how hospitals function, and front office procedures, they can assist the doctors that much more. If they already know how to draw blood or restrain an animal, that’s one less thing we have to teach and they can jump right in and get to work. It saves us time.” said Dr. Sandy Sanford, DVM and Board Certified Specialist.
The ABC Certified Veterinary Assistant program is unique because of its course design. After mastering an extensive in-home study program, ABC sets up students at an actual veterinary clinic or hospital for their externship. During the externship, students work side-by-side with veterinarians and staff as they receive hands-on training utilizing all they have learned at home. This gives ABC graduates an advantage because, unlike other programs, ABC trains the students both in theory and with hands-on training in a real-life work setting. The veterinary staff is able to train these students using modern techniques in a real-world work environment, ensuring that they receive a strong, relevant education.
ABC’s Certified Veterinary Assistant program produces well-qualified graduates who are in high demand by veterinary clinics. In addition, it is apparent that the turn over rate in formally-educated veterinary assistants is much less than in those who trained strictly on-the-job. According to veterinarians nationwide, it’s this formal education coupled with the practical hands-on training that makes ABC students such valuable employees after graduation.
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