This course is designed for individuals aspiring to work in a veterinary setting, providing a thorough understanding of the essential knowledge required to assist in veterinary practice. It covers all key theoretical concepts necessary for supporting veterinary professionals, excluding practical and work experience components.
Recognised for its depth and detail, this programme offers a comprehensive home-study opportunity, making it an excellent resource for those seeking to build expertise in veterinary assistance and animal care. With a strong focus on industry-relevant knowledge, it equips students with the understanding needed to confidently support animal welfare in a professional environment.
Why choos us?
This course is designed for individuals aspiring to work in a veterinary setting, providing a thorough understanding of the essential knowledge required to assist in veterinary practice. It covers all key theoretical concepts necessary for supporting veterinary professionals, excluding practical and work experience components.
Recognised for its depth and detail, this programme offers a comprehensive home-study opportunity, making it an excellent resource for those seeking to build expertise in veterinary assistance and animal care. With a strong focus on industry-relevant knowledge, it equips students with the understanding needed to confidently support animal welfare in a professional environment.
Why choose us?
✅ Comprehensive & Detailed – Unmatched in-home study quality! ✅ No Work Experience Required – Focus purely on theory and essential veterinary knowledge. ✅ Immediate access to course material! ✅
What You’ll Learn:
2) Pre and post operative care
- The details to be recorded on a consent form.
- Understand why blood samples are usually taken prior to surgery.
- Why fasting is necessary prior to surgery.
- Understand the purpose of premedication. The difference between endogenous and exogenous contamination.
- Understand why an animal is prepared for surgery outside the aseptic operating theatre.
- The difference between interrupted and continuous sutures; non absorbable sutures.
- The problems that can occur as a result of an animal being badly positioned during recovery from anaesthesia.
- The use of intravenous fluids during or after operation.
- Understand the difference between bradycardia and tachycardia.
- Recognise the signs that an animal is in pain.
- The dangers of hypoglycaemia.
- Understand the difference between first and second intention healing.
- The different types of dressings and their use.
- The different methods of drug administration and their advantages and disadvantages.
3) Young and geriatric care
- Understand the type of diet required and the feeding regime during pregnancy for cats and dogs.
- The signs of impending parturition.
- The length of the average pregnancy in cat and dog. The three stages of labour.
- The causes of dystocia and the treatment.
- Appreciate the clinical signs of problems after birth.
- The treatment that might be given by a vet for metritis. The differences between an altricial and a precocial species.
- The importance of colostrum.
- The feeding regime and type of food given to kittens and puppies from birth to weaning if hand reared.
- The development process from neonate to 6 weeks.
- The signs of medical problems.
- The clinical signs of hypothyroidism; the symptoms of cognitive dysfunction.
- Appreciate how a diet can help with chronic kidney failure in cats.
- The main aims of fluid therapy and why it might be necessary.
- The symptoms of an ageing animal.
4) Admin, Health and Safety and veterinary terminology
- Understand the meanings of proximal and distal.
- Planes of reference.
- Prefixes and suffixes.
- The stages of anaesthesia.
- Why atropine might be given before general anaesthetic.
- The different types of injectable anaesthesia and when used.
- The advantages of inhalant anaesthetic. How to monitor the effects of anaesthesia. Pulmonary oedema.
- Understand the purpose of a pulse oximeter.
- How to minimise fluid loss during surgery.
- The effects on an animal of too much or too little anaesthetic.
- Diagnostic equipment used prior to an operation.
- Understand what ultrasonography is.
- The use of clamping forceps and retractors.
- The use of orthopaedic instruments.
- Understand the principles and practices of sterilisation of surgical instruments.
5) The Brain and senses
- Understanding disciplines of ethology, zoology and ecology.
- How animals do what they do
- Hardwiring
- Learned behaviours
- Brain structure
- Animal senses
- Ailments which affect behaviour
6) Laws relating to vet practices
- Administration
- POPIA Act
- Financial records
- Introduction to law
- Animal Protection Act
- Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act
- Veterinary Nurses
- Medication regulations
- Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Course Details:
Study Level 4
The study Level relates to how demanding the course is. 1 is beginner and 5 is HND / Foundation Degree level.
6 Module Course – This course is delivered in 6 study modules which need to be passed to gain the qualification.
Your future starts here!
📚 Education in Animal Welfare, Training & Behaviour
✅ Enroll Anytime – No strict start dates
🌍 Study from Anywhere in South Africa
📖 Choose from 30+ Courses
📝 Open to Everyone – Except Advanced Diplomas
⏳ Flexible Learning – Each module takes up to 4 months, or finish faster
🚫 No Exams ✅ Interactive Learning Approach Each module includes: 🔹 Research-Based Questions – Strengthen understanding through exploration 🔹 One or Two Projects – Apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios 🔹 Revision Questions – Reinforce key concepts for mastery
💳 Affordable Payment Options
🏅 Internationally Accredited Learning Institution by ICOES
📜Locally Recognised by SABCAP
🔹 Also Recognised by IAABC, CBTS, NCFE, IACE, ISAP
