This course has been developed for those who want to work with animals in a veterinary setting. It covers all the knowledge and understanding topics that are required to assist in the practice with the exception of the work experience and practical related subjects.
This a particularly detailed and comprehensive course that is unrivalled in the world of home study.
Course Modules:
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.
Fees: Including VAT
Upfront Full Course – R11 990 (includes registration and 6 modules)
or
Pay as you learn option – R1750 registration (once off) and R1870 per module.
