Veterinary Assistant with Horse Care Management

This equine veterinary assistant training course is designed for those entering equine healthcare or looking to expand existing veterinary skills. Whether you are interested in becoming a stable manager, horse caretaker, or veterinary assistant that works with large animals, having a fundamental knowledge of horse caretaking with clinical training and veterinary science is essential.

Throughout this fully online equine course, you will build a strong foundation in equine anatomy, behavior, welfare, and common health issues while learning how to design feeding, exercise, and grooming programs that support overall horse well-being. You will also explore stable management, biosecurity best practices, and the laws, ethics, and responsibilities that guide the veterinary healthcare team.

Your training extends beyond equine-specific curriculum by focusing on practical veterinary-assistant competencies, including safe restraint techniques, basic examination tasks, pharmacy operations, and understanding vaccinations, infectious diseases, and prevention strategies. In addition, you will be trained in how to respond during emergencies, as well as assisting with surgical and laboratory procedures such as dental procedures and measuring vitals.

Next, your capstone module brings your learning all together, where you will build a comprehensive Horse Care Management Plan, craft a professional equine-focused resume and portfolio, and sharpen your job-search and networking strategies.  Upon finishing this veterinary assistant and equine management training, you will earn your certificate of completion, acknowledging your dedication and special interest in the well-being of horses and affirming that you have met industry-recognized levels of proficiency.

Instructor(s):

Tracy Heyland, RVT

Tracy Heyland is a Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT), earning the Academic and Practical Proficiency Award upon graduating. She brings 25+ years of experience in small animal medicine to her teaching, earned the Provincial Instructor Diploma, certified as a Professional Co-Active Coach, and is Fear Free Certified. Tracy has worked in general practice, emergency medicine, veterinary sales, operations management, and teaching positions and runs her own coaching and training company for veterinary teams, leaders, and managers.

Giving back to the veterinary profession is a passion of Tracy's where she volunteers for a veterinary technologist program advisory committee, remotely located spay and neuter projects, and a veterinary technologist association continuing education committee.

Mary Mould

Mary Mould has a bachelor's in veterinary technology and a master's in education. She has taught veterinary technology courses for 22 years and distance education for over 24 years. Completing her education through distance learning has been extremely helpful in understanding her students and the variables that go along with distance learning.

Mary published an article, "Brushing Your Dog's Teeth," in the Veterinary Technology journal and has spoken at the Midwest Veterinary Conference on animal pain management.

Mary is a member of the Association for Veterinary Technology Education (AVTE), Veterinary Support Personnel (VSPN), and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians (NAVTA).

Bella Wehner

Bella Wehner is a dedicated horse care management professional with hands-on experience in barn operations and daily horse care. Combining practical knowledge with a passion for equine well-being, Bella has developed systems that keep horses healthy, happy, and performing at their best.  Bella has worked with horses of varying ages, breeds, and temperaments, developing individualized care routines that support each horse’s unique needs and potential. From nutrition and grooming to stable organization and management, Bella’s goal is to inspire confidence and competence in every future equine professional.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 10 or later.
• Mac: macOS 12 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word Online
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• All applications listed above must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment.

The following eBooks are available for your Veterinary Assistant course. Reading assignments in each lesson will be linked to the eBook for the designated reading.

• Veterinary Assisting Fundamentals & Applications, 2nd edition (eBook)
• An Illustrated Guide to Veterinary Medical Terminology, 4th edition (eBook)