Veterinary Support Assistant Diploma
Why you should study with us
Veterinary Support Assistant Diploma Course
This course will give you an overview of the veterinary industry, the role played by Veterinary Support Assistants (VSAs), and the most common issues and challenges faced by those working in the profession.
It will equip you with the knowledge you will need to communicate effectively with other members of the veterinary team and further your career in this sector. Working as a VSA is a great way of making a real difference to the lives of sick and injured animals on a daily basis. However, the terminology and technical knowledge required to succeed as a VSA can seem intimidating to industry newcomers.
This course presents key concepts in animal care in a straightforward manner, so that you can begin your career with confidence. You will also obtain a working knowledge of key legislation necessary to keep you and your patients safe.
From administering first aid to routine surgery, you will learn what happens in the consultation rooms and operating theatres in a typical veterinary practice. The course addresses patient care at every stage of treatment, from diagnosis to surgery and post-operation recovery. It focuses primarily on the treatment of common domestic species, but the needs of exotic animals and horses are also addressed.
In light of the increasing emphasis on customer service within the industry, the course also examines the typical customer’s experience as they seek out the best possible care for their pet. Owners can become highly stressed when their beloved pet is ill, and this course contains practical advice for communicating effectively with customers facing emotional strain both in person and on the telephone.
This course will provide anyone looking to work as a VSA with a realistic insight into the workings of a veterinary practice and future options for career progression. It will also be of interest to anyone who wishes to learn more about animal care or further their knowledge of the veterinary industry in general.
What you will learn:
- An introduction to veterinary medicine and job roles available within the industry
- How to improve your chances of getting a job as a VSA and how to undertake further training once you have obtained a position
- Health and safety issues that affect VSAs including the pieces of legislation addressing animal welfare and workplace safety
- How veterinary patients are cared for and monitored by veterinary staff during their stay
- An overview of animal welfare issues, including common ethical dilemmas and frameworks for making difficult decisions
- Common terminology and equipment used by veterinary staff in consultations and during surgery
- The most common procedures, including diagnostic tests, used in veterinary medicine
- How to handle a variety of animal species, including cats, dogs, horses and small mammals
- How emergency situations are handled, from initial assessment through to the administration of first aid and treatment
- The role of customer service in a modern veterinary surgery and how a practice can establish a positive role within the wider community
Benefits of taking this course:
- You can learn the material any place, any time, and at your own speed.
- All you need is an internet-enabled device.
- Content is presented as brief modules, making learning easy. Access to an online support system.
- A complete overview of the issues faced by those working as VSAs in modern veterinary practices.
- Affordable cost.
This course includes
24/7 Student Support
End of course certification
Lifetime access to your course
Compatible with modern devices
- The key purposes and functions of a veterinary practice
- A brief history of veterinary medicine
- Why it is important to understand the role of each member of a veterinary team
- An overview of the most common roles within a practice, including the necessary qualifications and main responsibilities
- The entry requirements for entering into the veterinary profession as a veterinary support assistant (VSA)
- Why it is beneficial to pursue a formal qualification
- The most popular qualifications open to VSAs
- The main areas covered by VSA qualifications
- Why you need to be aware of health and safety laws and legislation from the outset of your career in the veterinary industry
- The purposes of health and safety legislation
- The nature and purpose of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966
- The nature and purpose of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Why a VSA should be familiar with the techniques used to monitor inpatients
- The assessment process for newly admitted patients
- How veterinary staff ensure that inpatients are given the opportunity to have their usual day to day needs met
- The most commonly monitored measures of health, such as temperature and blood pressure
- What is meant by animal welfare and why it is important to consider the practical and philosophical issues raised by the topic
- The nature and purpose of the Five Freedoms model approach to animal welfare
- The meaning of the term “stakeholders” in relation to animal health and welfare
- The role of ethics in maintaining animal health and welfare
- Why VSAs need to be familiar with common terminology and equipment
- Common prefixes used by veterinary professionals
- Common suffixes used by veterinary professionals
- The equipment most commonly used in a consultation room
- The purpose of anaesthesia and the ways in which it is administered
- The most common surgical procedures carried out by veterinary surgeons
- Diagnostic tests used in veterinary practice to identify health problems in patients
- The day to day practices that comprise nursing care and how they are carried out
- Why animal handling is a key skill for vets, RVNs and VSAs
- Essential points to bear in mind when handling dogs
- Essential points to bear in mind when handling cats
- How to handle small mammals, including hamsters and rabbits
- Why VSAs should be familiar with common emergencies arising in everyday veterinary practice
- The purposes and nature of first aid and who is responsible for its administration
- The importance of triage and initial assessment, in ensuring the best possible outcome for a patient
- An overview of emergency procedures, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), blood transfusions and the Heimlich Manoeuvre
- Why customer service is an important skill for everyone working in a veterinary practice
- How the typical customer selects a veterinary practice
- How understanding the customer’s journey can help you deliver great customer service
- How to interact positively with customers on the telephone
ID: YDFT67YHJ
of achievement
This certificate is presented to
Your Name
For completing the
Veterinary Support Assistant Diploma
on 21st November 2026
Selena Hurford
Selena Hurford
Course Tutor
Daniel Morgan
Daniel Morgan
Head of Academy
Anyone who has an interest in learning more about this subject matter is encouraged to take the course. There are no entry requirements to take the course.
The course is broken down into 10 individual modules. Each module takes between 20 and 90 minutes on average to study. Although you are free to spend as much or as little time as you feel necessary on each module, simply log in and out of the course at your convenience.
You can study the course any time you like. Simply log in and out of the web based course as often as you require. The course is compatible with all computers, tablet devices and smart phones so you can even study while on the move!
Once you have completed all 10 modules there is a multiple choice test. The questions will be on a range of topics found within the 10 modules. The test, like the course, is online and can be taken a time and location of your choosing.
The pass mark for the test is 70%.
If you don’t pass the test first time you will get further opportunities to take the test again after extra study. There are no limits to the number of times you can take the test. All test retakes are included within the price of the course.
You can either use your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Solo cards or PayPal account to pay for the online course. Our site uses the latest SSL encryption to ensure your safety. All payments are handled securely by PayPal.
You can begin the course immediately after your payment has been received. You will create your login details during the checkout process. We will also send you an email confirming your login details.
We estimate that the course will take about 12 hours to complete in total, plus an additional 30 minutes for the end of course test.
Once you have been awarded your certificate it is valid for life. The certificate does not expire or need renewing.
I was desperate to get out of my current job but didn't quite have the right skills to move on to another job. I am so glad I chose this course as it has allowed me to gain much needed skills and opened many doors in my career development.
Saffron Gee
Really helpful course, it covers all the main aspects to become a successful PA. I was looking for an admin course where I can improve a new side of my professional career and this course had everything I needed. It gives you everything from basic computer knowledge to tips for the day to day basics like answering the phone or how to create a memo or book your boss’ travel arrangements. It offers a clear structure with all the main subjects divide in short modules, easy to study that way, and it gives you examples in real life as well as practice exercises that help you to understand everything. With support during all the course and access during a whole year, you cannot ask for more value for money! Totally recommended!
Alicia Prenda
The course was easy to find on the website, and plenty of information regarding course modules, outcomes and any frequently asked questions. There is plenty of choices for a range of courses, which made it harder for me to decide what course I wanted to pursue! The price of the courses are reasonable and doing it in your own time while in employment is a plus for myself. Trying to find time while in full time work is hard in itself, but having a good provider online it has opened the door for me to learn new things and expand my knowledge. I would definitely recommend to anyone who would want to learn online.
Sophie Mangano
The Marketing Diploma Course was laid out in such a way that it was easy to understand and work through and the modular approach meant I was able to complete the course in a way which suited me.
The New Skills Academy website is easy to use and the user dashboard provides all the information you need to start, continue and complete your studies.
Each module in the course was detailed and broken down into manageable chunks, with downloadable worksheets to test knowledge at the end of each module making sure you have the understanding to progress.
Overall, an easy way to develop new skills!
Nick Eyley
This course is incredibly helpful and easy to understand to start off a career in event planning. The case studies give you an insight into the real world of this role and not just the "shiny exterior". I'm loving this course and cannot wait to use the knowledge that I have gained in the [hopefully not so distant] future!
Leanne Dormer
Amanda Groom
Veterinary Support Assistant Diploma Course
This course will give you an overview of the veterinary industry, the role played by Veterinary Support Assistants (VSAs), and the most common issues and challenges faced by those working in the profession.
It will equip you with the knowledge you will need to communicate effectively with other members of the veterinary team and further your career in this sector. Working as a VSA is a great way of making a real difference to the lives of sick and injured animals on a daily basis. However, the terminology and technical knowledge required to succeed as a VSA can seem intimidating to industry newcomers.
This course presents key concepts in animal care in a straightforward manner, so that you can begin your career with confidence. You will also obtain a working knowledge of key legislation necessary to keep you and your patients safe.
From administering first aid to routine surgery, you will learn what happens in the consultation rooms and operating theatres in a typical veterinary practice. The course addresses patient care at every stage of treatment, from diagnosis to surgery and post-operation recovery. It focuses primarily on the treatment of common domestic species, but the needs of exotic animals and horses are also addressed.
In light of the increasing emphasis on customer service within the industry, the course also examines the typical customer’s experience as they seek out the best possible care for their pet. Owners can become highly stressed when their beloved pet is ill, and this course contains practical advice for communicating effectively with customers facing emotional strain both in person and on the telephone.
This course will provide anyone looking to work as a VSA with a realistic insight into the workings of a veterinary practice and future options for career progression. It will also be of interest to anyone who wishes to learn more about animal care or further their knowledge of the veterinary industry in general.
What you will learn:
- An introduction to veterinary medicine and job roles available within the industry
- How to improve your chances of getting a job as a VSA and how to undertake further training once you have obtained a position
- Health and safety issues that affect VSAs including the pieces of legislation addressing animal welfare and workplace safety
- How veterinary patients are cared for and monitored by veterinary staff during their stay
- An overview of animal welfare issues, including common ethical dilemmas and frameworks for making difficult decisions
- Common terminology and equipment used by veterinary staff in consultations and during surgery
- The most common procedures, including diagnostic tests, used in veterinary medicine
- How to handle a variety of animal species, including cats, dogs, horses and small mammals
- How emergency situations are handled, from initial assessment through to the administration of first aid and treatment
- The role of customer service in a modern veterinary surgery and how a practice can establish a positive role within the wider community
Benefits of taking this course:
- You can learn the material any place, any time, and at your own speed.
- All you need is an internet-enabled device.
- Content is presented as brief modules, making learning easy. Access to an online support system.
- A complete overview of the issues faced by those working as VSAs in modern veterinary practices.
- Affordable cost.
This course includes
24/7 Student Support
End of course certification
Lifetime access to your course
Compatible with modern devices
- The key purposes and functions of a veterinary practice
- A brief history of veterinary medicine
- Why it is important to understand the role of each member of a veterinary team
- An overview of the most common roles within a practice, including the necessary qualifications and main responsibilities
- The entry requirements for entering into the veterinary profession as a veterinary support assistant (VSA)
- Why it is beneficial to pursue a formal qualification
- The most popular qualifications open to VSAs
- The main areas covered by VSA qualifications
- Why you need to be aware of health and safety laws and legislation from the outset of your career in the veterinary industry
- The purposes of health and safety legislation
- The nature and purpose of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966
- The nature and purpose of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Why a VSA should be familiar with the techniques used to monitor inpatients
- The assessment process for newly admitted patients
- How veterinary staff ensure that inpatients are given the opportunity to have their usual day to day needs met
- The most commonly monitored measures of health, such as temperature and blood pressure
- What is meant by animal welfare and why it is important to consider the practical and philosophical issues raised by the topic
- The nature and purpose of the Five Freedoms model approach to animal welfare
- The meaning of the term “stakeholders” in relation to animal health and welfare
- The role of ethics in maintaining animal health and welfare
- Why VSAs need to be familiar with common terminology and equipment
- Common prefixes used by veterinary professionals
- Common suffixes used by veterinary professionals
- The equipment most commonly used in a consultation room
- The purpose of anaesthesia and the ways in which it is administered
- The most common surgical procedures carried out by veterinary surgeons
- Diagnostic tests used in veterinary practice to identify health problems in patients
- The day to day practices that comprise nursing care and how they are carried out
- Why animal handling is a key skill for vets, RVNs and VSAs
- Essential points to bear in mind when handling dogs
- Essential points to bear in mind when handling cats
- How to handle small mammals, including hamsters and rabbits
- Why VSAs should be familiar with common emergencies arising in everyday veterinary practice
- The purposes and nature of first aid and who is responsible for its administration
- The importance of triage and initial assessment, in ensuring the best possible outcome for a patient
- An overview of emergency procedures, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), blood transfusions and the Heimlich Manoeuvre
- Why customer service is an important skill for everyone working in a veterinary practice
- How the typical customer selects a veterinary practice
- How understanding the customer’s journey can help you deliver great customer service
- How to interact positively with customers on the telephone
ID: YDFT67YHJ
of achievement
This certificate is presented to
Your Name
For completing the
Veterinary Support Assistant Diploma
on 21st November 2026
Selena Hurford
Selena Hurford
Course Tutor
Daniel Morgan
Daniel Morgan
Head of Academy
Anyone who has an interest in learning more about this subject matter is encouraged to take the course. There are no entry requirements to take the course.
The course is broken down into 10 individual modules. Each module takes between 20 and 90 minutes on average to study. Although you are free to spend as much or as little time as you feel necessary on each module, simply log in and out of the course at your convenience.
You can study the course any time you like. Simply log in and out of the web based course as often as you require. The course is compatible with all computers, tablet devices and smart phones so you can even study while on the move!
Once you have completed all 10 modules there is a multiple choice test. The questions will be on a range of topics found within the 10 modules. The test, like the course, is online and can be taken a time and location of your choosing.
The pass mark for the test is 70%.
If you don’t pass the test first time you will get further opportunities to take the test again after extra study. There are no limits to the number of times you can take the test. All test retakes are included within the price of the course.
You can either use your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Solo cards or PayPal account to pay for the online course. Our site uses the latest SSL encryption to ensure your safety. All payments are handled securely by PayPal.
You can begin the course immediately after your payment has been received. You will create your login details during the checkout process. We will also send you an email confirming your login details.
We estimate that the course will take about 12 hours to complete in total, plus an additional 30 minutes for the end of course test.
Once you have been awarded your certificate it is valid for life. The certificate does not expire or need renewing.
I was desperate to get out of my current job but didn't quite have the right skills to move on to another job. I am so glad I chose this course as it has allowed me to gain much needed skills and opened many doors in my career development.
Saffron Gee
Really helpful course, it covers all the main aspects to become a successful PA. I was looking for an admin course where I can improve a new side of my professional career and this course had everything I needed. It gives you everything from basic computer knowledge to tips for the day to day basics like answering the phone or how to create a memo or book your boss’ travel arrangements. It offers a clear structure with all the main subjects divide in short modules, easy to study that way, and it gives you examples in real life as well as practice exercises that help you to understand everything. With support during all the course and access during a whole year, you cannot ask for more value for money! Totally recommended!
Alicia Prenda
The course was easy to find on the website, and plenty of information regarding course modules, outcomes and any frequently asked questions. There is plenty of choices for a range of courses, which made it harder for me to decide what course I wanted to pursue! The price of the courses are reasonable and doing it in your own time while in employment is a plus for myself. Trying to find time while in full time work is hard in itself, but having a good provider online it has opened the door for me to learn new things and expand my knowledge. I would definitely recommend to anyone who would want to learn online.
Sophie Mangano
The Marketing Diploma Course was laid out in such a way that it was easy to understand and work through and the modular approach meant I was able to complete the course in a way which suited me.
The New Skills Academy website is easy to use and the user dashboard provides all the information you need to start, continue and complete your studies.
Each module in the course was detailed and broken down into manageable chunks, with downloadable worksheets to test knowledge at the end of each module making sure you have the understanding to progress.
Overall, an easy way to develop new skills!
Nick Eyley
This course is incredibly helpful and easy to understand to start off a career in event planning. The case studies give you an insight into the real world of this role and not just the "shiny exterior". I'm loving this course and cannot wait to use the knowledge that I have gained in the [hopefully not so distant] future!
Leanne Dormer
Amanda Groom
Why you should study with us
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I took up this course initially to help me with my own dog, but found that as I worked through the material I actually started thinking that this could be something that I could use to make a second income. From start to finish I found the course engaging and interesting. I am now doing another dog related course and am experiencing the same level of enjoyment. I would recommend New Skills Academy without hesitation.
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More than likely will be back for another one soon. This course was enjoyable to do, and I learnt a lot and passed first try. My certificate will be up on the wall soon.
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