Noncredit Schedule of Classes

Animal first aid is the immediate care given to an injured or suddenly ill pet until competent veterinary care is available. This course provides pet owners and other interested parties with information on caring for dogs and cats as well as guidance about how to determine when pets need professional treatment. Topics include initial assessment, restraint application, basic emergency care, CPR, common illnesses and injuries, and medication administration. Course requirement for all Veterinary Assistant students. Course completion card included. Senior adult and disabled retiree course fee waivers apply. Transcript available.

Interested in a career in dog grooming? Take this course to learn about the role and responsibilities of a dog groomer as you explore the skills needed for the workplace. Covering the fundamental basics of dog grooming, you will receive both lecture and hands-on information on topics such as dog anatomy & breed identification; animal behavior & handling; sanitation; ethics & welfare; customer relations; equipment identification & care; basic skin disorders identification; and flea/tick evaluation & treatment options. Prerequisite course required. Technical standards apply. Textbook required. Senior adult and disabled retiree course fee waivers apply. Transcript available.

Build on the knowledge you gained in Dog Grooming I as you explore basic grooming skills and techniques. Learn and practice essential skills such as proper bathing/drying; brushing/combing/dematting; ear cleaning; nail trims; dental care; anal gland expression; proper clipper use; and scissor control. Prerequisite course and completion of Dog Grooming I required. Technical standards apply. Textbook required. Senior adult and disabled retiree course fee waivers apply. Transcript available.

Continue exploring the career of dog grooming as you learn advanced grooming techniques. Gain skills and knowledge related to pattern setting; blending/shaping; hair dying; competitive grooming; business planning; and service add-ons. Prerequisite course, completion of Dog Grooming I & II, and enrollment in externship required. Technical standards apply. Textbook required. Senior adult and disabled retiree course fee waivers apply. Transcript available.

Participate in an individually scheduled, 50-hour, "hands on" experience related to dog grooming. Observe and practice procedures and skills under direct supervision in a grooming salon. Must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license, and reliable transportation. Weekday, weekend, and holiday hours necessary for successful completion. Current, negative TB skin test (or negative chest x-ray) and tetanus shot are mandatory. Hepatitis B vaccination recommended. Prerequisite course, completion of Dog Grooming I, and enrollment in Dog Grooming II required. Technical standards apply. Senior adult and disabled retiree course fee waivers apply. Transcript available.

Learn the rudimentary skills of massage therapy for animals. When used in combination with a veterinary preventative healthcare program, animal massage provides complementary physical, mental, and emotional benefits. It also facilitates the socialization of abused and/or traumatized pets. This course provides information to the public so that participants may practice massage on their own animals. Those who wish to practice animal massage for compensation must be employed and under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. Required for all Veterinary Assistant students. Participants may bring a socialized dog to class for use in the practice of massage. All dogs must be licensed, have current rabies immunization, and be kept on a lead at all times. Please bring a blanket and a water bottle for your dog. Senior and disabled retiree course fee waivers apply. Transcript available.

Participate in an individually scheduled, 100-hour, "hands on" experience related to the veterinary management of small animals. Opportunities include preventive medicine, nutrition, husbandry, animal behavior, handling and restraint, medical management, and laboratory techniques. Observe and practice procedures and skills under direct supervision. Must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license, and reliable transportation. Weekday, weekend, and holiday hours necessary for successful completion. Current, negative TB skin test (or negative chest x-ray) and tetanus shot are mandatory. Hepatitis B vaccination recommended. Prerequisite courses required. Technical standards apply. Senior adult and disabled retiree course fee waivers apply. Transcript available.

In this module, you will learn to provide services for small animals in need of specialized and emergent care. Areas of concentration include anesthesia, surgery, emergency care, dental care and the required restraint techniques for these interventions. Prerequisite courses required. Technical standards apply. Textbook required. Senior adult and disabled retiree course fee waivers apply. Transcript available.

Continue your journey through Veterinary Assistant Training! Module V prepares you to work with large and exotic animals including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Topics include preventive medicine; nutrition; animal behavior, handling and restraint; husbandry; habitat design; ethical and conservation issues; and humane animal handling techniques. Prereqquisite: Veterinary Assistant IV: Surgery, Anesthesia, & Emergency Care. If you are interested in this course, you can assess your readiness for classes with an online component by going to www.harford.edu/online and taking the quiz, "Is distance learning right for you?". Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand and/or walk for extended periods in all weather conditions required. Current, negative TB skin test (or negative chest x-ray) and tetanus shot are mandatory. Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended. Textbook required and available in the College Store. Senior adult and disabled retiree course fee waivers apply. Transcript available.