Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificates

In human medicine, medical scribes support physicians by documenting patient history, physical exam findings, assessments, treatment plans, billing, and discharges.

At the completion of this certificate, students will have the skills necessary to transcribe the veterinary medical visit, communicate effectively with clients and colleagues, and support members of the veterinary health care team to:

• Enhance patient care
• Support the health care team 
• Increase client satisfaction by allowing the physicians to devote their full attention to patient care

Admission criteria

• High school diploma or equivalent

Program of study

• Asynchronous online learning in:
  • Basic anatomy
  • Veterinary medical terminology (physical exams, diagnostics, pharmacology)
  • Documenting and charting medical records
  • Audience-appropriate language for communicating with colleagues and clients
• 100-hour in-person practicum
  • Supervised work experience with veterinarians and veterinary technicians in a clinical setting

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Junior Veterinary Scribe

Designed for students ages 16-17 who want to enter the workforce after high school with a skill set to assist them in finding entry-level work in the veterinary field as a scribe, veterinary receptionist, or veterinary assistant.

At the completion of the certificate, students will have the skills necessary to transcribe veterinary medical visits, communicate effectively with clients and colleagues, and support members of the veterinary health care team to:

• Enhance patient care
• Support the health care team 
• Increase client satisfaction by allowing the physicians to devote their full attention to patient care

Program of study

• 10 online modules in:
  • Basic anatomy and physiology
  • Veterinary medical terminology (physical exams, diagnostics, pharmacology)
  • Documenting and charting medical records
  • Audience-appropriate language for communicating with colleagues and clients

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Veterinary Scribe Educator Edition

The Veterinary Scribe Educator Edition offers high school teachers a flexible, classroom‑ready version of the Veterinary Scribe Certificate, providing the full curriculum in an easy‑to‑use format designed specifically for educational settings. The program gives schools at least a year of access for only $99 and allows teachers to enroll an unlimited number of students, making it an affordable way to introduce veterinary medicine into the classroom.

The Educator Edition includes the same content as the traditional certificate program, but all materials — including lessons, readings, assignments, quizzes, and instructor keys — are provided as PDFs that teachers can distribute and incorporate into their curriculum in whatever way works best. The asynchronous format fits a wide range of schedules and can be used with entire classes, small groups, or individual students. Students may also complete the program independently as an extracurricular option. Every student who completes the program earns a certificate from the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine.

WSU faculty and staff remain available as a resource for questions, additional materials, and optional live lecture support upon request.

Program of study

Students learn veterinary medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical record transcription, and professional communication skills. These foundational skills prepare students for entry‑level paraprofessional roles, introduce them to employment opportunities in veterinary clinics and remote scribing companies, and strengthen both college and job applications.

The program enhances classroom instruction by introducing real‑world veterinary scenarios and career exploration opportunities. It is designed to give students a meaningful head start on a future in veterinary medicine or other animal‑health careers, while providing educators with a complete, ready‑to‑deliver curriculum backed by ongoing institutional support.

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Veterinary Preventative Health

Developed by leading experts in the field for both new and experienced professionals, students are introduced to the information and skills necessary to excel in the veterinary field. The course emphasizes client communication and exposes enrollees to important preventative health concepts.

Admission criteria

• Open to those age 16 and older

Program of study

• Asynchronous online learning in:
  • Preventative health concepts, including spaying and neutering, vaccination, parasitology, zoonotic diseases, diagnostic testing, dental care, basic nutrition, behavioral health, and end-of-life care.