AHT – Mastering Companion Animal Care

COURSE OVERVIEW

AHT’s bring a unique set of skills and capabilities to the veterinary industry. With increasing demands on the veterinary team, there is a growing need for Animal Health Technicians to step into small animal practice. This comprehensive 12-module course is designed to equip Animal Health Technicians with advanced skills and knowledge in all aspects of companion animal healthcare. This course provides in-depth training on topics such as diagnostics, anaesthesia, dentistry and emergency care, empowering you to deliver exceptional care and support in small animal veterinary settings.

Our courses are designed to help technicians tailor their expertise and skills to a small animal setting, in alignment with SAVC guidelines. Khula training has a key focus on client communication and patient care. This is a wonderful opportunity to join a part of the profession that truly celebrates the human-animal bond.

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1:
A Dive into Companion
Animal Care

The companion animal veterinary industry
An AHT’s role in small animal veterinary practice
Managing pet owner & patient stress
The pet parent perspective

Module 2:
Admin and Client
Communication

Client communication
Managing an unhappy client
Communicating finances
Admissions and discharges
Medication requests
Record keeping and histories

Module 3:
Drug Calculations &
Fluid Therapy

Pharmacy management
Rules and regulations
Common drugs and their uses
Drug calculations
Administering drugs
Fluid therapy

Module 4:
Minimum Database
& Laboratory Skills

Microscope techniques
Minimum database
PCV/Haematocrit
Principles of blood collection
Snap tests
Skin scrapes and impression smears
Laboratory samples

Module 5:
Anaesthetics

Introduction to anaesthetics
The anaesthetic machine
Anaesthetic drugs
Anaesthetic monitoring
Recovery
Anaesthetic complications and emergencies

Module 6:
Emergencies

The AHT’s role in emergency management
Triage and stabilisation
Circulatory shock
Cardiac arrest
Allergic reactions
Respiratory emergencies
Gastric dilatation and volvulus
Feline urethral obstruction

Module 7:
An Overview of
Common Diseases

Medical terminology
Gastrointestinal
Musculoskeletal
Dermatology
Cardiorespiratory
Urogenital
Neurological
Infectious diseases

Module 8:
Surgery, Wound
Management and
Bandaging

Surgical instruments & packing kits
Shaving and surgical prep of patient
Common surgeries
Sterile practice
Wound healing & management
Principles of bandaging & bandage care – how to assist the
veterinary nurse and veterinarian
Drains

Module 9:
Diagnostic Imaging