A career as a veterinary assistant is an appealing choice for anyone with a genuine passion for animals. You actively contribute to ensuring their well-being and provide comfort to their owners.
Who are Veterinary Assistants?
A veterinary assistant helps veterinarians and veterinary technicians care for animals by performing various roles and responsibilities. They may provide medication and immunizations, collect samples, bathe and exercise the animals, and restrain them for examinations and lab procedures.
Unlike veterinarians and veterinary technologists, who must obtain a 4-year bachelor’s degree, you can become a veterinary assistant with only 9 months of training.
What do Veterinary Assistants Do?
Throughout a regular workday, veterinary assistants carry out one or more of the following duties:
- Collecting urine, blood, and tissue samples from animals.
- Bathing and exercising the animals.
- Administering drugs, vaccines, and immunizations.
- Sterilizing and sanitizing equipment and environment.
- Observing animals for signs of injury or illness.
- Restraining animals for examinations.
- Moving animals between areas.
- Assisting veterinarians in surgery.
- Providing aftercare to animals post-surgery.
Veterinary assistants may also carry out administrative duties such as:
- Taking and scheduling calls.
- Scheduling appointments.
- Maintaining proper records of animals and treatment.
- Maintaining an inventory of tools and equipment.
- Discharging patients when treatment is complete.
As a veterinary assistant, you will likely work in an animal hospital or veterinarian clinic. Most work full-time, but part-time is also possible. Expect to work on nights, weekends, and holidays.
How to Become a Veterinary Assistant
To become a veterinary assistant, you must obtain training and become certified in your desired state of practice. A GED or high school diploma is required. Taking certain introductory classes in high school can ease the training process.
Veterinary Training Programs
You can become a veterinary assistant through a 9-month training program. While getting an associate degree is an option, most prefer certificate programs for their speed.
When choosing a training program, ensure the school is accredited and known for quality, providing hands-on experience and possibly an externship.
Training Coursework
A veterinary assistant training program should cover animal handling, restraint, diagnostic imaging, nursing fundamentals, laboratory procedures, and office practices.
Veterinary Assistant Certification
Certification is not necessary before practicing as a veterinary assistant, but it can enhance your employment prospects. One certification option is the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certification offered by NAVTA. To qualify, you must graduate from an approved school and pass the examination or gain sufficient real-world experience under supervision.
Securing Employment
After training and optional certification, you can apply for jobs in your preferred animal clinic or hospital. Associations can also help you find suitable jobs.
Veterinary Assistant Salary
In 2021, the median annual salary for veterinary assistants was $29,870, with factors like location and experience influencing this figure. Veterinary assistants in scientific research and development earned the most, averaging $37,750.
The demand for veterinary assistants is expected to increase by 19% between 2021 and 2031, driven by retirements and increased pet-related spending in the veterinary services industry.
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