When most of us think of taking furry friends to the vet, we’re thinking about the doctor. However, to every veterinarian out there is a Robin to his Batman, so to speak. That’s right, I’m talking about the vet assistant.
So, who exactly is a veterinary assistant? Simply put, a veterinary assistant is a valuable team member in an animal health care setting. They are the unsung heroes, working behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of a veterinary practice and playing a vital role in maintaining animal health and welfare.
If this sounds like the kind of thing you’d like to spend your day doing, then this guide is for you. Here, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to become a vet assistant, from salary requirements to education and more. Let’s jump in!
But First, What Is a Vet Assistant?
Before we can start talking about how to become a vet assistant, we’ve got to cover what a vet assistant is and how they help in a veterinary clinic.
Vet assistants are, as you can probably guess, assistants to the vet running the clinic. On a typical day, a veterinary assistant might find themselves comforting a scared kitten before her procedure, cleaning kennels to ensure a sanitary environment for recovering patients, assisting a vet during a challenging surgery, or offering a listening ear to an anxious pet owner.
While the role can certainly be challenging, it is also deeply rewarding. Imagine the joy in a wagging tail after a successful treatment or the purring of a content cat you’ve just helped get back to good health.
A veterinary assistant is more than just an animal lover. They are an integral component of the veterinary healthcare team, a professional dedicated to the well-being of animals. They are passionate, hard-working, and committed individuals eager to make a difference.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Vet Assistant
Okay, so you know what a vet assistant is. But what kinds of duties and responsibilities can one expect to take on?
As it happens, the role of a veterinary assistant is wide and varied, making every day unique and full of new experiences. Their day-to-day tasks are centered around providing the utmost care for our animal patients and ensuring that our veterinary facility runs smoothly.
Here’s a brief overview of their typical duties.
1. Assisting Veterinarians with Animal Examinations and Surgeries
This is one of the roles at the heart of being a vet assistant. For instance, they’re often called upon to hold animals still and calm during procedures, ensuring both their safety and that of the vet.
They also collect samples and conduct basic laboratory tests, assisting in the diagnosis and treatment of animal patients. The technical responsibility can be challenging but also immensely rewarding.
2. Routine Animal Care
From feeding and bathing animals to delivering specific medical treatments and medication under the supervision of a vet, vet assistants play an instrumental role in the overall well-being of their animal patients.
The rapport we build with these animals, especially those who are regular visitors, is one of the greatest privileges of the job.
3. Maintaining a Clean and Hygienic Environment
This includes sterilizing surgical equipment and keeping all the areas — from the operating rooms to the kennels — clean and orderly. This is crucial because it helps prevent the spread of disease and ensures a safe environment for both animals and humans.
4. Administrative Role at Clinics
This entails managing appointment schedules, answering phone calls, and maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient records. Vet assistants ensure the smooth running of operations, contributing to a seamless client experience.
Education Requirements for Becoming a Vet Assistant
Although being a vet tech may not require the same kind of education as becoming a full-fledged veterinarian, you’ll still need to have some technical knowledge under your belt.
Remember, education equips you with the knowledge base you need, while practical experience bridges the gap between this knowledge and its application, making you job-ready. So, start exploring the various educational opportunities that can put you on the path to becoming a successful vet assistant.
The minimum educational requirement to become a veterinary assistant is a high school diploma or equivalent. Having completed high school, you have several options for vocational training.
Vet Assistant Programs
While some veterinary clinics offer on-the-job training, I would recommend enrolling in a vet assistant program as it can help you build a strong foundation in the field and make you a more competitive candidate.
Courses in these programs generally cover subjects like animal behavior, handling and restraint, veterinary anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, diagnostic imaging, and more. It’s important to not only have knowledge about these subjects but also to understand how to apply this knowledge in real situations.
While opting for a vet assistant program, you should choose one that includes a hands-on experience component, like externships or simulated lab work.
Choosing the Right Vet Assistant Program
Jumping off of the education requirements needed to become a vet assistant, let’s take a second to talk about what kind of vet assistant school you might want to attend.
The right school should facilitate your development with theory and practical skills, setting a solid foundation for your career as a veterinary assistant. Have a clear idea of your needs, research diligently, and choose wisely.
Let me offer you some guidance to help you choose a school that’s a great fit.
Accreditation
First and foremost, accreditation is essential. Accredited schools meet established standards of education, which ensures that you’re receiving quality training.
For instance, a school accredited by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) guarantees that the program meets or exceeds expectations for veterinary assistant education.
Course Curriculum
A comprehensive program should cover a range of topics such as animal husbandry, vet office procedures, animal restraint methods, lab procedures, and animal diseases and vaccinations.
These topics should be covered thoroughly, with online lectures, demonstration videos and simulations, and quizzes for self-assessment.
Opportunities for Hands-On Learning
As a vet assistant, you’ll be working closely with animals. It’s crucial to get practical experience during your training. Schools that provide externship opportunities or partnerships with local veterinary clinics should be at the top of your list.
For instance, Animal Behavior College’s Veterinary Assistant Program includes a comprehensive 90-hour externship, giving students first-hand experience in a real-life vet practice.
Certifications for Vet Assistants
One of the essential steps on your journey to becoming a veterinary assistant is seeking certification. Although not every state or clinic requires it, obtaining certification can significantly enhance your employment prospects.
It shows potential employers that you have obtained a certain level of mastery in your field, and it reassures them that you are committed to your professional development.
There are several different certifications you can consider as a vet assistant. Let’s check out each of these so that you know what types of qualifications you might want to get before starting your career journey.
Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) Certification
The most widely recognized is the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certification from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). To obtain the AVA certification, you need to complete a NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program and pass the AVA examination.
Animal Care and Use Program
Consider another certification option, the Animal Care and Use program administered by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). This certification is intended for veterinary assistants who plan to work with laboratory animals.
Other Veterinary Assistant Requirements
Stepping into the shoes of a veterinary assistant is not just about having the right education or certifications. It also requires the right set of physical abilities, soft skills, and an inherent love for animals. Let’s take a closer look at what these requirements actually entail.
While these are not “stipulated” requirements like a degree or certification, they are just as vital in shaping you into an outstanding veterinary assistant. Being equipped in these areas can significantly aid your success and job satisfaction throughout your career.
Physical Capabilities
The physical demands of the job cannot be overstated. As a veterinary assistant, a typical day might involve restraining animals during examinations, cleaning out kennels, standing for long hours, and even lifting heavy bags of pet food or big-breed animals.
Having good physical stamina and strength, therefore, is vital for handling the job’s daily demands.
Soft Skills
Besides having physical capabilities, you’ll also need some critical soft skills, such as
- Patience and empathy: A calm demeanor and empathy will guide you in reassuring both the pets and their owners, making the experience smoother and more manageable for all parties involved.
- Communication and customer service skills: You’ll need to articulate the veterinarian’s instructions clearly to ensure pet owners understand the necessary care steps their furry friends need at home.
- Attention to detail: Being detail-oriented can help you in observing an animal for subtle signs of distress or accurately following a veterinarian’s instructions for medication dosages
- Love for animals: This means caring about animals’ wellbeing and being passionate enough to do what it takes to make that happen
With these skills, you’ll be better equipped to help the animals in the clinic have positive feel their best.
Steps to Becoming a Vet Assistant
Now that we’ve gone over the skills and education needed to be a vet assistant, it’s time to get down to business: How do you actually become a vet assistant?
Let me break down the steps needed to embark on this career.
Step 1. Assess My Interest in Animal Care
Before you begin my academic path, you should assess my interest in animal care. Do you enjoy working with animals? Are you driven by helping and healing? Are you emotionally tough enough to handle tough cases such as euthanasia or animal cruelty cases? These are crucial questions to ask before starting.
Step 2: Earn a High School Diploma
The first step towards becoming a veterinary assistant is to graduate high school. Completing your high school studies offers a basic foundation for your academic path. If you’re still in school, taking courses in biology, anatomy, and physiology can provide helpful background knowledge.
Step 3: Enroll in a Vet Assistant Program
Next, enroll in a veterinary assistant program at a vocational school or community college. Such programs usually last one year or less and cover topics like animal health and nutrition, veterinary office practices and procedures, and even animal behavior.
Step 4: Participate in Hands-On Training
Essential practical skills are often learned through hands-on training during internships or practicums. You may spend several weeks or even months shadowing a vet assistant at a local animal hospital, clinic, or even a zoo, where you can truly understand the ins and outs of the job.
Step 5: Get Certified
Although not always required, becoming a certified veterinary assistant can enhance my job prospects. The Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) designation is a nationally recognized certification that most employers respect.
Step 6: Look For Job Opportunities and Apply
Start looking for opportunities in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, shelters, or zoos. As a vet assistant, even entry-level roles can provide crucial real-world experience and pave the way for a more advanced career in veterinary medicine.
Career Paths for Veterinary Assistants
As a veterinary assistant, there is an entire world of possibilities that you may explore! Your knowledge, practical skills, and passion for animals can open numerous opportunities for growth and advancement.
Upon gaining sufficient experience as a vet assistant, you may decide to specialize in a specific area, such as large animal practice, exotic animal medicine, or emergency and critical care. These areas may require additional training and education but offer an exciting focus within the veterinary care realm.
To help get you inspired, let me go over a few of the different career paths you could choose to look into.
Veterinary Technician/ Technologist
A common path is furthering your education to become a Veterinary Technician or Technologist. More demanding in terms of schooling–typically a two-year associate degree for technicians and a four-year bachelor’s degree for technologists–these roles involve a greater scope of work, such as performing medical tests and assisting with surgery.
Say, for example, you’ve been working as a veterinary assistant at a small animal clinic in your town. Over time, you realize that you’re particularly drawn to the surgical aspect of your job. In that case, you might decide to pursue additional education to become a veterinary surgical technician. This specialization would allow you to work more closely with the vet during operations, making your job more challenging and rewarding.
Veterinarian
For those with a deep love for animals and a thirst for knowledge, even becoming a veterinarian could be on the horizon. This path is certainly longer and more challenging, requiring a bachelor’s degree followed by four years of veterinary school to attain a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
But if this is where your heart lies, the result can be an incredibly rewarding career dedicating your life to the health and well-being of animals.
Educator or Veterinary Practice Manager
These are viable career paths that marry your veterinary assistant skills with leadership and mentorship roles. You could shape the future of veterinary care by teaching prospective vet assistants or managing the workings of busy veterinary establishments.
Outside the Walls of Veterinary Practice
Your career does not need to remain within the walls of a veterinary practice. Non-profit organizations, wildlife conservation bodies, zoos, animal shelters, and pet food or nutrition companies, to name just a few, often seek individuals with a background in animal health care. These roles can vary greatly but may offer a larger perspective on animal welfare and conservation.
Or, you could choose to work at a pet store such as PetSmart. All of these can be great ways to pursue your love of animals without confining yourself to a vet clinic.
Income Expectation for Vet Assistants
One of the most frequent questions I get from those interested in becoming a vet assistant revolves around finances: “What kind of salary can I expect?” It’s a fair question, considering the time and effort required to pursue this career. So, let’s explore the financial aspect of this occupation.
For starters, it’s important to note that salaries for vet assistants can vary wildly depending on several factors. These can include:
- Educational background
- Certifications
- The location of your job
- Level of experience
- Specific demands of your role
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2021, the median annual wage for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers was $34,7430.
It’s fair to observe some regional variations in these figures. For example, vet assistants in densely populated or wealthier states like California or New York tend to earn higher salaries. Meanwhile, those employed in rural or less affluent areas might earn less.
Another crucial point to remember is that a vet assistant’s salary can significantly increase with experience and additional certification. Moving into specialized areas, such as veterinary dentistry or anesthesia, can also raise earning potential.
Benefits of Becoming a Vet Assistant
The decision to become a veterinary assistant can open the door to a multitude of benefits, both personally and professionally.
Let’s check out some of these benefits to help you figure out whether this is the right job for you or not.
Personal Satisfaction
As a veterinary assistant, every day, you’re making a real and meaningful difference in the lives of animals. Whether it’s soothing a frightened puppy during its first checkup or assisting in a life-saving procedure for an injured kitten, you will be a crucial part of a team dedicated to animal welfare.
It’s hard to describe the sense of fulfillment that comes from seeing a pet you’ve helped nurture back to health, frolicking happily with its owner!
Valuable Foundation and Experience
Becoming a vet assistant also provides valuable foundation and experience for those contemplating a higher degree in veterinary medicine.
It can function as an advantageous stepping stone into roles such as a veterinary technician, technologist, or even a veterinarian.
Lifelong Learning
No two days are the same in a vet’s office. With each new animal that comes in, there’s something fresh to learn- be it a unique breed-specific trait or an unfamiliar medical condition. This continuous learning enriches your professional life, keeps your daily routine fascinating, and maintains your skillset.
Next Steps to Becoming a Vet Assistant
The beauty of becoming a vet assistant is the avenue it opens to various related professions. This role can be a stepping stone to become a vet technician, technologist, or even a full-fledged veterinarian.
So, whether you’re considering pursuing this career path to become a vet assistant or to move on to greater things, this can be a great first step.
If you’re passionate about animals and thinking of a career as a vet assistant, our career coaches are here to guide you with personalized advice based on your individual skills and aspirations.
Don’t let uncertainty hold you back; instead, use it as motivation to dig deeper into your potential. Let us empower you; let us journey with you in making your dream career a reality.