Veterinary Assistant
Entry level education: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected 10-year growth: 19% from 2021 to 2031
Number of jobs: 103,500 (2021)
A veterinary assistant is a trained professional who works in a veterinary clinic or hospital and provides basic care and support for animals under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or veterinary technician.
Their duties may include feeding and exercising animals, cleaning cages and exam rooms, administering medications and treatments, assisting with diagnostic tests and procedures, and providing emotional support to animals and their owners. They work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or veterinary technician to ensure that animals receive the care they need.
How much do Veterinary Assistants make? >>
What is the Curriculum in a Veterinary Assistant program? >>
What is the Job Forecast for Veterinary Assistants? >>
Veterinary Assistant Certifications >>
How Much does it Cost to go to Veterinary Assistant School? >>
Financial Aid for Veterinary Assistant Programs >>
Scholarships for Veterinary Assistant Programs >>
What Will My Duties Be As a Veterinary Assistant? >>
What Are 5 Different Types of Veterinary Assistant? >>
How to become a Veterinary Assistant in 8 steps >>
20 Reasons to Start a Veterinary Assistant Program >>
12 things to look for when choosing a Veterinary Assistant school >>
How Much Do Veterinary Assistants Make?
The salary of a Veterinary Assistant can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and type of employer. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2020, the median annual salary for Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers was $29,810.
What is the Curriculum in a Veterinary Assistant Program?
The curriculum for a veterinary assistant program typically covers a variety of topics related to animal care and veterinary medicine, including animal anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, and veterinary office procedures. Students may also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations or internships.
What is the Job Forecast for Veterinary Assistant?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers is projected to grow 19 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, driven by a growing demand for veterinary services and an increasing focus on animal welfare.
Veterinary Assistant Certifications
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Veterinary Assistant Certification?
What Is the Veterinary Assistant Certification Process?
What Do I Need to Know About the Veterinary Assistant for Dialysis Technicians?
What Are The Main Veterinary Assistant Certifications?
How Can I Prepare For the Veterinary Assistant Certification Exam?
Veterinary Assistant Professional Associations
How Much does it Cost to go to Veterinary Assistant School?
The cost of attending veterinary assistant school can vary depending on factors such as the type of program, the length of the program, and the location of the school. Find out more about these costs.
Financial Aid for Veterinary Assistant Programs
Financial aid for veterinary assistant programs may be available through federal or state financial aid programs, such as grants, loans, or work-study programs. Students may also be eligible for institutional financial aid offered by the school or training program they are attending.
Scholarships for Veterinary Assistant Programs
Scholarships for veterinary assistant programs may be available to students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, or a commitment to the field of veterinary assisting. These scholarships may be offered by professional organizations, private foundations, or companies in the healthcare industry.
What Will My Duties Be As A Veterinary Assistant?
The job duties of a Veterinary Assistant can include tasks such as providing basic animal care, assisting with exams and procedures, administering medications, cleaning and maintaining equipment and facilities, and communicating with pet owners.
12 things to look for when choosing a Veterinary Assistant school
When choosing a veterinary assistant school, it’s important to consider factors such as accreditation, program length and content, availability of hands-on experience, and cost. Look for schools that offer comprehensive training in animal care and veterinary medicine, and that provide opportunities for practical experience through internships or clinical rotations.
What Skills Are Required to Become a Veterinary Assistant?
Essential skills for a Veterinary Assistant include knowledge of animal anatomy and behavior, effective communication with both pet owners and veterinary staff, and the ability to provide compassionate care to animals.
how do I know if Becoming Veterinary Assistant is Right for me?
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a veterinary assistant, here are some factors to consider to help you decide if it’s the right path for you.
A Day In the Life of a Veterinary Assistant
A typical day in the life of a veterinary assistant may involve a variety of tasks such as assisting with exams, administering medication, performing lab tests, cleaning and sanitizing equipment, and providing support to the veterinarian and other staff members.
Find Accredited Veterinary Assistant Schools Near You
See which schools in your state offer veterinary assistant programs.
Why Should I Choose An Online Veterinary Assistant Program?
Choosing an online Veterinary Assistant program can offer flexibility in scheduling, convenience, and the ability to learn at your own pace from anywhere with an internet connection.
What are the Requirements for Starting a Veterinary Assistant Program?
Requirements to start a veterinary assistant program typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, although some programs may have additional prerequisites such as coursework in biology or animal science.
The length of time it takes to become a veterinary assistant can vary depending on the program, but many programs can be completed in less than a year.
Additional Career Paths for Veterinary Assistant Programs
Explore what other career paths are available to you once you have completed a veterinary assistant program.
Additional Allied Health Careers to Consider
Medical Assistant
A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who assists physicians and other healthcare providers in clinical and administrative tasks. They perform duties such as taking patient medical histories, preparing patients for exams, administering medications, and scheduling appointments.
Pharmacy Technician
A pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional who assists pharmacists in dispensing prescription medications to patients. They also perform tasks such as preparing medications, managing inventory, and processing insurance claims.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
A medical billing and coding specialist is a healthcare professional who is responsible for converting patient medical records into codes that are used for billing and insurance purposes. They ensure that medical bills are accurate and processed efficiently.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Nurse assistants, also known as nursing assistants, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), or nurse aides, play a crucial role in the healthcare industry. They work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to provide basic care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.