Enrolling in a veterinary assistant training program is the first step toward gaining essential skills in this field. Working as a veterinary assistant allows you to care for animals and make a positive difference in their health and wellness while using your interpersonal skills.
With a better understanding of what the work of a veterinary assistant entails and how to get into this field, you can decide whether enrolling in a veterinary assistant program may be right for you.
Understanding the Role of a Veterinary Assistant
What exactly does a veterinary assistant do, anyway? In simplest terms, vet assistants are meant to provide support to veterinarians who diagnose and treat animals.
Key Responsibilities and Daily Duties
While the exact duties of a veterinary assistant can vary from one facility to the next, some basic responsibilities usually include:
- Aiding in the collection of blood and other samples.
- Monitoring animals’ vital signs.
- Keeping animals restrained during appointments and exams.
- Cleaning and preparing exam rooms for veterinary staff.
- Administering vaccinations and other medications.
What to Expect from the Work Environment
Most veterinary assistants work in private animal clinics, where they spend the majority of their day caring for animals. However, some veterinary assistants may travel directly to clients, offering in-home care for routine exams and similar services.
Some types of vet assistants (such as equine vet assistants) may also travel to farms and ranches to care for horses outside of a traditional office setting.
Crucial Skills for Veterinary Assistants
What does the typical veterinary clinical skill set look like? From medical and technical knowledge to softer skills, professionals in this line of work need to be well-rounded.
Building Medical Knowledge and Technical Expertise
A strong veterinary clinical skill set is necessary for handling exams, assisting in surgeries, and managing patient care. For starters, vet assistants must have in-depth knowledge of medical terminology commonly used in veterinary offices. This includes understanding animal physiology, anatomy, lab procedures, and the like.
Meanwhile, knowing how to handle animals during exams and other treatments safely is critical to staying safe on the job.
Developing Communication and Interpersonal Skills
In addition to more technical skills, vet assistants also need to be personable with pet owners and fellow staff members. This includes strong written and verbal communication skills and a sense of empathy for animals. Excellent time management, organization, and critical thinking skills are also crucial for veterinary assistants on the job.
The Path to Becoming a Veterinary Assistant
Interested in becoming a veterinary assistant? You may be wondering what kind of education and training it takes to break into this field.
Educational Requirements and Certification Options
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “most workers entering the occupation have a high school diploma or equivalent.” However, because it can be a competitive field, earning a vet assistant diploma or degree can help to set job applicants apart, as can pursuing professional certifications (such as the Approved Veterinary Assistant designation offered by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America).
Gaining Hands-On Experience Through Experiential Learning
Experiential learning help students practice essential veterinary clinical skill techniques in real-world settings. Even working as a front desk intern at a local animal hospital or veterinary clinic can teach you a lot about what goes on in the field.
Career Outlook and Growth Opportunities for Veterinary Assistants
Before you decide to get into this line of work, it’s a good idea to understand what the job outlook for vet assistants looks like in the United States and what opportunities for advancement may be out there for you.
Job Market Trends for Veterinary Assistants in the U.S.
BLS data clarifies the demand for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is projected to grow 19 percent between 2023 and 2033 alone, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations.
Advancing From Assistant to Technician or Veterinarian
Some veterinary assistants may go on to become veterinary technicians or even veterinarians themselves. In fact, working as a vet assistant can be a great way to gain some practical, hands-on experience before enrolling in a degree program to become a vet technician. From there, the credits earned in a vet tech degree program may be able to transfer to an advanced degree (such as a doctoral) needed to work as a full-fledged veterinarian. As a veterinarian, you may also have the freedom to work in an animal clinic/hospital or even start your own practice.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Still have questions about becoming a veterinary assistant? No worries – we’ve got answers!
What Qualifications Are Needed to Start Veterinary Assistant Training?
Generally, the only requirement to enroll in a veterinary assistant degree or diploma program is to have a high school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED). However, admission requirements can vary from one program to the next.
How Long Does Veterinary Assistant Training Typically Take?
Training programs for veterinary assistants are typically designed to take less than one year to complete, but this will also depend on whether you’re enrolled part- or full-time.
Can Veterinary Assistants Specialize in Specific Areas of Animal Care?
Yes, veterinary assistants can tailor their education and training to suit their unique interests. Some, for example, may choose to focus on emergency vet care. Others may prefer to work with certain types of animals, such as equine veterinary assistants and small animal vet assistants.
Are Online Veterinary Assistant Programs Recognized and Credible?
The best way to determine whether an online veterinary assistant program is credible/reputable is to determine whether the school or program have been accredited. You can also learn more about a school’s overall reputation and credibility with a little online research.
Learn More in a Veterinary Assistant Program at FTC
Working as a veterinary assistant can be an extremely fulfilling line of work that allows you to care for animals without necessarily spending several years in school. Still, with the right veterinary assistant education under your belt, you can build the foundational skills and knowledge needed to set yourself apart and thrive in this exciting profession.
Looking for the veterinary assistant program that’s right for you? At Florida Technical College, our veterinary assistant training prepares students for real-world challenges. Get in touch today to learn more, or get started with your online application for admission!
This article presents a general overview of the field of veterinary assistant, including job opportunities within that field; it does not describe the educational objectives or expected employment outcomes of a particular Florida Technical College program. Florida Technical College does not guarantee that students will obtain employment or any particular job. Some positions may require licensure or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular career you desire.
Sources
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-assistants-and-laboratory-animal-caretakers.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinarians.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-technologists-and-technicians.htm
