A career as a veterinary assistant is perfect for any compassionate animal lover looking to make a meaningful difference. These dedicated professionals play a crucial role in providing care and support to animals in veterinary clinics, hospitals, and shelters. This career requires proper training and thankfully, there are plenty of options to choose from! If you’re interested in a career as a veterinary assistant, you can find a wide variety of courses with an online search right now.
What is a Veterinary Assistant?
A veterinary assistant is a vital member of the veterinary healthcare team. These professionals work closely with veterinarians and veterinary technicians to ensure the well-being of animals. Duties typically include feeding and grooming animals, restraining them during examinations, assisting with surgeries, and maintaining a clean and sterile environment in clinics or hospitals.
How Much Does This Career Pay?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a career as a veterinary assistant not only offers financial support, but also stability. The median annual wage for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers was $34,740 in May 2022, and employment is on the rise. According to the same source, employment of veterinary assistants is expected to grow by 20% from 2022 to 2032 which is much faster than most other occupations.
What to Look for in a Veterinary Assistant Course
Choosing the right veterinary assistant course is a crucial first step in your career journey. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating your options:
- Accreditation: Ensure that the course you choose is accredited by a recognized organization or institution. Accreditation guarantees that the program meets established standards of quality and will provide you with valuable skills and knowledge.
- Curriculum: Review the course curriculum to make sure it covers all the essential topics you’ll need to succeed as a veterinary assistant. Look for courses that include both theoretical and practical training.
- Instructors: Check the qualifications and experience of the instructors. Courses taught by experienced professionals in the field can offer valuable insights and mentorship.
- Hands-on Experience: Practical experience is crucial in this profession. Look for courses that provide opportunities for hands-on training, whether through internships or on-site labs.
- Cost: Consider your budget when selecting a course. While some courses are more expensive, there are also quality options that won’t break the bank.
Top 4 Veterinary Assistant Courses to Consider
Penn Foster Career School: Veterinary Assistant Program
Price: Varies; often on sale
Duration: Self-paced
Accreditation: AVMA CVTEA
Penn Foster offers an affordable and comprehensive online veterinary assistant program. With a focus on hands-on training, this course covers essential topics such as animal anatomy, pharmacology, and surgical preparation. They also offer flexible online courses for self-paced learning. By enrolling in one of only three NAVTA-approved online veterinary assistant schools, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) exam.
Pima Medical Institute: Veterinary Assistant Certificate
Price: Varies by location
Duration: 35 weeks
Accreditation: ABHES
Pima Medical Institute offers an on-campus veterinary assistant certificate program with a strong focus on hands-on training. You’ll gain essential skills needed to excel in this rewarding field. Covering a wide range of clinical and administrative competencies, you’ll delve into animal nursing, surgical procedures, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging, and in-office tasks. Whether you aspire to work in a veterinary clinic, animal hospital, or other animal care settings, this program provides the knowledge and expertise to assist veterinarians effectively.
VetBloom: Veterinary Assistant Training
Price: $395
Duration: Self-paced
Accreditation: None
Accredited by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), VetBloom’s online training program spans five modules, incorporating written materials, engaging webinars, quizzes, a mid-term exam, and a final exam. A hands-on clinical externship, totaling a minimum of 120 hours, is also part of the curriculum. This practical experience takes place in a veterinary clinic or hospital under the guidance of an externship supervisor.
Successful completion of both the online coursework and the hands-on training earns graduation honors and an invitation to sit for the national Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) exam.
Coursera: Animal Welfare and Behaviour
Price: Free (audit) or $49/month (certificate)
Duration: Self-paced
Accreditation: Yes (with certificate)
If you’re looking for a free course, Coursera offers “Animal Welfare and Behaviour,” which provides insights into animal care and welfare, a valuable foundation for veterinary assistant work. This flexible course allows for a self-paced learning and the freedom to start whenever suits you best! With course materials and quizzes available at your fingertips whenever you need them, you can deepen your knowledge of animal welfare at your convenience.
Start Your Search Today!
Embarking on a career as a veterinary assistant is a noble choice that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of animals. To get started, explore the options presented here, keeping in mind your goals, budget, and preferred learning style.
Whether you choose an accredited program or a more budget-friendly option, the right veterinary assistant course will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this rewarding profession. Take the next step by conducting further research online and find the perfect course to start your journey as an aspiring caregiver for animals.