Vet Assistant Careers as a Surgical Technician

One of the most stressful times in an animal's life is when it requires a surgical procedure. Unlike humans, pets don't understand what is happening to them when it is time for surgery -- all they know is that they are sick or in pain and probably very scared. This is why working as a veterinary surgical technician is one of the most rewarding animal jobs available in the industry. Not only are you providing sick and injured animals with potentially life-saving care, but you have a chance to comfort and nurture them as they regain their health.

A veterinary assistant working as a surgical technician is essentially the primary operating room assistant. They need to be able to help the surgeon perform basic medical functions, such as setting up the operating table, endotrachael intubation of animals and drawing blood. They also might need to help insert IVs and other lines into the animal to prepare them for surgery. The role of a vet assistant working as a surgical tech continues throughout the surgical process. They are responsible for keeping a close eye on equipment and monitoring devices to make sure that the pet's vital signs are doing well during surgery.

The training that a person receives in veterinary assistant school will also come in handy immediately after the procedure is completed. A surgical tech is often responsible for the post-surgical care of an animal, including making sure they wake up from the procedure and come out of the anesthesia. They also frequently handle routine post-operative medical tests such as the monitoring of EKGs.

It's also important that a surgical technician is caring and compassionate. They are frequently the first people that an animal sees when they wake up after surgery, and they can provide warmth and help a pet feel better as they recuperate. In addition, they also are frequently the main point of contact for pet owners who are worried about the health of their animals, so it is important that they have strong people skills and can help relay important information to pet owners while alleviating their concerns.

For graduates of veterinary assistant schools, working as a surgical tech provides an incredible sense of self-worth, as it lets them be actively involved in life-saving procedures. While the job can be very stressful, it also has tremendous potential rewards.

Working with Circus Animals

One of the reasons that many people choose to become a veterinary assistant is because they love the thrill of the unknown. Working in the field means that every day has the potential to bring with it challenges that you've never seen before. Working with animals also means that there is a huge variety of jobs that you can get, from working as a vet assistant at an animal hospital to becoming a zookeeper. But while some jobs might make you feel like you are in the circus, some animal careers can actually put you in the circus.

Major circuses like the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus travel with a virtual menagerie of animals. While you might not be interested in working as lion tamer, the fact is that all of the animals at the zoo need attention in order to be safe, happy and perform at their best. If you enjoy travel, entertainment and doing something truly unique, then working as an animal trainer at a major circus can be one of the most rewarding animal jobs around -- and certainly it's one of the most unique.

Some of the top graduates from veterinary assistant schools wind up working in the entertainment industry. For example, any movie that requires animals to be on-set will also need people qualified to assure their proper handling and care. Working in the circus is no different, except that this is a full-time job that can take you around the country and all over the world as your provide care and support to animals that thrill millions of children and adults.

Working in the circus will expose you to some animals that you otherwise might not have the ability to work with such as elephants, lions, tigers and horses. Training working with large animals in veterinary assistant school is a benefit that can help you get one of these highly competitive jobs. However, the most important skill that a prospective animal trainer at the zoo can have is a willingness to learn quickly and try new things. After all, you never know what might happen when the circus comes to town.

Working as a Wildlife Rehabilitation Expert

Recent graduates from veterinary assistant schools have a wide range of career paths available to them. Many choose to work as veterinary technicians in offices or as animal trainers affiliated with pet stores. However, some people might crave a more exciting and exotic career path. If you would like to see the great outdoors and help animals in their natural habitats, then you might want to consider a career in wildlife rehabilitation.

A veterinary assistant who works in wildlife rehabilitation will have the opportunity to help sick and injured wild animals regain their health and be reintroduced into nature. In many cases, these are animals who may be on the endangered species list or are otherwise threatened, and working on rehabilitation and reintroduction into the wild can play a huge role in saving a species.

There are several government agencies, non-profit organizations and university programs that are involved in the care and treatment for sick and injured wildlife, along with private companies who also do work in this field. Many zoos are involved with the breeding and reintroduction of endangered species into the wild as well, meaning that there are plenty of career opportunities for people upon graduating veterinary assistant school.

However, working in wildlife rehabilitation is not for everyone. People who crave consistency and normalcy are probably better suited for more traditional, office-based animal jobs. Wildlife rehabilitators often have to wear several hats. They might be called on to feed, clean and care for animals and also give presentations to school children and other groups about the importance of animal conservation. It's a job that requires wearing a lot of different hats and being able to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

While it might not be for everyone, many people find that working in wildlife rehabilitation is one of the most rewarding animal careers possible. Not only do they get to experience many things that they normally would not as a vet assistant, they get the chance to save the lives of animals and return them to their natural environments.

Job Highlight: Doggie Daycare

After you graduate from a veterinary assistant school such as ABC, there are a wide range of career choices in front of you. For some people, working as a vet tech in a veterinary office is the right choice. But if you are interested in a different, more eclectic career choice, you might want to consider working at a "Doggie Daycare" facility.

While veterinary offices and other facilities may offer boarding services for dogs if their owners are going on vacation, Doggie Daycare facilities take this concept to the next level. These are places where dogs and other pets aren't just cared for by a veterinary assistant but lavished with attention. In some cases, people choose to take their pets there on a daily basis while they go to work, frequently because they have behavioral problems when left alone in their home.

Working at a Doggie Daycare can be one of the most rewarding animal jobs that you can find after leaving school. Each dog will have different needs based on their temperament and level of activity; you'll work with each individual owner to develop a daily routine that keeps their pets happy and healthy. This could include playing outside with other dogs or getting treats all for themselves.

Of course, there will be other duties that you will need to do that will require some of the training you learned as a veterinary assistant. You'll be responsible for their well-being, including grooming them and making sure they have plenty of food and water and are also picked up after. The skills you learned in school might also come in handy in case a pet becomes ill or has a medical emergency.

Veterinary assistant schools such as ABC prepare students for careers in all sorts of fields, and Doggie Daycare staffing is one of the most unique and colorful career paths available to you. Contact us to learn more about our programs and how you can get started on the path to working in this field today.

Land a Job at an Animal Hospital

Whether you're considering a career as a certified veterinary assistant or are already enrolled in a program, it is important to explore the various job opportunities in your field and discover what it takes to land a job as a veterinary assistant. While they are many venues to choose from, here is a brief overview of the requirements and opportunities at an animal hospital or emergency center.

Animal hospitals and emergency centers hire both experienced applicants and recent graduates from veterinary assistant schools. Most applicants should have experience in general practice procedures. Although experienced is preferred, many hospitals are willing to hire and train ambitious, motivated veterinary assistants who demonstrate a desire to work and learn in a fast-paced environment.

Applicants interested in veterinary assistant animal jobs must have a well-rounded education and a set of unique skills and abilities. Requirements include the ability to work with veterinarians to provide patients with care, perform basic computer functions and follow the policies, procedures and protocols outlined by the clinic. Applicants must also be able to work in a team environment and communicate effectively with veterinarians, clients and employees.

Most animal hospitals and emergency centers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A vet assistant can work and gain experience in various specialty units including critical care, surgery, radiology, internal medicine and oncology. In addition, many animal hospitals and emergency centers offer advancement opportunities to management positions.

Most animal hospitals and emergency centers offer competitive salaries and benefit packages. For example, it is not uncommon for a benefit package to include health and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, vacation, sick and personal time, plus a matching 401K pension plan. Another benefit to working at an animal hospital is the ongoing education. Many facilities offer continued education at a local veterinary assistant school.

Job Highlight: Zoo Keepers

Becoming a veterinary assistant can open the doors to a world of exciting career opportunities, many of which can bring you up close and personal with rare and exotic wildlife such as lions, tigers and bears. If you have always dreamed of working in such an environment, a zoo keeper position may be the right job for you.

From assisting the veterinarian with routine exams to cleaning cages, zoo keepers have the unique opportunity to perform a wide range of vet assistant duties that focus on creating a healthy environment for the animals in the zoo. When it comes to vet assistant duties, a zoo keeper supports the veterinarian during routine and emergency exams. The vet assistant tasks of the zoo keeper may also include minor veterinary health care procedures such as monitoring diet, preparing food and feeding. Thus, becoming a certified, professional veterinary assistant through ABC Veterinary Assistant School goes a long way in providing the education needed to perform many of the veterinary assistant tasks required to land a job as a zoo keeper.

Zoo keepers are also responsible for maintaining a clean environment for the animals. Day-to-day duties include cleaning animal habitats, exhibits, cages and holding facilities by sweeping, hosing and washing. Zoo keepers also clean the surrounding areas such as floors and sidewalks, remove waste and litter, clean ponds, trim vegetation and mow grass. Although, these specific vet assistant duties are unique to the zoo keeper occupation, basic cleaning and maintenance of animal enclosures are skills that can be acquired at typical veterinary assistant schools.

Standard qualification requirements for zoo keepers include high school diploma or equivalent degree, six months to one year experience in animal care, a valid driver's license and basic computer skills. Applicants must be able to walk long distances, stand for long periods of time, travel, lift and move animals.

Few animal jobs get you so close to such a wide range of wildlife. Depending on the zoo, keepers have the opportunity to work with a broad group of animals such as mammals, birds and reptiles, or they may work with a focus group such as primates, large cats or small mammals. Take the first step towards this exciting career and contact ABC today!

Job Highlight: Vet Assistant at Animal Clinics

An animal clinic is an ideal work environment for a veterinary assistant. Employees are surrounded by other professionals who are passionate about the field of veterinary medicine and care for the well-being of pets. Since our ABC Certified Veterinary Assistants enjoy working with a diverse group of people and animals, an animal clinic provides the perfect setting for them to be friendly and flexible in the face of varying expectations from clients and co-workers.

A certified vet assistant works as the doctor's clinical right-hand person, anticipating the needs of the clients, patients and the doctor in order to facilitate the tasks that need to be completed that day. The job is diverse and changes according to the propriety of the moment. The assistant will begin the doctor's appointments, educate clients, restrain pets during the doctor's exam, complete patient invoices, provide care for hospitalized patients and perform other tasks that may arise-all of which are taught at ABC Certified Veterinary Assistant School. Other daily duties include performing laboratory and pharmacy procedures, anesthesia and surgical assistance and admissions and discharges procedures.

In addition to the daily duties, a vet assistant is required to know and understand the services and recommendations provided by the clinic and clearly convey these services to the clients. In fact, customer service is a major part of the job. Many vet assistants help the receptionists with answering phones, scheduling appointments and routine lab call backs. Vet assistant animal jobs play an important role in providing comfort to patients and clients and keeping the hospital clean and presentable. This includes keeping exam rooms and other work areas clean and neat. Vet assistants must also show care and concern for the pet regardless of the task or procedure that is being accomplished.

ABC Certified Veterinary Assistant Program will provide you with the education and experience you need to land a job as a vet assistant. Unlike other veterinary assistant schools, ABC offers an affordable program that includes hands-on training opportunities within a veterinary setting.

Land a vet assistant job soon after graduation

During a time when most people are searching to find jobs, veterinarian assistants keep landing them. The majority of veterinary assistants that graduate from ABC Veterinary Assistant school go straight from their externships to employment.

ABC offers the kind of quality training and certification program that students need to find jobs quickly after graduation. In addition to vet assistant training, the program offers hands-on externship opportunities where students get to practice the techniques they have learned in an animal hospital setting. Since ABC offers a mandatory externship opportunity as part of its comprehensive program, students automatically build strong relationships with training facilities, increasing their chances for employment opportunities within the same companies.

Many professionals in the animal jobs industry agree that there is an abundance of veterinarian assistant jobs available in animal hospitals, animal clinics, kennels, doggie daycares, grooming facilities, animal shelters and laboratories. While there are many veterinarian assistant jobs available, many of those who start at the entry level want to move up. Veterinarian assistant employees can move up to become animal trainers, veterinary technicians or zoologists. In some cases, students discover they would like to continue their education and become veterinarians.

Students who become ABC certified veterinary assistants are capable of demonstrating a high level of dedication and commitment to future employers. According to ABC, more than 96 percent of all veterinarians surveyed said they would prefer to employ veterinary assistants who pursued and achieved certification over those who did not. Unlike other veterinary assistant schools, ABC offers quality education and certification so students can find employment right after graduation.

It Pays To Be A Veterinary Assistant – Literally

It might seem difficult to find a job that pays well – or any job at all – in the current economic climate. However, one of the fastest-growing industries is becoming a veterinary assistant. Enrolling in a veterinary assistant school makes sense because six in 10 Americans will take advantage of veterinary services this year, meaning that this level of animal jobs will continue to grow. It’s also a job that pays well there is a possibility of earning a very good living while working as a vet assistant.

For example, after just two years of study at veterinary assistant schools, a vet technician or assistant can expect to earn an average of $30,000 a year in a stable career. But those numbers can change significantly depending on where you live and work. Certain areas have higher densities of pets, and therefore have a higher need for vet techs and assistants. Getting a job in these areas can be extremely rewarding both personally and financially.

According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers, Vermont has the highest percentage of workers employed as veterinary assistants, with Colorado following close behind. Therefore, it makes sense that the Fort Collins and Loveland area of Colorado would have the highest density of veterinary assistants of any metropolitan area in the country. This is because of the high percentage of residents who not only own dogs and cats but also have farm animals such as horses.

In terms of the areas with the best pay, Fresno, CA ranks at the top of the Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers. According to their rankings, a veterinary assistant or technician earns $23 an hour, almost nine dollars an hour more than the national average. Other high paying cities for vet assistants include: Oakland, CA; San Diego, CA; Poughkeepsie, NY; and Jefferson City, MO.

Career Opportunities Continue To Grow For Veterinary Assistants

With the current economic situation, it might seem that it’s impossible to find a career path in a growing industry. But if you love pets and would consider animal jobs, then now is the right time for you to consider becoming a veterinary assistant. Recent statistics from the U.S. government’s Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest that enrolling in a veterinary assistant school will get you on the fast track to a great career.

The projections show that the employment of veterinary technologists and technicians is expected to rise by 41 percent by 2016, much faster than the projected rate of growth for all industries. The reason for this is simple: despite the recent economic downturn, people are still willing to pay big money for veterinary care and treatment for their pets, as they consider them to be a valuable part of the family. As the number of dogs and cats who are treated as pets continues to grow, so does the number of vet assistants needed to help care for them.

There are also a high number of veterinary techs and assistants who will be leaving the industry within the next few years, and a limited number of people who are qualified to replace them in the workforce. There are fewer than 3,000 vet assistants expected to graduate from two-year programs each year, based on the limited number of qualified veterinary assistant schools and the relatively small class sizes. Also, because there is always a need for animal care, veterinary assistant work is considered to be very stable, with little chance for layoffs.

Veterinary assistants are also well-compensated for their hard work. The most recent salary survey figures showed that the average vet assistant made almost $15 an hour and could make much more depending on where they live and which industry they work in. Most people only think of veterinary assistants working in veterinarians’ offices, but there are career opportunities in museums, zoos, aquariums, rescues, shelters and more.

Veterinary Assistant Job Highlight

Whether you’re enrolled in ABC’s Veterinary Assistant School or considering it, deciding where to work is an important step in your veterinary assistant career. A veterinary assistant can work in a variety of environments, including animal hospitals, animal clinics, kennels, doggie daycares and grooming facilities, to name a few. Perhaps one of the most rewarding places to work, however, is at a humane society.

Humane societies are established to protect not only animals but also make arrests for crimes against them. A veterinary assistant is an important member of the humane society staff who works side-by-side with veterinarians who are ready to provide high-quality medical care to animals around the clock. Since humane societies are usually larger than shelters and hospitals in terms of staff and departments, it can be a dynamic work environment for assistants with many opportunities. For example, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offers openings for veterinary assistants in the mobile clinic. The job duties of a vet assistant could vary, offering just the right position for someone interested in joining the worthy cause. Job duties at a mobile clinic include assisting the veterinary surgeon and licensed veterinary technician in the following: All aspects of veterinary care, including surgery prep, pre-and post-operative nursing care, emergency care and restraint; animal restraint, including large dogs and feral cats; provide customer service to pet owners, animal rescuers, and shelter staff; keep detailed records of surgeries and other medical services performed; wrapping, sterilizing, dating, and initialing packs and other surgical supplies; disinfecting and sanitizing clinic and equipment; and overseeing daily laundry duties.

Veterinary assistant schools such as Animal Behavior College (ABC) will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply to openings at humane societies. In addition to a certificate from a qualified program, a high school diploma or equivalent is usually required to apply to these positions. Depending on the position, applicants must have hands-on experience. For senior vet assistant positions, five to six years of veterinary medical experience is generally required.

To begin your journey toward a rewarding career, please contact us for more information. In addition to our veterinary assistant programs, you can pursue other animal jobs by signing up for ABC’s dog training school.

Program Highlights

If you’re considering a career change and love animals, becoming a veterinary assistant is a very practical choice. While there are thousands of veterinary assistant programs throughout the nation, it is important to select a quality program that is within your budget and current lifestyle. After all, you may not have the luxury of quitting your current job in order to complete the program. The following is a quick overview of why people choose ABC Certified Veterinary Assistant Training Program over any other veterinary assistant program in the nation.

Flexible and convenient schedules. ABC Veterinary Assistant School provides students with the freedom to study from home. The entire academic portion of the program, which consists of 10 stages, can be completed at your own pace and in the privacy of your own home. This means you can continue going to work and school as well as maintain obligations with family.

Receive your certification in 50 weeks. In less than a year, you can become an ABC certified vet assistant and begin your career. Although the program can be completed within 50 weeks, the maximum time provided to complete the program is 75 weeks.

Comprehensive Program. ABC’s Certified Veterinary Assistant Training Program teaches students everything they need to know to start working in the field immediately after graduation. Courses include office etiquette and hospital procedures, animal restraint, examination room procedures, pharmacy and pharmacology, surgical preparation and assisting, small animal nursing, laboratory procedures and radiology and ultrasound imaging. In addition, the college offers a career building course that focuses on animal jobs search, resume writing and job interviewing.

Receive hands-on experience. In addition to the home study portion of the program, ABC Veterinary College also offers an externship program. Students are provided the opportunity to receive hands-on experience at a local animal hospital or clinic. The externship includes 80 hours of unpaid work experience. This real-life experience allows students to practice what they have learned on paper. Students gain the skills and experience required to compete in the current job market.

Affordability. Unlike other veterinary assistant schools which can cost anywhere from $9,000 to $11,000, ABC’s tuition for U.S. residents ranges from $2,285 to $3,040, depending on the type of payment arrangements that are available. This tuition covers all materials necessary for the program, including the home study portion and the hands-on training. Students can choose from a few different payment arrangement options to accommodate their financial needs.