Veterinary Assistant Salary Just One of the Benefits
A veterinary assistant salary makes it a career worth pursuing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the current average salary is more than $36K, but the vet assistant salary is just one perk. Veterinary assistants get to spend their days helping animals in many settings. Plus, no matter where you live, vet assistants are needed!
As one of the best veterinary assistant programs in the country, Animal Behavior College explains the benefits of becoming a vet assistant.
Multiple Work Environments
Vet assistants don’t just work in veterinary clinics and hospitals; they can work in a number of places, such as. wildlife refuges and rehabilitation centers, research laboratories, zoos, kennels and doggie daycares.
Perhaps the most rewarding place for a vet assistant to work is at a humane society. Humane societies are established not only to protect animals, but to bring to justice those commit crimes against them as well.
N At the humane society, a veterinary assistant works side-by-side with the veterinarian. Since humane societies usually have a larger staff with more departments, there are more job opportunities for vet assistants there. For example, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offers job openings for veterinary assistants in the mobile clinic.
Veterinary Assistant Job Description
The responsibilities of a veterinary assistant vary, depending on where you work. At a mobile clinic, vet assistants help with the veterinary technician and veterinarian, prepare patients for surgeries and examinations, and talk with pet owners about their pets’ health.
Other job duties may include:
- Preoperative nursing care
- Post-operative nursing care
- Emergency care
- Animal restraint
- Record keeping
- Wrapping, sterilizing and dating of surgical supplies
- Facility disinfection and sanitation
- Laundry
Requirements to Become a Vet Assistant
Vet assistant schools provide students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to apply for positions at places that provide animal healthcare or otherwise oversee their health and welfare. ABC’s hybrid veterinary assistant program goes beyond the written online curriculum and offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on training. A Having a vet assistant certificate and meaningful experience in a veterinary practice are a huge plus in landing a job.
In addition to a certificate from a qualified program, a high school diploma or its equivalent is often desired for jobs. For senior vet assistant positions, five to six years of veterinary medical experience is generally required.
Begin your journey toward a rewarding career and sign up for ABC’s vet assistant school today by calling (800) 795-3294. For more information, please click here.
