What do you need to be a veterinary assistant? Technically, all you need is a high school diploma. At least that’s what job requirements usually state. Getting a veterinary assistant job can be a little tricky, however, because so many people want animal jobs. Some of those people are going to have experience or certifications, and they are the ones who get the jobs.
If you want to be competitive in the job market, you need to get a game plan. Any experience you can get working with animals is going to look good on your resume. Try volunteering at a humane society or animal shelter. Stables and kennels are good options, too, as well as wildlife rehabilitation centers.
Prepare for a Vet Assistant Career Online
If you can’t find anyone willing to take you under their wing, it may be time to consider earning a vet assistant certificate. There are schools online so you can prepare for a great career no matter where you live. For many people, having an online vet assistant program available means the difference between just finding a job and actually preparing for a rewarding career.
It may seem like a career working with animals would be difficult to master online, but over the past two decades Animal Behavior College has developed an excellent method of educating people to work as vet assistants, dog trainers, pet groomers, and more. In addition to online course work, ABC provides students with real-world experiences with local mentors via an externship.
During the externship, students may apply some of the skills acquired during the in-home study portion and observe active professionals in the industry. Working with mentors in veterinarian offices, they get the chance to prepare exam rooms, practice animal restraint, master surgical procedures and laboratory procedures, and other tasks associated with animal health care based on the student’s aptitude.
Vet Assistant Career Earning Potential
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Salary.com & Indeed.com 2024. Hourly rates may vary in your area.
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What Are Some Advantages of ABC Veterinary Assistant School?
- You do not have to live near a brick and mortar school.
- You may enroll at any time.
- Our program is designed to be completed in 52 weeks.
- You can learn in the privacy of your own home, favorite coffee shop, or anywhere else you have reliable internet access.
- You can set your own schedule in order to work around your current job or other responsibilities.
- An ABC Program Manager will be available to guide you through the program, counsel you, answer your questions and grade your exams.
- ABC provides an affordable path to achieve your vet assistant certificate.
- Our externship gives you real-world experience working in a mentor facility.
- ABC’s program is NAVTA-approved.
Why Does NAVTA-Approval Matter?
Due to their exacting standards, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) certifies only a few online veterinary assistant programs. Our curriculum is annually reviewed by registered veterinary technicians who have had decades of experience working with animals. Given the high regard the veterinary community has for the NAVTA approval, earning your certificate through ABC can make you stand out when applying for a vet assistant position.
How Does the Externship Work?
After completing the online curriculum, students are assigned an externship location in their area to complete 100 hours of unpaid work experience. We have built relationships with over 4,000 mentor facilities throughout the United States and in every Canadian province.
During the externship, students may apply some of the skills acquired during the in-home study portion and observe active professionals in the industry.
How Do I Get Started?
If a career as a vet assistant sounds like a great option, give us a call at 800-795-3294. An admissions counselor will be happy to tell you more about the program and help you get enrolled.
