Veterinary assistants are the “jack of all trades” in the veterinary profession. Their job touches every different part of a busy veterinary hospital or clinic. As a veterinary assistant you will perform reception functions, fill prescriptions, keep exam rooms and kennels cleaned and prepped, set up lab work, assist with inventory, update medical records, assist with nursing care, assist with surgical preparation and procedure, and perform radio-graphic procedures. Your assistance provides invaluable help to veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians.
After completing the Veterinary Assisting program, students will be able to:
Veterinary assistants are qualified to assist veterinarians who treat animals. Graduates are also qualified to work in animal shelters, zoos, and research facilities, and prepared to perform the following job duties:
Veterinary Assistant O*NET (31-9096.00) Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers are in demand: The job outlook for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers is expected to grow 14% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations¹. Pet owners are projected to spend more on their animals, which is driving the growing demand for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers.
And if you are or want to train to become a veterinary assistant in California, check out this stat: California has the highest level of employment of veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers out of all the states in the U.S., coming in at 13,040 employed vet assistants from a May 2020 report².
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319096.htm#st
A career in this field may require you to meet certain licensing, training, and other requirements that can vary by vocation and state. You should check with your state, local government and/or licensing board to find out which requirements may be applicable in your state.
Find out how to get enrolled and on your way to a career you are passionate about, give us a call (209) 545-5200.
Stellar Career College’s Veterinary Assistant program can be completed in as few as nine months.
Veterinary assistants work with animals under the supervision of veterinarians and veterinary technicians. As a veterinary assistant, duties may include:
There are pros and cons to both careers. A vet assistant requires less schooling than a vet technician, meaning you could begin working sooner. A veterinary technician may earn more than a veterinary assistant. The decision between the two careers depends on your individual goals and priorities.
Yes. If you pursue additional education and licensing, you could become a veterinary technician. Working as a vet assistant is a great first step to understanding the industry, different specialties and advanced duties required to work as a vet technician.
Ultimately, deciding if vet assisting is a good career choice is an individual decision. If you enjoy working with animals, talking with their owners and collaborating with others like veterinarians and vet techs, you may enjoy working as a vet assistant.