What does a Veterinary Assistant do?
Published 3 min read
A veterinary assistant is a person who helps a veterinarian with the day-to-day care of animals. They may help with feeding, bathing, and exercising the animals. They may also help to clean cages and kennels.
Veterinary Assistant job duties include:
- Providing basic care for animals, including feeding, bathing, and exercising
- Cleaning cages and animal quarters
- Monitoring animals' health and alerting veterinarians to any changes
- Assisting with diagnostic procedures and treatments
- Preparing animals and equipment for surgery
- Restraining animals during examinations and procedures
- Collecting blood, urine, and tissue samples for testing
- Administering medications and vaccinations as directed by a veterinarian
- Performing routine lab tests such as urinalysis and blood counts
Veterinary Assistant Job Requirements
There are no formal education requirements for veterinary assistants, although many have at least a high school diploma. Some states require certification for veterinary assistants, which can be obtained through professional organizations such as the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). Many veterinary assistants have some experience working with animals, whether through previous jobs, volunteering, or personal experience.
Veterinary Assistant Skills
- Animal handling
- Animal restraint
- Animal care
- Animal husbandry
- Animal health
- Animal anatomy
- Animal physiology
- Veterinary medicine
- Pharmacology
- Surgery
- Laboratory procedures
- Radiology
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How to become a Veterinary Assistant
A veterinary assistant is a vital member of the animal health care team. They provide support to the veterinarians and help care for the animals. If you love animals and have an interest in medicine, then a career as a veterinary assistant may be for you. Here are a few tips on how to become a veterinary assistant:
1. Complete high school or earn a GED. You will need to have at least a high school diploma or GED to be eligible for most veterinary assistant programs.
2. Enroll in an accredited veterinary assistant program. There are many vocational schools and community colleges that offer veterinary assistant programs. Make sure to choose an accredited program to ensure that you receive quality education and training.
3. Get experience working with animals. Many Veterinary Assistant programs include an externship component, which allows students to gain real-world experience working with animals. You can also volunteer at your local animal shelter or humane society.
4. Pass the Veterinary Assistant National Exam (VANE). After completing your education and training, you will need to pass the VANE in order to become certified as a Veterinary Assistant.
5. Start your career! Once you have passed the VANE and become certified, you can begin your career as a Veterinary Assistant!
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