What does a Veterinary Assistant Do?
But what exactly does a vet assistant do?
Sure, they get to play with the puppies and kittens, have a hand in helping out, and get to be hands when it comes to medical procedures, but being a veterinary assistant is far more than just taking the dogs for a walk every day.
A vet assistant gets to be a compassionate presence for both animal and animal owner, provide insight and experience, and assist veterinarians in their everyday work.
They play a vital role in their establishments every day!
Duties
- Work as the daily caretakers for the animals that are in their establishment. This includes normal, everyday things like feeding and watering, changing out bedding and cages, walking, and playing with the animals
- Exercising the animals in their care
- Cleaning animal cages
- Cleaning and disinfecting examination rooms and treatment rooms
- Sterilizing and maintaining surgical equipment
- Assisting the licensed vet with tasks during surgery
- Monitoring and taking care of pet parents in the waiting rooms
- Performing routine tests that do not require a veterinary license such as fecal exams, operating blood machines, urinalysis setup and test, heartworm, leukemia, FIV tests, etc.
- Maintaining status on patients and organizing patient files
- Restraining and assisting the vet with restraining during procedures that do not require anesthesia
Let's Talk Salary
If the wheels in your head are turning and you’re considering putting more thought into becoming a veterinary assistant, it’s only natural that your mind should zero in on one of the most important parts about a job – the salary.
It makes sense to want to understand what kind of salary, benefits, and packages you should be getting as a veterinary assistant – it is your livelihood, after all.
So, what exactly does a vet assistant make, anyway?
Research indicates that the median annual salary for a veterinarian assistant is about $29,648, however, the range for this is relatively broad.
On the lowest end, veterinary assistants are making about $18,645 with the high end topping out around $37,000.
If you take a look at the hourly wage rate, you’ll note that vet assistants are looking at a range of about $13.60 to about $16.12, but all of these factors are based on varying circumstances.
It will all depend on the size of the practice, the extension of your duties, the number of doctors you work with, and the traffic of the establishment.
Research does show that facilities that specialize in research are more likely to pay higher salaries than general practice establishments or clinical hospitals, though.
It’s important to note as well that with more certifications and experience, vet assistants are more likely to earn higher wages.
Annually National Average Salary: $37,310
Average Annual Salary by State
| State | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $28,930 |
| Alaska | $38,950 |
| Arizona | $38,050 |
| Arkansas | $35,350 |
| California | $42,650 |
| Colorado | $39,380 |
| Connecticut | $45,350 |
| Delaware | $41,200 |
| District of Columbia | $50,830 |
| Florida | $35,880 |
| Georgia | $34,270 |
| Hawaii | $39,760 |
| Idaho | $33,430 |
| Illinois | $36,960 |
| Indiana | $33,350 |
| Iowa | $33,870 |
| Kansas | $32,480 |
| Kentucky | $33,010 |
| Louisiana | $31,010 |
| Maine | $44,920 |
| Maryland | $41,860 |
| Massachusetts | $48,090 |
| Michigan | $36,130 |
| Minnesota | $40,680 |
| Mississippi | $29,800 |
| Missouri | $33,230 |
| Montana | $34,170 |
| Nebraska | $33,440 |
| Nevada | $34,770 |
| New Hampshire | $36,160 |
| New Jersey | $38,760 |
| New Mexico | $33,330 |
| New York | $41,890 |
| North Carolina | $35,500 |
| North Dakota | $34,140 |
| Ohio | $32,330 |
| Oklahoma | $33,060 |
| Oregon | $40,350 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,570 |
| Rhode Island | $43,080 |
| South Carolina | $35,420 |
| South Dakota | $33,030 |
| Tennessee | $34,490 |
| Texas | $33,280 |
| Utah | $33,870 |
| Vermont | $34,680 |
| Virginia | $35,370 |
| Washington | $42,290 |
| West Virginia | $28,560 |
| Wisconsin | $34,470 |
| Wyoming | $32,610 |
| Puerto Rico | $21,860 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 5 States
The top earning state in the field is District of Columbia, where the average salary is $50,830.
These are the top 5 earning states in the field:
Conducted by: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
How to Become a Veterinary Assistant
Step 1Achieve Your High School Diploma
Some people rule out becoming a vet assistant right off the bat because they think they need to go to college, earn a specific degree, and deal with years of school before they can get into the field – but this simply isn’t true!
All you need to get started on your veterinary assistant journey is a high school diploma or a GED.
This is sufficient means for employment as a vet assistant.
In fact, about 34 percent of vet assistants were hired with only a high school diploma, according to figures from O*Net Online.
Step 2On the Job Training
If you can obtain a program that allows you get training before you’re hired (such as an internship or apprenticeship), that’s a great opportunity to snatch up.
However, much of the training vet assistants actually get is on the job training, which means you must first be hired so you can practice your technical skills.
It’s likely that other vet assistants will train you in the ways and skills you need to develop, helping you hone your customer service, laboratory skills, front desk tasks, and animal care specialties.
You’ll likely need to learn how to do things the specific way your establishment likes them done, so ensure that you’re learning how to follow procedure.
It’s likely you’ll need to establish on the job training skills in feeding, watering, restraining animals, sterilizing equipment, providing pre and post op care, administering oral and topical medications, preparing patients for lab examination, and more!
Step 3Optional Certification
As we’ve noted before, certifications are not required in order to become a vet assistant, but honestly, they could make a huge difference in your career.
Often, having a certification is going to be preferred by employers and could help you get a better, more rewarding job in an establishment you like better.
Try optional certification through state veterinary societies and through private organizations in order to better your career opportunities.
Requirements for each program are going to vary, so it’s impossible to stay, step by step, what you’ll need to have in order before you apply for these programs – we recommend taking a look at the requirements before you set your sights on a specific program in order to make sure it’s a good fit for you!
Likely, though, you’ll need to endure educational coursework, training with veterinarians, and probably an ending exam to thoroughly test your skills and knowledge. As we said, this could vary from program to program, so ensure you know what you’re getting into.
Step 4Explore Your Options
The final step in your vet assistant journey? Well, that’s sort of a trick question.
The final step advice we can offer you is to consistently work toward advancing your career, meaning, continue to applying for certificates and degrees to help better your career options.
It’s even possible for you to embark on the 4-year track to become a veterinary technologist, a related, but more advanced career option.
Consider researching your options and never stop evolving to become the vet assistant you want to be!
What Education is Required?
As we stated above, the education that you’re required to have to become, and work as, a veterinary assistant, doesn’t necessarily derive from the typical “four-year-college path.”
For starters, all you need to begin your veterinary assistant journey is a high school diploma or your GED.
While some people choose to earn a certificate through non-degree programs (like at a physical college or at an online college), you’re certainly not required to do this.
The skills that you learn in high school, such as biology, English, social interaction, et cetera, are enough to get you going on your vet assistant journey.
We say this with a grain of salt, though, because it’s likely that employers are going to want to hire (as a general rule of thumb) veterinary assistant who have a higher form of education like associates degrees or bachelor’s degrees, though this isn’t necessarily required.
If you decide to attend a postsecondary school, you’ll likely need to have a diploma there.
Much of the education you’ll need for a veterinary assistant job, however, will be obtained while you’re actually on the job.
While it’s possible to work as an apprentice or intern (either unpaid or paid), it’s more likely that you’ll need to be hired on first at an establishment where a colleague will then teach you the ways of the job.
You’ll need to learn skills that span all sorts of genres, such as people skills, administrative skills, animal care skills, laboratory skills, and medical skills.
Much of this is going to be taught directly by other, more experienced vet assistants or veterinarians.
To continue your education throughout your vet assistant journey, though, it can be helpful to gain certifications, licenses, and even attend programs to receive an associates or bachelors degree.
There are a number of 2 or 4 year colleges that offer veterinary assistant certificate programs that can train you in a direction you wish to go, such as theory or the practice of humane care.
Video About The Career
What Licensing and Certification Do I Need?
Again, licensing and certification is certainly not required in order to obtain a job as a veterinary assistant.
With a high school diploma or GED, you’re at the bare minimum for requirements for applying for a veterinary assistant job.
That being said, though, employers are more likely to hire a budding vet assistant if they have some sort of licensing under their belt.
Unless they’re looking for an entirely new candidate for their practice, it’s likely that they’ll want someone with a bit of experience.
Getting licensed or certified as a vet tech isn’t an overly complicated process.
You can pick out the programs that make the most sense for you, your learning level, and your lifestyle, and then proceed to select from there.
You can obtain certification through either state veterinary societies or private organizations, but it’s important to note that all certification programs are not created equally.
Overall, you can expect training experience, educational coursework, vet tech assistantships, and of course, a final exam that culminates all of your learned knowledge in one place.
Certification Example:
Average Training Program Duration: 2-4 Years
Popular Programs
Veterinary Assistant Job Outlook
One of the most exciting things about the vet assistant job opportunity is that the outlook for your career is positive.
People will always have pets, and those pets will always need care – so it makes sense that veterinarians will always have a need for vet assistants.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of vet assistants (and laboratory animal caretaker is projected to grow by almost 19 percent from 2016 to 2026.
As of 2016, the vet assistant employment rate was at about 83,800 people, but it’s projected to jump to about 100,000 by 2026.
As pet related expenditures increase, this is expected to continue to drive employment for vet assistants, and the demand for these employees will likely increase as well.
Employment Growth Projection: 14%
2020
2030
That's a higher than average projected growth of 15,300 jobs.
Veterinary Assistant: Interest Over Time
Should You Become a Veterinary Assistant
Overall Satisfaction: High
Overall, vet assistants are perfectly capable of being satisfied with their employment. It doesn’t require additional education or certification, but if you choose to advance your career, there’s plenty of flexibility and willingness within the profession to do so.
You’ll learn something new every day and likely grow to be an expert in your field.
If you gain satisfaction from helping animals, making people’s lives simpler, and working up close and personal with veterinarians, this will be an ideal job for you.
Average Salary: Medium
While it’s not the highest paying job in the world, you can expect a salary ranging from the mid $20,000s to about the mid $30,000s, with your salary adjusting and increasing with more experience, more specializations, and more certifications.
Job Growth Outlook: High
There’s also plenty of job opportunity and job growth potential – that is to say, it’s unlikely that this position will become obsolete.
In fact, the demand for vet assistants is supposedly projected to grow by about 19 percent by 2026, with a predicted 100,000 people in the profession.
Education Duration: 2-4 Years
It doesn’t require extended education, but if you decide that you’d like to further your education within this profession, there are plenty of certification programs, 2-4 year degree tracks, and specializations you can take on.
Personal Skills Needed
When it comes to skills, you’ll either need to learn or already have quite a few personal skills in your inventory.
This includes things like:
- Listening
- Personability
- Compassion
- Empathy
- Chattiness
- Positivity
- Sunny Disposition
- Patience
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I Need to Go To School to Be a Vet Assistant?
To be a vet assistant, you’ll need to have at least your high school diploma or a GED.
However, having a bachelors or associates degree could put you ahead of other prospective vet techs who only have these degrees.
They are not required for vet assistantships, though.
Q. What Qualifications Must I Have to Apply?
Every establishment will have different qualifications in order to apply, but at a minimum you must have a high school diploma or equivalent certificate, a good grasp on personability, a love for helping animals, and determination.
Some vet offices might require certifications, degrees, or experience, but as a general rule, you simply need your high school diploma or GED in order to apply.
Q. What Skills Do I Need?
In order to be a successful vet assistant, you’ll need to have people skills, administrative skills, skills working with animals, skills in taking direction, and skill in cleaning and organizing.
Many of the technical skills will be taught on the job.
Q. How Much Do Vet Assistants Make Hourly?
According to research, vet assistants make anywhere from $13-$16 hourly.
Q. What Do You Do As a Vet Assistant?
As a vet assistant, you’ll take care of the animals, clean their cages, walk, feed, and water the animals in your charge, run the front desk, work with the vets as their assistants, sterilize equipment, work in the lab, and ensure that all patients and their owners are properly taken care of.
I love the emphasis on gaining hands-on experience through volunteering or internships. Practical experience can be invaluable when pursuing a career as a veterinary assistant, It not only helps you learn the ropes but also shows potential employers your dedication to the field.
Good read! Pursuing relevant courses in animal care and biology can definitely give aspiring veterinary assistants a solid foundation. Remember, patience and empathy are the key traits to develop while working closely with animals and their owners.
I’ve always dreamed of working with animals and this is a fantastic guide for those interested in becoming veterinary assistant. Networking with professionals in the field and staying updated on industry trends can help you stand out and make a positive impact on furry patients’ lives.
Grooming your communication skills is just as important as mastering technical tasks when it comes to supporting veterinarians and pet owners. The vet assistant’s role is all about teamwork and making sure every pet feels comfortable during their visit.
Building a strong foundation in animal behavior can be a game-changer in the veterinary assistant journey, The ability to recognize signs of distress and provide comfort to animals is truly a skill that sets apart the exceptional assistants.
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I really need to bookmark this site cause I can’t exhaust everything here at a go. It’s a great place to always come to check back for references on what vocation to pick up without regrets.
Well, the salary for vet assistants in New Jersey is really encouraging and a good one for someone with the level of certification I’ve got. I love the profession and would really want to take it up full time.
My daughter sure loves animals and enjoy working with them, helping, and bettering the lives of animals. I bet she will love the idea when I sell it to her that she will do great in this field. Truly there’s almost no more worries and looks pretty sweet a career than many rival jobs.
Wow. I don’t need to earn a specific degree, and deal with years of school before I can get to become a vet assistant? Totally cool! I bet I can begin with my high school diploma.
The good thing with learning under other professionals is that they can help train you in the ways and skills you need to develop; from your customer service skills, laboratory skills, front desk tasks, and animal care specialties, you’ll get them first hand and work on them.
Even though vet assistants mostly get on the job training, it’s still okay to be hired and practice your technical skills while on the job. It would even give you a firsthand experience and you’ll enjoy it.
Such an amazing profession. My neighbor was able to obtain a program that allowed him get training before he was hired. It was a great opportunity and he didn’t waste time to snatch it up.