Requirements include:
Full Answer
All technician members must be graduates of an AVMA CVTEA or CVMA AHTVTPAC accredited veterinary technology program and be currently licensed/registered/certified. All US technician members must be members in good standing of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.
A: Veterinary colleges that meet all Standards of Accreditation are granted an accreditation classification of accredited by the AVMA Council on Education (COE) for a period of no more than seven years, contingent upon satisfactory review by the COE of annual progress reports.
One major difference in these careers is that a veterinary technician works under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian and must pass a credentialing exam. Veterinary assistants work with the veterinarian or veterinary technician and do not need to pass a credentialing exam1.
AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and ActivitiesAbout the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA)
How much does a Veterinary Assistant make in the United States? The average Veterinary Assistant salary in the United States is $32,158 as of August 29, 2022, but the range typically falls between $25,911 and $38,790.
Steps to Becoming A Vet AssistantStep 1: Graduate from high school (four years). ... Step 2: Enroll in a veterinary assistant program (one year). ... Step 3: Seek professional certification (timeline varies). ... Step 4: Maintain AVA certification (every two years).
Becoming a vet tech is certainly worth it for individuals who want to work with animals and outside of an office environment. To date, the career is experiencing tremendous growth, with about 10,000 new jobs hitting the market each year. The field also provides plenty of job security and room for growth.
Unrestricted, loose-fitting cotton tops are preferred for both men and women vet techs. Medical scrubs worn by nurses and doctors are common in both the educational and professional veterinary settings.
Veterinary technology school isn't easy. The curriculum is challenging, the time required to study is enormous and the responsibility of providing care for the animals living on campus never lets you forget why you're there.
Initial Accreditation – New programs that have made significant progress towards meeting the Standards of Accreditation. The program will remain on Initial Accreditation until achieving Full Accreditation, or for a period not to exceed five years.
Initial Accreditation is, “when a Review Committee determines that an application for a new. program or sponsoring institution substantially complies with the requirements.
Accreditation by the AVMA-CVTEA represents the highest standard of achievement for veterinary technician schools in the United States. AVMA-CVTEA accredited institutions go through a rigorous and comprehensive revue to determine whether they meet the high standards of quality set required for accreditation.
An AAHA accreditation signifies that your veterinary practice has met or exceeded stringent standards that encompass all aspects of veterinary medicine, from pain management to medical record-keeping, and has committed to a path of continuous improvement.
Penn Foster's online Vet Tech Program is fully accredited through AVMA-CVTEA. Prepares you to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE).
health care industryWe found most veterinary technicians work for a private company. In addition, the industry that employs the most veterinary technicians is the health care industry.
The Council on Education (COE) accredits DVM or equivalent educational programs and the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA) accredits veterinary technology programs.
Veterinary assisting is an entry-level position and most assistants are trained on the job. There are voluntary education opportunities and the time to complete these varies from a few weeks to a ...
In the United States, a vet assistant is a person with no formal training (usually) in veterinary medical techniques. Therefore, you can become a vet assistant simply by being hired to do the job ...
The exact answer is going to depend on where in the world you are, but in the US being a "certified veterinary assistant" does not require a college degree and therefore you would still need around 8 years of college.
The amount of time it takes to become a veterinarian's assistant depends largely on an individual's career goals.The minimum amount of full-time study required for a basic veterinary assistant degree is two years (or slightly less for students who take an overload of classes).
How much does a Veterinary Assistant make in the United States? The average Veterinary Assistant salary in the United States is $32,158 as of August 29, 2022, but the range typically falls between $25,911 and $38,790.Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Before looking at how to become a veterinary assistant, it is important to look at a brief overview of the career. Getting a job as a vet assistant can be very fulfilling for you if you love animals. The job description is to ease the experience of visiting veterinarians for pet owners and pets by assisting in […]
Most employers prefer veterinary assistants with at least a high school diploma or GED. This can take four years to complete. While maintaining a high GPA is advisable, focusing on doing well in English and science classes is particularly helpful since you may use writing skills when performing administrative work and use basic biology knowledge when working with animals.
A veterinary assistant is a professional who helps care for animals under the supervision of a veterinarian. Some common job duties of a veterinary assistant include:
Since veterinary assistants monitor animals during examinations, it's important for them to be observant. This is especially important when they are watching an animal after surgery to see if any complications occur. They work to notice changes in an animal's behavior or condition so that they can take appropriate action.
To help their facility run smoothly, veterinary assistants stay organized to keep track of their various daily and weekly responsibilities. These professionals manage their own tasks as well as those of the veterinary team. To do this, they may keep a list of their responsibilities to help remember their duties and notify others of what they need to do.
Because veterinary assistants may work with people and animals experiencing stress, fear and sadness, it's helpful for them to be empathetic. This helps them calm down animals during their treatment so that the veterinarian can do their job. Offering sympathy can help them support pet owners as well.
The curriculum for our Veterinary Assistant Program provides you the knowledge and skills to become a veterinary assistant. There are 11 stages that include an online vet assistant course, 46 educational videos and your externship.
The Final Exam is given once your vet assistant course and externship have been successfully completed. You’ll review all of the material presented in the previous stages to prepare for the final. This review time is allotted for you to re-read and study the various concepts that have been taught. The Final Exam is designed to test your overall knowledge of skills required to become a veterinary assistant and will cover all areas of the curriculum.
Our vet assistant school follows the vet assistant requirements set forth and approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) in cooperation with AVTE (Association of Veterinary Technician Educators) & CVTEA (Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities). 1
In this stage, the use of pharmaceuticals in a veterinary office is addressed. Detailed information pertaining to the legal issues in drug handling, specifically the proper prescription labeling and packaging of medications, the correct way to store biological and therapeutic agents, and the efficient performance of inventory control are included.
This stage includes medical record assembly, admitting and discharging patients, and important safety techniques and protocol for the veterinary office. You’ll also obtain rudimentary knowledge of veterinary laws and legalities.
The veterinary assistant requirements for Animal Behavior College (ABC) give you a thorough educational foundation while also providing the convenience and affordability of an online program and the added benefit of working with a veterinarian or other veterinary personnel in a real-world hospital environment.
Stage 6 of our vet assistant course teaches you the fundamentals of small animal nursing. This stage will provide you with the tools needed to properly nurture the animals in your care. This stage focuses on identifying different breeds of dogs and cats, recognizing normal and abnormal behavior in dogs and cats, identifying common diseases and medical conditions, and properly caring for the hospitalized patient in your charge.
Here is one possible path to becoming a veterinary assistant: Graduate from high school (four years). As mentioned above, a high school diploma is a typical prerequisite to employment in this profession.
This on-campus veterinary assistant certificate program has core courses in outpatient care, diagnostics & pharmacy, and surgery & anesthesia.
By illustration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2019) found that among 97,030 veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers nationwide, the annual average salary was $29,690 .
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA 2021), veterinary assistants support the clinical activities of veterinary technicians and veterinarians by performing clerical work, animal restraint, and daily caretaking of veterinary patients.
Technicians generally have associate degrees , whereas technologists have bachelor’s degrees, and both are encouraged to seek out veterinary technology programs accredited by the AVMA. These programs feature courses such as mammalian anatomy & physiology, veterinary pathology, parasitology, animal nursing, diagnostic imaging, and research methods. Following the completion of a qualifying program, prospective vet techs typically take the national Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), a test administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA 2021) distinguishes between vet assistants and vet techs, stating that vet techs typically pursue two to four years of postsecondary education and have a greater scope of practice than vet assistants, giving support to veterinarians during complex surgical procedures and performing laboratory analyses to help diagnose medical conditions.
Georgia, for instance, defines a veterinary assistant as someone who has on the job training or a single year of formal training. Texas, by contrast, has established a state certification process for vet assistants through the Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA).
However, if you want to complete a certification program, it will likely take you 6 to 12 months to complete. Some online programs allow you to finish in about seven months.
You can get the Approved Veterinary Assistant certification through the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America. It will require you to complete the NAVTA program and pass a 150-minute exam. The exam fee is $100 and you will need to score a 75% or higher to pass.
As a vet assistant, your main duties will be to help the veterinarians and vet techs with their daily tasks. This will include helping to regulate the animal care routine daily and assisting with many other things within the clinic or animal care facility. Some of your job duties may include:
Your benefits will be determined by your employer. The most common benefits for vet assistants include paid time off, health insurance, and a 401 (k). You may also get disability, vision, and dental insurance as a part of your package. Some employers also offer pet insurance, employee discounts, and a flexible schedule.
Empathy – You will likely deal with injured animals and owners that are emotional. Empathy is vital if you want to be a vet assistant.
Integrity – As a vet assistant, you will need to have integrity. Many tasks will need to be performed in a timely and correct manner.
The position of a vet assistant is an entry-level position. It pays an average of nearly $14 per hour, according to Indeed.com. With more experience, you can earn more.
During the calendar year preceding the date of expected renewal, the CVA must complete a minimum of five (5) hours of continuing education instruction.
TVMA recognizes that the school-based veterinary assistant programs consist of well-designed, highly organized content taught in classroom settings by well-qualified professional educators extending through 1-3 academic years. TVMA further recognizes that these state-approved programs consist of hands-on laboratory instruction, frequent live demonstrations, field work, internships and other interactive learning activities, which can achieve the same learning objectives envisioned for the on-the-job training requirements described above.
Upon supervised completion of hours, the applicant can submit the Exam Application, Skills Validation Checklist, and payment by registering here. The certification exam can be taken online or on paper. Registration emails will be sent out to applicant and proctor (DVM or LVT) for online exams. Paper exams will be sent to the supervising DVM or LVT and must be returned within one week of receipt. Any applicant who passes the exam will receive a congratulatory letter, certificate and patch. We hope the newly designated CVA will display the certificate in a prominent place and will take considerable pride in their new designation. In the unfortunate event of an applicant failing the exam, the applicant will be eligible to re-take the exam as many times as needed and at a discounted price ($35).
The TVMA Veterinary Assistant Training Program is standardized and documents the basic skills and competencies required for animal care and assistance.
In order to ensure the student understands the real, day-to-day workings of a typical veterinary hospital, a minimum of 300 of the 500 hours required must occur within a veterinary clinic or animal shelter setting with a DVM or LVT (CVT, RVT allowed for programs outside the state of Texas) on staff or in attendance to provide the required skill and techniques training. The variety of veterinary-supervised experiences that meet these criteria may also include (but is not limited to): volunteer work in a veterinary hospital, riding on large animal veterinary field calls, shelters that offer medical services through a veterinarian, etc.
Applicants for certification from any school-based veterinary assistant program must have completed at least 9 months of the school-based program. Applicants for certification must be at least 16 years of age to test. Hands on training hours will not be counted before age 14.
500 hours of work experience under the supervision of a DVM or LVT
To become a vet assistant, the basic requirements often begin with having a high school diploma or higher, though requirements may differ based on state and practice or hospital standards. While earning a degree or career diploma is not necessarily a requirement for being hired, it can help prospective assistants stand out to practice managers. To enroll in the online veterinary assistant training program at Penn Foster, students should have a high school diploma or GED and must be 18 years or older.
The need for skilled veterinary assistants is projected to grow by 19% in the next ten years, much faster than average. With an estimated 67% of U.S. households claiming at least one pet, practices and clinics will need to hire trained, knowledgeable assistants and technicians to meet client demand.
Though duties and responsibilities can vary based upon the work environment, most veterinary assistants handle routine animal care and assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians with daily tasks. Typically, as a vet assistant, you’ll be responsible for:
Penn Foster's online, AVMA-CVTEA accredited Vet Tech Program can help prepare you for a career working in veterinary medicine.
Penn Foster’s flexible online Veterinary Assistant classes can be completed in as little as 7 months. With the ability to set your own pace, it’s up to you and your schedule when you finish the coursework. Once you’ve completed your academic work, you’ll participate in an 8-week externship to gain hands-on knowledge.
The national average salary for a veterinary assistant in an entry-level position was $28,590 in 2019 .* Depending on experience, education, and state of residence, the salary for a vet assistant can vary so it’s important to check the average salary in your area. With sites like Indeed and Glassdoor, you can get an idea of what vet assistants in your area are paid to start.
The externship is a minimum of 100 hours completed over an 8 week period. You can complete your externship at a clinic or veterinary hospital near you.
These are usually 3-12 months long programs, after which students may sit for the Veterinary Assistant National Exam.
Standardizing the education of veterinary assistants was set and most of the certification guidelines are maintained by NAVTA.
They include 600 hours of hands-on training provided by a California-based mentor veterinary technician or veterinarian and a 100-question certification exam.
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) approves programs that meet their requirements and offers an evaluation exam for those interested in being certified as an Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA).
They involve a 90-day work experience with a qualified vet tech or veterinarian and a 70% passing score on their certification exam.
This means that students are required to complete a minimum of 150 contact hours by the time they complete their training, including hands-on experiences in veterinary labs.
Their duties are to clean and organize around the veterinary office, prepare surgical areas, and complete important paperwork.
Unlike becoming a veterinary technician, which requires a two-year associate's degree or a four-year Bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, earning a veterinary assistant certificate takes as little as 10 to 14 months. In fact ABC’s veterinary assistant program combines the best of all worlds, with a self-paced online component, and a hands-on externship in the field. With the online program, the length of time can vary from student to student, depending on the amount of time that can be dedicated to coursework. Self-motivated students who follow the exam schedule should be able to complete the certification process in twelve months.
Yes, although a simple online program with no hands-on experience will probably not be the best choice you can make. There are really 3 components you need to look at when considering a veterinary assistant program. 1) Academic foundation. Does the program thoroughly cover the topics relevant to being a veterinary assistant? These should include animal restraint, pharmacy & pharmacology, surgical preparation, small animal nursing, laboratory procedures, radiology & ultrasound imaging and more 2) Experience. OK, you have a theoretical understanding of the aforementioned topics. That’s a start. What about seeing these topics performed in a working veterinary hospital, clinic or laboratory? This is where strict online programs fall short and why programs that offer some hands-on experience should be considered. 3) Networking. Taking an online program without actually interacting with a meeting working veterinarians and veterinary team members in a working hospital means you don’t have the same opportunities to make these connections before applying for a job there. None of this means you can’t become a veterinary assistant by taking an online course, just that it might not be the best choice to set you on the path to success in this field.
Absolutely! Being a veterinary assistant is a great introduction to the veterinary world, allowing you to see what it’s like to work in a veterinary clinic, research lab, or other workplace involving caring for animals. Vet assistants work closely with animals, performing tasks such as feeding, calming or restraining, exercising, bathing, or caring for them after surgery. Properly educated and experienced veterinary assistants understand such topics as animal restraint, pharmacy & pharmacology, surgical preparation, small animal nursing, laboratory procedures, radiology & ultrasound imaging and more Veterinary technicians, however, function more like nurses, performing medically-related tasks under a veterinarian’s supervision. Veterinary assistants who want to become veterinary technicians must be prepared for a rigorous education; which is why having the foundation understanding mentioned above can help. Veterinary technicians have to complete a two- or four-year degree and pass a credentialing exam.
Most employers prefer veterinary assistants with at least a high school diploma or GED. This can take four years to complete. While maintaining a high GPA is advisable, focusing on doing well in English and science classes is particularly helpful since you may use writing skills when performing administrative work and use basic biology knowledge when working with animals.
A veterinary assistant is a professional who helps care for animals under the supervision of a veterinarian. Some common job duties of a veterinary assistant include:
Since veterinary assistants monitor animals during examinations, it's important for them to be observant. This is especially important when they are watching an animal after surgery to see if any complications occur. They work to notice changes in an animal's behavior or condition so that they can take appropriate action.
To help their facility run smoothly, veterinary assistants stay organized to keep track of their various daily and weekly responsibilities. These professionals manage their own tasks as well as those of the veterinary team. To do this, they may keep a list of their responsibilities to help remember their duties and notify others of what they need to do.
Because veterinary assistants may work with people and animals experiencing stress, fear and sadness, it's helpful for them to be empathetic. This helps them calm down animals during their treatment so that the veterinarian can do their job. Offering sympathy can help them support pet owners as well.