Concerns about being a vet assistant

I'm interested in becoming a vet assistant. If I like the job I'll take the classes to become a licensed tech. I'll have to see how things go.

I have a few concerns and questions.

1) I know more than the average person about veterinary medicine (that's why a vet is interested in hiring me) and know a lot of the lingo they use in the office. I'd like to learn as much as I can about being a vet assistant before I get hired. I can't do volunteer work at a vet clinic right now, but I can research and study.

Are there any instructional books or websites that I should check out? What things do I need to know for the job? Is there anything I can learn before I get the job? Like, for example, I would imagine it might be beneficial to watch videos about giving sub-q fluids.

2) I was told that one of the things I'll be asked during the interview is how much I think I should make and would like to make. And what kind of benefits I would like.

I don't even know how to answer those questions or what the purpose is. As far as benefits go, I'm primarily concerned with good health, dental, and vision insurance. So how should I answer the salary question? I don't even know what the average vet assistant makes around here. I don't want to answer too high or too low.

3) I have social anxiety disorder. Will this be a problem? I don't know exactly what will be expected of me or how closely I'll have to work with other people. I have no problem working with the vet/owner as I think he's awesome. But working with other people and dealing with pet owners is kind of terrifying. Of course, I realize that I will have these issues no matter what kind of job I have. I think if I tell the owner, he'd be willing to cut me some slack for the first month or two. But I'm not sure if I'll be able to handle the job. My understanding is that it can be an emotionally difficult job. Thoughts?

First let me say I think its great you want to work in Veterinary Medicine. As far as your questions:
1. You probably do know more then the average person. You probably don’t know near as much as you think you do in comparison to a seasoned assistant. Being a good veterinary assistant is a lot more then sub q fluids and vaccinations. In the interviewing process make sure your humble and let them know you know how much you have to learn and your thirst to learn more then how much you know. There are a lot of books you can read but none compare to hands on. If I remember I will ask my interns what books they are reading in school now.
2. When they ask about finances I would say you just want to get your foot in the door and you understand that this will be an entry level position. But as long as the opportunity to learn and advance is their your interested.
3. I don’t know much about your social disorder but. Yes I assume it will be a problem. In most hospitals you will have to deal with co workers and customers in stressful situations.

Good luck
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Hi blu87,

I am taking online courses with an AVMA-accredited school in New Mexico that offers an AAS degree in Veterinary Technology. The main textbook we use in the first level is McCurnin's "Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians" 7th Edition by Joanna M. Bassert and Dennis M. McCurnin. You can buy it along with the workbook through amazon.com (about $90), or you may be able to check out the textbook through a library. The book covers a wide range of fundamental concepts and info -and it has photos, too.

There are many topics studied in a VT program, and the ultimate goal is to finish with the degree in order to sit for the VTNE and become credentialed (certified, licensed, or registered) in one's state of practice.

The job market everywhere is sad, and if you have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, then go fo it! I wish you the best of luck helping critters in your area.