What qualifications do you need to become a vet assistant?

Time to suck it up and bite the bullet my dear, I know I did, (I'm 25 and am terribly shy for my age, but I pretend I'm not and take everything head on and confidant). Honestly its all you really can do, but more importantly, don't give up. You can also ask around your local shelters and rescues not just vet clinics. In your situation, I suggest you do a little research on where you want to volunteer and what kind of animals you want to work with. Keep in mind most of the work you'll be doing is cleaning/laundry, possibly feeding and medication administration and some tlc with healthier animals. Take a moment and think to yourself if this is what you want. If it is, dont let anything stop you and go in with confidence (even if you arnt, pretend that you are heehee).

Betty in Glendora, California said: Time to suck it up and bite the bullet my dear, I know I did, (I'm 25 and am terribly shy for my age, but I pretend I'm not and take everything head on and confidant). Honestly its all you really can do, but more importantly, don't give up. You can also ask around your local shelters and rescues not just vet clinics. In your situation, I suggest you do a little research on where you want to volunteer and what kind of animals you want to work with. Keep in mind most of the work you'll be doing is cleaning/laundry, possibly feeding and medication administration and some tlc with healthier animals. Take a moment and think to yourself if this is what you want. If it is, dont let anything stop you and go in with confidence (even if you arnt, pretend that you are heehee).

thank u

you're welcome, and on a side note (since I forgot to mention it) you can always use volunteer work as work experience for your CV/resume :)

im 16 in 10th grade and trying to plan for college and stuff.i really didnt want to cut open any animals or have to perform surgeries.i wanted to basically give animals medicine and love them more than anything. i have seen and heard a million times that you do not need a degree or whatever to be an assistant.but i am also planning on going to college.what exactly would i be going to college for if i dont need a degree for this type of job.alot of teachers have told me that now days you need a degree of some sort

hannah smith in Barnesville, Georgia said: im 16 in 10th grade and trying to plan for college and stuff.i really didnt want to cut open any animals or have to perform surgeries.i wanted to basically give animals medicine and love them more than anything. i have seen and heard a million times that you do not need a degree or whatever to be an assistant.but i am also planning on going to college.what exactly would i be going to college for if i dont need a degree for this type of job.alot of teachers have told me that now days you need a degree of some sort

Working with animals varies State to State so first find out for sure what you need or dont need to be a vet assistant. There are many kinds of work in the animal industry, just like for people. As an assistant you usually don't need a degree or license, but a lot of places do ask that you have experience. Keep in mind that many assistance start off as volunteers. It is true that now-a-days you do need a degree in something to get a job, not just in animal care, but in everything. If working with animals is something you want to do, I can suggest you looking into getting a degree in Animal Science, or look into Animal Pharmacy. You might have to "cut-open" an animal in classes (such as anatomy/bio), but its for educational purposes (think of it like frog dissection in biology)not so much as surgical.
Another thing to keep in mind is that vet assistance do a lot of house keeping and feeding, most medication administration is usually done by the vet technician or vet technologist. I suggest you start looking into volunteering at local shelters, rescues, clinics and hospitals, that way you can start getting your experience in the animal care industry and learn from those around you, it'll defiantly help you decide which path you really want to take :)
word of caution tho, if you're squeamish about feces, urine, blood..a hospital/clinic/shelter may not be a place you want to work at.

I don't wanna be like stuck in a clinic and be cleaning up for a living because I know that basically in a clinic its not really a career.and that's what I'm looking for .I really don't care how much schooling I have to take .it's something I want to do really bad.in just really not sure what college to go to get where I wanna get .but I did research it and a veterinarian technician is not as "hard" to become as a regular vet would be.like you don't have to take so long in college to ge where you need to be.people tell me auburn is a very good college to go to ,to get your bachelors degree or associates.and I was reading online that you need a bachelors degree for 4 years and the other 4 years needs to be like in regular school.so it's a pretty tough decision to make right now about what i want but i want to go ahead and plan because I don't want my senior year to come and me graduate and then still not have a clue what to do after high school.I have a gpa now of 3.1 I think that's a b average but im not sure if it's going to be good enough

Hannah smith in Stockbridge, Georgia said: I don't wanna be like stuck in a clinic and be cleaning up for a living because I know that basically in a clinic its not really a career.and that's what I'm looking for .I really don't care how much schooling I have to take .it's something I want to do really bad.in just really not sure what college to go to get where I wanna get .but I did research it and a veterinarian technician is not as "hard" to become as a regular vet would be.like you don't have to take so long in college to ge where you need to be.people tell me auburn is a very good college to go to ,to get your bachelors degree or associates.and I was reading online that you need a bachelors degree for 4 years and the other 4 years needs to be like in regular school.so it's a pretty tough decision to make right now about what i want but i want to go ahead and plan because I don't want my senior year to come and me graduate and then still not have a clue what to do after high school.I have a gpa now of 3.1 I think that's a b average but im not sure if it's going to be good enough

Anyone that knows that they will continue to go to school, regardless of career path should at least get their generals out of the way. A lesson I personally am learning the hard way. I'm currently enrolled in a vet tech program and at the same time have to get the generals out of the way. It's extremely time consuming but fortunately the GE classes are online. Vet Tech is a pretty intense class, but it's also a great stepping stone to decide where you want to go with it and will definitely come in handy to anyone that wants to become a full fledged vet (cheers to you guys that do). Keep in mind, anywhere you work with animals, cleaning will be something you do everyday regardless of your position.
In regards to your GPA, 3.1 is pretty solid, keep having good study habits, do your homework, pay attention in class, TAKE NOTES!!! and do your readings, you'll be fine :)

Olinja said: u dumb why would u want 2 become something that pay 8.50 hours that proproply cant even pay ur bills,car bill,phone bill,house payment u probaly need 100 som dollars but anyway i hope u enjoy ur cool job so GOODLUCK AT 8.50 HAAAAHAAAA DUMMMBYYYYYYYYY

You sound very mature - NOT !! Perhaps some people's love of animals is enough. I am looking into it also, which would reduce my salary to 1/3 of what it is now. However after a severe clinical depression / nervous breakdown - if I can make in a job that I would love vs. one that stresses me totaly (8 months off work now, I would gladly take it. I am sure that I am a lot older than you, but one day you may see the light.

i have a question... if im only 14 and i need to get a job as a vet assistant for a biology ag project what do i dooo????

pinklove232 in Los Gatos, California said: i have a question... if im only 14 and i need to get a job as a vet assistant for a biology ag project what do i dooo????

you need a work permit to work when you're under 16yrs old. however, you can volunteer regardless of your age. i suggest you look around vet clinics and ask if they are needing volunteers.

I am 15 too but a couple websites say you should probably take the 6 month course but they also say that most clinics do on the job training. I would probably take the 6 month course so that I get some experience in college and learn certain things.

I dunno what all the rules are state by state, but I know one vet tech I work with, once upon a time anyway, didn't go to vet tech school and still became a RVT later. She worked her way up and learned all she knew on the job (probably books too) and then sat for the national exam and passed. She's very good and knowledgeable too. I know that's the route I'd rather go because I don't have the time, money, or effort to wanna go back to school. I'm a veterinary kennel assistant and I have sort of worked my way up somewhat and it seems I'm always learning small things here and there.

I definitely say to ANYONE wanting to be an assistant or tech, to get a job at a clinic first, or volunteer in a clinic setting, BEFORE going to school. See if you like the work or not. The work can be stressful and physical at times. And vet tech school isn't cheap and apparently techs don't make THAT much anyway.

In the vast majority of states you can't just "work your way up" and then sit for the exams. In fact, the owners of the VTNE no longer allow anyone to take their test without having a degree from an AVMA accredited program.

"Grandfathering in" is typically only allowed when a state first starts credentialing technicians but gets phased out pretty quickly.

Well that's what I started to wonder because I figured that's an "old school" way of doing it these days and may not be allowed anymore.

Either way, I don't think going to school to become a vet assistant is worth it, esp. considering what they get paid. You're better off doing what I'm doing and working and learning on-the-job, and volunteering at shelters too, to learn all you can.

Tech school is the way to go if you're gonna go to school. I may consider it in the future. The only thing that makes me weary tho is that I've been told my vet techs I work with, sometimes (depending on where you work) they cap out at only $18 an hr. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do and feel it's very rewarding work (I'm not all about money here). But spending so much as I would in tech school and trying to struggle to get thru it, not sure it's worth it in the long run for what you make. I guess with me if I ever returned to school and spent time, money, and energy on it, I'd want to be sure I'd get a good and decent-paying job out of it.

People like you need to be put down. You don't like animals? Fair enough, they may not like you. Keep your opionions to yourself, or share them with people that actually give a crap. Your a little rodent. Cherio.

Being a vetranarian isnt all fun and games you have to be good at math and science, enjoy learning, work hard , and most of all have PATIENCE

I JUST HAVE 2 SAY 1 THING U NEED 2 LUV THE ANIMALS PERIOD

U ARE TOTTALY RIGHT

YOU NEED TO BE PATIENT IF YOUR LOOKING FOR A JOB INVOLVING ANIMALS THEY R SO FRAGILE IF U COMPARE THEM 2 US

Caroline Richardson in Manchester, United Kingdom said: I`m a qualified Vet Nurse (VN) in the UK with 11 years experience - the qualification in the UK is supplied under The Royal College of Vet surgeons. I had to do two years at college whilst working in a practice and sat both written and practical exams in order to gain my qualification. Does anyone know if I were to move to Canada how this would compare to qualifications for vet assistants there ? Would i need to complete further study or would I already be qualified to work ?

The Vet Assistant Course is only one year long. I'm sure you would be well qualified. The Vet Technician courses vary from 2-3 years, depending on if you want to go into a research facility or not. Keep your program outlines from your previous schooling and they should be able to see what you know/are missing, if anything.

Karyn in Brampton, Ontario said: You sound very mature - NOT !! Perhaps some people's love of animals is enough. I am looking into it also, which would reduce my salary to 1/3 of what it is now. However after a severe clinical depression / nervous breakdown - if I can make in a job that I would love vs. one that stresses me totaly (8 months off work now, I would gladly take it. I am sure that I am a lot older than you, but one day you may see the light.

I was layed off a year ago from a company paying me $22.00 an hour. I felt it was time to do what I really wanted to do..I started the online courses to be a vet assistant and what i did is send a personal letter and resume to every vet office around Dallas/ft worth. I got a call and they said it would be a way to get my foot in the door..I only make $8 an hour and I work my butt off..I love animals and that is the only thing that keeps me going. Right now i only work 2 days a week. Do I need to find something that pays a lot better to go along with this. You might not think it is worth it when you work so hard and the money is crappy and sometimes you have to do things like yard work when things are slow, but hey..I got in the door..My love for animals is just so great and I have always had this passion to work with them. Just wish it did pay better. I'm not going to sugar coat it..It is hard work and low pay. But like others have said..it is rewarding

Robinlynn,
I would strongly suggest that you take advantage of your situation and location and earn a degree in veterinary technology. Veterinary assistant certifications aren't legally recognized and don't really carry much weight at all in the veterinary industry and aren't going to command really much better pay.
The Texas Assoc. of Registered Veterinary Technicians and Texas Veterinary Medical Association are both currently working on suggested changes to the legislation govering veterinary hospital staff to be submitted for the 2013 legislative session. Those recommendations for changes to legislature will include requiring licensure for veterinary technicians and putting more defined restrictions on the types of tasks that veterinary assistants can perform under specific levels of supervision. This means that veterinary technicians are going to be more valuable in the veterinary office becuase they are going to be able to perform more tasks with less supervision than a veterinary assistant.

Thank you, I will certainly look into this. I am in Ontario, Canada, but I can ask around as well as check the net to see if the same applies here.

Again, thank you,
Karyn

im 16 years old and i'am in a animal care level 2 course, however this finishes in June and iv bin wanting to start an apprentiships for the following september in veterinary assistant, but im really strugguling to find any where, does any one have any tips that might help me ?

If you haven't done so already, I suggest making a CV with all the experience that you have. As far as getting an apprenticeship, it may depend if you're looking to be paid or not. I suggest you ring up local veterinarian offices and ask, or if you can, go in person. This may be a start.

when i`m at school all i worrie about is how am i gonna support my fammily and go to collage so i was wantin to know can you go online and studie without goin to collage...............

CindyRVT in Henderson, Texas said: You are not paying attention. There are NO ACCREDITED veterinary ASSISTANT programs. Veterinary assistant is the title for anyone working in a veterinary facility that hasn't met the criteria to be a veterinary technician. Certification as a veterinary assistant has very little value because of the difference in the private organizations that accredit assistants. You can come out of high school as a "certified veterinary assistant" without ever having put your hands on a cat or dog to restrain them. You can do an online program and answer questions and have a veterinary assistant certificate sent to you in the mail though you could have used whatever written materials you read to take all the tests.

The only accredited programs are VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY programs that are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. You do not come out of these programs certified as a veterinary assistant but prepared to take the Veterinary Technician National Exam so that you can be credentialed as a veterinary technician.

I know this post is pretty old, but I just recently read that the VetMedTeam is acknowledging Vet Assistants and are offering them a certified Vet Assistant program approved by the NAVTA, for those with or without experience, and credits can be later used to continue on to a Vet Tech school. Go to vetmedteam.com this offer is new.

CindyRVT in Henderson, Texas said: You can find a list of AVMA accredited veterinary technology degree programs in Illinois here: www.avma.org/education/cvea/vettech_programs/illinois.asp

Veterinary technicians are licensed through the State of Illinois and must have a degree in veterinary technology from an AVMA accredited school. They are granted the title of "Certified Veterinary Technician". www.idfpr.com/profs/info/Vet.asp

The program at Harper College is not a veterinary technology degree program but a veterinary assistant certificate program. There is a big difference. Veterinary assisting certification is not legally recognized in any state nor will it change what a person can do as a veterinary health care team member.

VetMedTeam is now offering a certified Vet Assistant program approved by the NAVTA, for those with or without experience, and credits can be later used to continue on to a Vet Tech school. Go to vetmedteam.com this offer is new. I found this out when I went to apply for a job at Banfield Pet Hospital, they directed me to the vetmedteam.com

I just recently read that the VetMedTeam is acknowledging Vet Assistants and are offering them a certified Vet Assistant program approved by the NAVTA (CVA), for those with or without experience, and credits can be later used to continue on to a Vet Tech school. Go to vetmedteam.com this offer is new. You have to be working already in a clinic for about 20 hours a week, and they give you all the courses you need to become a CVA. Many hospitals and clinics in my area are hiring those who have a certification from the NAVTA.

Yes, you can take NAVTA's Approved Veterinary Assistant course through VetMedTeam. Or you can take a Certified Veterinary Assitant course through TVMA or 4act.com or the same TVMA veterinary assistant course is licensed out to a few other veterinary medical associations for use. These are going to be better options than alot of the veterinary assistant programs offered online but you still need to understand that they carry no legal recognition and do not change anything you can do in a veterinary facility.

These programs should not be confused with an AVMA accredited veterinary technology degree program and will not prepare someone to be a veterinary technician.

TVMA and NAVTA put these programs out because they knew that not everyone would want to get a veterinary technology degree so they have put together these training programs to provide a more standardized training program for vets to use for their OJT trained personnel.

Neither NAVTA nor VetMedTeam state that certification through this progam will count towards credits towards and AVMA accredited degree in veterinary technology. I have emailed NAVTA to be sure.

CindyRVT in Henderson, Texas said: Neither NAVTA nor VetMedTeam state that certification through this progam will count towards credits towards and AVMA accredited degree in veterinary technology. I have emailed NAVTA to be sure.

I went back to the VetMedTeam website and this is what is written about their program: (I copied and pasted it)
The VetMedTeam Veterinary Assistant Program (VMTVAP) is approved by NAVTA for the training of assistants and qualifies graduates to take the Approved Veterinary Assistant(AVA) designation exam. In addition, the program articulates for college credit at a number of the AVMA accredited technology programs.
*Notice where it says that the " program articulates for college credit at any AVMA Tech.
I am confused as to why they would tell you its not. I don't understand, but I guess I will contact them.
Thanks :-)

CindyRVT in Henderson, Texas said: Neither NAVTA nor VetMedTeam state that certification through this progam will count towards credits towards and AVMA accredited degree in veterinary technology. I have emailed NAVTA to be sure.

I went back to the VetMedTeam website and this is what is written about their program: (I copied and pasted it)
The VetMedTeam Veterinary Assistant Program (VMTVAP) is approved by NAVTA for the training of assistants and qualifies graduates to take the Approved Veterinary Assistant(AVA) designation exam. In addition, the program articulates for college credit at a number of the AVMA accredited technology programs.
*Notice where it says that the " program articulates for college credit at any AVMA Tech.
I am confused as to why they would tell you its not. I don't understand, but I guess I will contact them.
Thanks :-)

I'm sorry but I just got in contact with Lisa Keys from the VetMedTeam and she sent me a link which further explains about the Vet Assistant program. Please go here: www.vetmedteam.com/articulation_vmtap.aspx
It states that the Vet assisting program can articulate for college credit, and also shows a list of Vet Tech schools that are AVMA and will take these credits.

hi im 13 and i want 2 start thinking bout my future and i want to b a vet i was woundering what qualificatons i'll need.

did you have to take any course at all if so could you please email me them i really love animals and would love to work with them. my email is missymonteiro@gmail.com

No state requires any special education or training to work as a veterinary assistant. Most people who fill that position are trained on the job.

Here in the Los Angeles area, the Spay Neuter Project of Los Angeles (SNP-LA) has volunteer veterinary assistant training program. There are five levels and the skills progress from level to level, building upon skills learned. SNPLA has 3 locations so far: Pico Rivera, San Pedro, and Van Nuys.

Visit their site to learn more about their vision, their mission, and their volunteer opportunities: www.snpla.org

To become a vet asst. you can start out volunteering but you do need to go to a school. one where you have access to live animals because you must learn to draw blood, cut nails, express anal glads and be able to run blood,fecal and urine cultures. also know what shots to give depending on the age of the animal and whether its a cat or dog the type. it takes a little over a year however it doesn't pay as much as people are saying it is just above min. wage yet long term employment you can work your way up in pay. having been certified as an asst. its better to do 2 the years of school to become a vet tech.
wish I had spent my money on that rather that the vet. asst. program.

Make a commitment and go thru with it even if it means a year or so more school!It's worth it.

I am a vet with 10 years experience but I have no Australian practice licence .at the moment I am studying myself to seet in examination to get my AU licence.
How can I get a job in veterinary clinic with my overseas certificate?
Can I have a job as a vet assistant at vet hospital?
If any one have any idea, just help me please.
Thanks

Here is the TRUE answer. For a veterinary ASSISTANT no college degree is actually required. To be a registered tech, an associates degree is required. To be an assistant, you absolutely MUST have impeccable communication skills as you deal with clients face to face on a daily basis... and yes, some of them are angry, rude or just plain difficult (I don't want to sugar coat it... being a veterinary assistant isn't all happy puppies and kittens all the time) and many of the times YOU are the one dealing with them. Dealing with "gross" things is a daily occurrence... yes, dogs will have diarrhea on the floor, cats will vomit, guess who cleans it up? Assistants. Intelligence.... A MUST HAVE!!! Cant have an assistant interfacing with clients that has questionable intelligence and makes the practice look bad. Persistence and attention to detail is a MUST! If a you start an appointment for a doctor and you notice labored breathing and pale gums on a dog, waiting around for your doctor to finish a conversation is a MAJOR no-no! That doctor needs to be in the room to evaluate the patient immediately. If you make it look like not a big deal, they wont assume it is... which can be the difference between life and death. Ok with death? Dealing with the passing of pets is never easy and is a very sensitive subject... but you just HAVE to learn to tolerate it, and sometimes learn to bite your tongue if you don't agree with it. Now that I have made it look like some sort of horrible, morbid job... I have to say I love (nearly) every aspect of it. You learn to deal with the smell of diarrhea and blood, and when your heart starts pounding in an emergency situation and your adrenaline starts pumping... nothing beats it... nothing. I have been working as a veterinary assistant since I was 15 which is abnormal, most of the time 18 is the requirement...

jrupbeat in Beacon, New York said: Did you take the Animal Behavior College classes? I am looking into them now. Where the all they claimed to be! I have read some poor reports on them? Let me know...if they are as good as they claim to be.... Thanks

I know this posting is old but if you could elaborate a little on your experience with ABC you will truly be of help to me. Thank you!