Become a Veterinary Assistant

If you're interested in a career in animal health, becoming a veterinary assistant might be an excellent option. According to the American Pet Products Association, nearly 67 percent of US households have a pet. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have repeatedly emphasized the health benefits of pets. Fortunately, becoming a veterinary assistant is an easy, minimally-trained career option. Below is a look at the career outlook for veterinary assistants.

As a vet assistant, you will work under the direction of a veterinarian to provide routine animal care. You'll feed, bathe, exercise, and restrain animals during surgery, and perform a variety of other duties for veterinarians. You may also be called upon to help with lab work or take X-rays. You'll also help to maintain and disinfect surgical equipment and cages. You'll spend long hours working alongside veterinarians and may need to work overtime.

To be a veterinary assistant, you must be an animal lover with excellent communication skills. This position requires handling and interacting with sick animals and birds. It also requires physical strength and the ability to stand for extended periods. A strong working body and strong legs are essential. And you'll need to be able to lift heavy objects or animals to provide veterinary care. Luckily, the job is very rewarding. There are many different aspects to this position, so there is a wide variety of opportunities for you to succeed.

To become a veterinary assistant, you must earn a high school diploma and some experience. Although you can find a job without formal education, many employers prefer candidates with previous work experience with animals and those from veterinary technician schools. Volunteering at animal rescue organizations and shelters will give you valuable hands-on training. Once you've gained enough experience, you can seek certification through the American Association for Veterinary Technicians in America and the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). Usually, certification takes a year or less.

The salary for a veterinary assistant varies, depending on the experience level, employer, and the location of the job. On average, veterinary assistants earn about $37,000 per year. But this can vary greatly. Ultimately, salaries will depend on the type of experience you have, where you live, and your level of education. You can expect a competitive salary. If you're passionate about caring for animals, this job is right for you. If you're passionate about animals, becoming a veterinary assistant could be a rewarding career for you.

Veterinary assistants perform many duties in a veterinary clinic. They may assist the Lead Veterinarian in administering treatments to patients and perform basic animal care tasks, such as bathing and feeding animals. They may also restrain animals during examinations and enter information into a chart. Finally, they can be emotional support for pet owners. If you want to be a veterinary assistant, consider pursuing a college degree. It's a rewarding career and will give you the skills to be successful in this field.

You can get more enlightened on this topic by reading here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterinary_medicine.