Set your inner animal lover free with training in veterinary assisting.
What is a Veterinary Assistant?
If you love animals of all kinds, this is the field for you. Veterinary assistants work with a variety of different animals, but most specialize in either small or large animal care. The primary role of a trained veterinary assistant is to care for the health and well-being of animals in the best way possible.
There are a variety of job settings in the field for professionals who graduate from veterinary assistant training, including:
- Private clinics
- Animal hospitals
- Research facilities
- Clinical laboratories
Explore more information on veterinary assisting including job duties, skills, demand and programs below.
- Job Duties
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Veterinary Assistant Job Duties
Veterinary assistants are responsible for performing a variety of tasks. They often:
- Monitor and care for animals after surgery
- Sterilize surgical instruments and equipment
- Clean and disinfect cages, kennels and operating rooms
- Give medication or immunization to sick or injured animals
- Conduct routine laboratory tests like x-rays
- Feed and bathe animals
- Career Skills
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Veterinary Assistant Skills
To be the best veterinary assistant possible, students should strive to strengthen the following skills or characteristics:
- Compassion: These healthcare professionals are essential animal caretakers who need to treat animals with kindness, gentleness and compassion at all times. They must also be polite and welcoming to their owners, as well.
- Physical Strength: Animals of all shapes and sizes can be encountered by a veterinary assistant. No matter the size, veterinary assistants should be able to handle, move and restrain the animals, which at times can require great physical strength.
- Attention to Detail Skills: Veterinary assistants must follow instructions from the veterinarian for proper patient care. Every detail matters, especially when it comes to sterilizing surgical equipment, monitoring animals and giving medication.
- Demand
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Veterinary Assistant Demand
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for veterinary assistants looks strong. Between 2010 and 2020, growth for this position is expected to be 14 percent, about as fast as the national average for all positions.*
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinary-assistants-and-laboratory-animal-caretakers.htm. This is a national projection. Conditions in your location may vary.
- Programs
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Veterinary Assistant Programs & Training
Veterinary assistant schools can offer the well-rounded education needed to pursue this field. Core courses students can expect include:
- Biology
- Math
- Animal Nutrition
- Pharmacology
- Anatomy & Physiology
Now is the time to study something you’re passionate about. Are you ready to start helping animals? Discover more information on veterinary assistant training from a healthcare school near you today.
Program availability and/or degree offerings subject to change. Employment and salary are not guaranteed.
Veterinary Assistant Schools
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