Veterinary Assistant Job Description

Many veterinary assistant programs can be completed in less than a year and award a certificate upon completion. If you decide to continue your schooling to pursue a veterinary technician career, you can use your job experience to fulfill future internship requirements. Some employers will only accept applications from certified veterinary assistants, but not all employers require a formal education, and many veterinary assistants are trained on the job.

Choosing a work environment is an important step in your veterinary assistant career. Employers can vary in size from small private practices to large veterinary hospitals. Different locations will bring you into contact with distinctly different kinds of animals specific to the region and environment. The results of a survey performed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the number of pet owners seeking veterinary services is rising, increasing the demand for veterinary care providers

According to Salary.com, the median annual salary range of those employed in a veterinary assistant career is $21,887 to $32,766. Income can vary based on education, experience and where you choose to seek employment.

If you love animals, embarking on a veterinary assistant career is a great way for you to get a feel for the field of veterinary medicine and to start interacting with and caring for a variety of different animals. A veterinary assistant career can be stressful though, especially if there is an emergency, or a patient has to be put to sleep, but supporting veterinarians in providing comfort to pet owners may be one of the most important aspects of the job. It assures them that your clinic is committed to giving their pet the best possible treatment.

Take the first step on this career path by finding veterinary assistant schools near you.

_{Source: Salary.com 2011}