Veterinary Assistant
Veterinary Assistants provide assistance to veterinary technicians and veterinarians in a small animal hospital environment. Some of their duties include customer service, setting up exam rooms, processing lab specimens, prepping animals for surgery, monitoring medication and radiology logs, setting up and tearing down surgical suites, autoclaving instruments and communicating effectively between the vet and the consumer. Most practices are open daytime hours but some are open weekends and overnight hours.
Position Requirements
Minimum of 18 years of age and high school diploma or GED.
Information Unique to the Training
Reading and math assessments are required for entrance. This course includes a clinical practicum component, which is completed outside of classroom hours and may require a daytime and/or evening schedule.
Courses to Complete
- Prerequisites
None - Core Courses
VOC336 Preparation for the Veterinary Assistant Training Course Series
VOC427 Veterinary Assistant Training I: Outpatient Care
VOC916 Veterinary Assistant Training II: Diagnostics & Pharmacy
VOC428 Veterinary Assistant Training III: Patient Care & Treatment
VOC429 Veterinary Assistant Training IV: Surgery, Anesthesia, & Emergency Care
Approximate Number of Hours
150 hours
Approximate Training Cost*
$1,500
Licensure/Certification Earned
None
Related Continuing Education Courses
- Animal First Aid and CPR
- Introduction to Pet Massage
Estimated Hourly Wage**
$13-19/hr.
*Unless noted, cost does not include any required textbooks, applicable licensing fees, background check fees, testing fees, etc.
**Wages are based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and are estimates only.
