What is the difference between a veterinary assistant and a veterinarian?
One major difference in these careers is that a veterinary technician works under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian and must pass a credentialing exam. Veterinary assistants work with the veterinarian or veterinary technician and do not need to pass a credentialing exam1.
What kind of work does a veterinary assistant do?
Veterinary assistants ensure the well-being of animals under the supervision of veterinarians, veterinary technicians or animal scientists. They restrain the animals during examinations and sometimes perform lab work. Veterinary assistants, also called vet assistants, feed the animals, exercise and bathe them.
How to become a veterinary assistant in the USA?
Veterinary assistants can apply for the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) designation from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). This voluntary certification requires graduation from a NAVTA-approved training program and passing an exam.
What can I do with an associate’s degree in veterinary technology?
Veterinary assistants may want to pursue an associate’s degree in veterinary technology, which can lead to career advancement as a veterinary technician. These professionals perform a variety of laboratory and diagnostic tests, as well as explain procedures, conditions, and medications to pet owners. Veterinary assistant job duties may include:
What are the duties of a veterinary nurse?
They may perform tasks such as feeding animals, monitoring their weight, cleaning their cages, administering medications, and nursing the animal after procedures. The job description of veterinary nurses is quite diversified.
What are the required skills to be a vet assistant?
Vet assistants should possess many different skills to perform their wide range of tasks. Five computer skills all vet assistants should possess include operating of record keeping software, scheduling software, computer based accounting skills, patient chart creation and retrieval, as well as computer research.
What are the benefits of being a vet assistant?
There are several advantages to becoming a veterinary assistant including: · The role of a veterinary assistant is considered a career in demand, and growth in the sector of veterinary healthcare has been predicted to grow at a faster than normal rate.
What does it take to become a veterinary assistant?
Most veterinary assistants have a high school diploma or GED. Some veterinary assistants choose to earn a certificate through a non-degree program, but certification is not required. Employers generally prefer to hire veterinary assistants who have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in animal science.
Is a veterinary assistant a good job?
The outlook is good for veterinary assistants, with a projected growth rate of 36 percent, or 28,500 new jobs, by 2018. Job Requirements. Veterinary assistants have no formal educational requirements, and they usually receive training and experience on-the-job.
