Veterinary Assistant: 5 Simple Things to Know About Becoming One
When considering any career field, it is important to have an understanding of the logistics of the field: the average salary, what kind of tasks you will be doing, and the outlook in the job market. This knowledge will help you decide the best avenue to take with a specific career.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a great resource for looking up any career, and we have broken down the components of the Veterinary Assistant field.
Discover the ins and outs of this animal care field and whether it is the right fit for you!
Veterinary Assistant Insights
Outlook and number of jobs: The Veterinary Assistant field is projected to grow 16% from 2019 to 2029, which is at a faster growth level than other occupations. The need for veterinarian assistants will continue to increase as pet-owners seek out the proper care and treatment for their beloved four-legged family members. In addition, as the demand for various procedures is required more assistants and technicians will be needed to help veterinarians as they care for the animals.
Pay: The average pay is $29,930 a year as of May 2020. Those who work at colleges and universities made on average $37,580 while those in scientific research received on average $36,270 a year, and working in veterinary services averaged $29,560 a year.
What is it?: A Vet Assistant works closely with the veterinarians and veterinary technicians? to help take care of injuries and illnesses. They also assist with bathing and feeding the animals, cleaning and disinfecting the animal’s crate and examination/operation room. Ensuring that all equipment is sterile and ready for proper use is a main function of a Veterinary Assistant.
In addition, veterinary assistants might monitor animals after their surgery to ensure progress, provide medications or immunizations at a veterinarian’s request, collect blood, urine, and tissue samples, restrain animals during a procedure, and provide first aid service when needed.
Work environment: Most vet assistants work part time but may be scheduled to work nights, weekends, or holidays depending on the hours the facility is open. Their work attire will also include gloves and protective clothing to ensure minimal risk for themselves and animals with the spread of infectious diseases. It is also important to realize that they will be working closely with animals that may be scared, aggressive, sick, or abused. It is possible for assistants to be bitten, scratched or kicked.
Qualities Every Vet Assistant Should Possess
Detail Oriented: because you will be dealing with information and possible procedures or routines that can have serious consequences if completed incorrectly, it is imperative that you are able to focus to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Compassion: serving pet-owners and their pets and helping them through sickness or procedures is important. When an animal is in pain, gentleness and empathy should be expressed in addition to a desire to discover techniques that can help alleviate their pain.
Physical stamina: Because veterinary assistants spend a lot of time on their feet, it is important that they have the stamina to bend, kneel, stoop, stand for long periods of time, and assist with moving and restraining animals when necessary.
Becoming a Veterinary Assistant
Blackstone Career Institute’s accredited online veterinary assistant course offers a quality education covering the behavior, care, and treatment of animals. A veterinary assistant works on the animal care team under the supervision of a veterinary technician and a veterinarian. Gain a working knowledge of the veterinary assistant field, including veterinary assistant salary information, veterinary anatomy, medical terminology, veterinary office administrative office skills, animal care and handling, office technology, time and stress management, critical thinking skills, and working effectively on a team.
Fast virtual degrees offer an amazing opportunity to learn and improve your skill sets. Prepare for your veterinary assistant career with online veterinary assistant training from Blackstone Career Institute and discover the rewards of working in this exciting animal care field.
