Become a Veterinary Assistant
If you love animals, becoming a veterinary assistant may be the career for you. The job requires you to monitor animal health conditions and evaluate treatment options. You will need to be able to work in a fast-paced environment and remain calm under pressure. You will also have to lift and carry heavy objects and animals, which requires a lot of physical strength.
Depending on your goals, you can take a nine-month or less veterinary assistant program to get your certification. Some programs may include unrelated courses, while others may focus on job-specific skills. Regardless of the program you choose, you should be prepared for several different roles in the animal care industry, so it is vital to learn as much as you can. Learn more info here on how to become a veterinary assistant.
A veterinary assistant must have good communication skills. This is because they will be working with a veterinarian on multiple cases throughout the day. Additionally, they must be physically fit because they will be lifting heavy cages and restraining animals during procedures. Veterinary assistants need to have excellent communication skills to ensure the success of their patients.
The training needed to become a veterinary assistant varies by state, so it is important to find out the requirements in your state. In Georgia, an assistant must have at least one year of formal training and a year of experience. Veterinary assistants who fail to follow these requirements can be subject to criminal liability and civil action. They can also be subject to termination from their current employer.
After graduating from an accredited vet tech training program, students will receive a code to sit for the AVA exam. The exam is a 100-question exam and takes 150 minutes to complete. You must score 75 percent or higher to pass. The AVA certification will help you increase your job prospects.
Veterinary assistants can work in animal clinics, universities, and research facilities. They may also work in a hospital. Their job can be demanding, as they often deal with animals that have been abused or have chronic conditions. In some cases, they will need to euthanize pets. Their work schedules may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Veterinary assistants should have a high school diploma and experience working with animals. Volunteering at local animal shelters and rescue organizations can be an excellent way to gain hands-on experience. Volunteering in an animal hospital or veterinary clinic can also help aspiring assistants earn certifications from organizations like the American Association of Veterinary Technicians. Certificate programs usually take a year or less.
After completing a veterinary assistant training program, you can apply for an entry-level job in the field. In addition, you can apply for financial aid to help pay for your education. The College of Lake County is NAVTA-approved, and students completing this training will be eligible to sit for the AVA exam. As part of the program, you will complete an externship, which will help you gain valuable experience. Find out more details in relation to this topic here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraveterinary_worker.