What is the best way to become a veterinary assistant?
December 10, 2009 by
Filed under veterinary assistant
I want to eventually become a veterinary assistant. I called my local college and they said it takes 1 1/2 years – 2 years (depending on math skill, etc.) along with work study (where the vet trains you). Then about 5 years working to become a veterinary technician. Does anyone think the college thing is a waste of time or a benefit? And does anyone know how much a vet assistant and technician make? Thanks!
Go to “College411.org” and you’ll get all the info you’ll need…
Ok, I am wondering where you are located because I know of no state in the US that requires 5 years to become a veterinary technician. I would be concerned about the quality of the information that you were given by whomever you spoke to at the college.
The difference between a veterinary techician and a veterinary assistant are the education and credentialling requirements.
No state in the US has any educational requirements for working as a veterinary ASSISTANT. This is an entry level-position in a veterinary facility and training is generally done on the job. There are voluntary educational opportunities, however these are not equivalent to a college degree program and are instead basic vocational training. There is no over-sight by a professional body to ensure that the majority of these programs provide adequate or correct information. There is no requirement for hands-on training and instructors often have little or no experience or education in the veterinary field. There are a handful of certification programs that are designed and approved by veterinary professional organizations or that are offered by colleges which also offer accredited veteirnary technology programs and these are better choices for someone who wants to be a veterinary assistant. This is an entry level position for working in the veterinary field and is not a recognized profession in any state.
Veterinary technicians are required (in most states) to have a 2 year degree in veterinary technology from an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program, to have passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam and a state exam in order to be credentialed. It is possible to get a 4 year bachelors degree in veterinary technology but it is NOT required in any state in the US in order to become credentialed or work as a veterinary technician.
The American Veterinary Medical Association maintains a list of accredited degree programs on their website: Inhttp://www.avma.org/education/cvea/vettech_programs/vettech_programs.asp
In some states, the use of the title “veterinary technician” and the practice of veterinary technology is recognized as profession and licensure is required. In other states, veterinary technicians are registered or certified. The laws that govern veterinary technicians vary from state to state so for specific information on the laws a person should check their state veterinary practice act or contact their state veterinary licensing board.
Whether your state REQUIRES credentialing to work as a veterinary technician, the education is never “a waste of time”. Consider that veterinary technicians make life and death decisions concerning the care of your (and other clients’) pets every day. Don’t you think that the people being paid to make those sorts of decisions and provide health care for your pet should actually KNOW about veterinary care and nursing?
Veterinary assistants tend to make close to minimum wage. Veterinary technicians will generally make more due to their education and increased abilities, but it is still not a great paying job. To find out numbers for your state, you should contact your state veterinary technician association or veterinary medical association as pay scales vary from state to state.
I would also contact your state veterinary technician association or veterinary medical licensing board to find out the TRUE story about the exact requirements for working as a veterinary technician in your state. They may require nothing at all or they may require a degree in veterinary technology but they won’t require a 5 year degree.
If you happen to be in Texas, you can email me with questions.