Become a Veterinary Assistant Online

September 7, 2021 | Ed2Go

Start a Career as a Veterinary Assistant

A veterinary assistant is often the first person that a pet owner encounters when they need veterinary services for their pet. A visit to the veterinary office can be stressful, especially if a pet is sick or hurt, and a skilled veterinary assistant provides comfort to owners as they care for beloved animals.

Veterinary assistants ensure that a veterinary practice runs smoothly by handling many of the operational and logistical duties that can make a visit to the veterinarian a little more pleasant for owners and pets. They groom, bathe, and feed animals. They ensure that cages, exam rooms, and treatments areas are clean and disinfected. And they also maintain an inventory of medication and supplies. Veterinary assistants also take part in some aspects of animal treatment and surgery as well.

According to Burning Glass, veterinary assistant job openings in Florida are expected to grow by 26% in the next 10 years. Have you ever thought of turning your love of animals into a career? Here’s how you can start a career in this growing industry online.

How do you become a veterinary assistant?

To become a veterinary assistant you will first need to earn a high school diploma or GED. You will then need to complete some form of training or certification to gain the skills you will need on the job and get additional experience caring for animals in a veterinary setting. The best way to achieve this is to enroll in an online veterinary assistant program.

How long does it take to become a veterinary assistant?

You can find online, self-paced Veterinary Assistant programs that can be completed in six months or less. When choosing a program, it is important to look for a well-rounded program that will teach you skills to perform in veterinary assistant jobs successfully. You will need to understand the following:

1. Animal Care – Veterinary assistants, will need to understand animal anatomy and physiology and procedures such as animal restraint, collecting lab samples, assisting in surgery and dentistry, prescriptions, and radiography.
2. Human Communication and Compassion – Veterinary assistants, must have good communication skills and be detail-oriented.
3. Veterinary Office Operations – Veterinary assistants must balance compassion and professionalism as they interact with both people and animals.

What is the average veterinary assistant salary in Florida?

Burning Glass lists the median salary for veterinary assistants in Florida at $32,635, which is higher than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) median salary nationally. Those who choose to work as a veterinary assistant for a college or university laboratory tend to make a higher salary on average than those who work for a private veterinary practice. Demand for veterinary assistants is high, and jobs are available in Florida. The BLS forecasts a 16% job growth in this field in the next eight years. (This is four times faster than the average job growth in the United States!) This will mean an additional 15,700 new jobs by 2029.

Are you ready to learn more about starting a career as a veterinary assistant? Explore our online Veterinary Assistant training course today!