Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary assistants take charge of making sure office visits and procedures go smoothly for animals under veterinary care. Our 100% online course will train you to become a veterinary assistant, so you can turn your love of animals into a rewarding career.

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Job Outlook for Veterinary Assistant

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a veterinary assistant is currently just over $36,440 per year.

Jobs are expected to increase by 19% through 2026, which is considered much faster than average positions. There should be plenty of job opportunities for veterinary assistants regardless of location.

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Veterinary Assistant FAQs

WHAT DOES A VETERINARY ASSISTANT DO?
The number one job of a veterinary assistant is to support the veterinarian as well as veterinarian technicians with basic tasks. Veterinary assistants typically feed, weigh, bathe and take the temperature of animals. They may also help give medication, clean cages and help restrain animals during treatment or other medical procedures as needed.

DO VETERINARY ASSISTANTS HANDLE ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES?
Some veterinary assistants perform clerical work such as scheduling appointments and speaking with customers. As a vet assistant, you may handle many of the logistical and operating duties, such as check-in, billing and after visit care. Duties will vary depending on the office you work in, but every task is to ensure the health and well-being of animals inside the veterinary practice.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A VETERINARY ASSISTANT AND VETERINARY TECHNICIAN?
Veterinary assistants are typically trained through a certificate program to help with basic duties. Veterinary technicians, on the other hand, have a formal education and work as the nurse of a veterinarian. Veterinary technicians need two-year associate degrees accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

CAN I GO FROM A VETERINARY ASSISTANT TO A VETERINARY TECHNICIAN?
Yes. If you pursue additional education and licensing, you could become a veterinary technician. Working as a vet assistant is a great first step to understanding the industry, different specialties and advanced duties required to work as a vet technician.

Course Objective

Anatomy and physiology of the major organ systems
Handling medical records and communicate with clients and coworkers
Restraining animals for procedures, take vital signs, and bathe them
Nutrition, vaccinations and administering medication
Preparing prescriptions, taking blood samples and radiographs

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Prerequisites and Requirements

There are no prerequisites to take this course.

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For More Information Contact

Continuing Education & Community Outreach
1025 Chilton Circle, Elko Campus
Phone: 775-327-5300 and 775-327-2380
FAX: 775-327-5316
continuing-ed@c178.net

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Why Great Basin College

Great Basin College, "The Gold Standard in the Silver State", offers associate and baccalaureate level education in academic, career and technical fields. Welcoming over 4,000 students annually from all corners of the country, both online and at our various campuses and centers, 澳门新甫京娱乐游戏在线下载's presence extends across two time zones and spans more than 86,000 square miles throughout Nevada. A leader in rural higher education, 澳门新甫京娱乐游戏在线下载 takes pride in developing students who are well-prepared to meet the demands of industry and who contribute to the success and prosperity of the local economy.