Veterinary Assistant Salary
A veterinary practice could not operate without the help of veterinary assistants. Assistants who work in this type of office take on many responsibilities to help the doctor treat animals in need. An assistant may be asked to perform tests or diagnose conditions in animals. He or she may take a patient history, develop x-rays or provide specialized care.
Often the technician will be responsible for communicating patient care instructions to pet owners or train new staff. If this sounds like something you would enjoy, you need to look into the education and training required for a career in this field along with the veterinary assistant salary.
Veterinary Assistant Salary
Those who wish to work in this field can expect to make a median annual wage of $28,900. This figure was accurate as of May 2008. Those in the middle 50% earned a veterinary assistant salary ranging from $23,580 and $34, 960. These figures were based on being an assistant in a private veterinary clinic. Consider the salary, education and training as well as licensure and certification requirements to determine if this career is right for you.
Veterinary Assistant Training and Education
If you wish to work as a veterinary assistant, you will need a two year associate degrees in veterinary technology. The program you choose should be accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Some choose to take their education further and you may too by obtaining a four year bachelor’s degree in this field. Approximately 20 schools offer this type of program.
If you prefer the two year program, your educational choices will be wider because 160 schools, as of 2009, offered accredited programs that could be competed in this time frame. Once your education has been completed, you will be able to take the credentialing exam offered by your state.
Veterinary Assistant Certification and Licensure
Every state requires that a veterinary technician pass an exam showing that they are competent to work in this field. Depending on which state you live in, passing this exam will lead to your being certified, licensed or registered. Most states currently use the National Veterinary Technician exam which makes it easy to move between states while still retaining your ability to work.
Job Growth Outlook For Veterinary Assistants
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs for veterinary assistants will be growing much faster than the average when compared to jobs in the United States. People interested in this career path will be looking at over 20% growth which means things will be looking bright for those looking to be veterinary assistants.
This is incredibly fast rate of growth that puts it in the upper echelon of fast growing careers. Becoming a veterinary assistant is a great way to get on the road to becoming a full veterinarian. If you love animals this is a fantastic career path that can be incredibly rewarding.
Be sure to do some further online research into certification and licensing opportunities. Good luck!
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