If you love spending time with animals and want to devote your career to helping them, then you might benefit from a veterinary assistant certificate.
In a college program for vet assisting, you could gain valuable skills that would help you become an integral part of a veterinary team.
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As a certified vet assistant, you could be ready to provide daily care for animal patients and to help with procedures. An accredited college training program could provide the preparation necessary for this role.
Online Veterinary Assistant Certificate Programs
You can take online college courses that can help prepare you to work in a veterinarian’s office as an assistant. In that role, you might perform basic care tasks, help with medical procedures, and work at the front desk.
To prepare, you will likely study:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Communication
- Examination procedures
- First aid
- Emergency care
- Medication
- Nutrition
- Vet office administration
Many vet assistant programs include clinical experiences. Online programs often encourage students to do externships in local vet clinics. You could get help with procedures and learn from practicing veterinary professionals. The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) sets standards for this industry.
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To earn a widely respected certificate, it’s strategic to choose a NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program. An accredited program will help you prepare for certification and employment. Vet assistant training can be a speedy way to launch an animal-focused career. Many students finish accredited programs in 12 months or less.
After completing your training, you may apply for vet assistant jobs in animal hospitals or veterinary clinics. Some students also work in laboratory animal care, pet sitting, grooming, animal training, or pet store retail sales.
Vet assistant coursework from an accredited school might also transfer into a veterinary technician or technologist degree program. Getting trained for one of those roles might expand your workplace responsibilities and increase your salary.
Veterinary Assistant Careers & Salaries
Most people who complete vet assistant online programs plan to become veterinary assistants. Common employment sites include veterinary clinics and animal hospitals.
Working as a laboratory animal caretaker is a related job. Universities and research facilities may hire for that role. Another idea is to become an animal service worker. Jobs in that category include being an animal trainer, a groomer, or a pet sitter. There are also roles for shelter and kennel personnel.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, being a veterinary assistant is considered a healthcare support occupation. The annual median salary in that job category is $29,880.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers — Scientific R&D Services | $37,750 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers — Postsecondary Schools | $37,730 |
| Customer Service Representatives | $36,920 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $36,850 |
| Animal Trainers | $31,280 |
| Receptionists | $29,950 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers — Vet Services | $29,710 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $29,430 |
| Retail Sales Workers | $29,180 |
| Animal Caretakers | $28,600 |
Some jobs in retail sales, such as in a pet store, maybe a good fit for trained vet assistants. Vet assistant programs usually include a course that covers office administration. Those skills could be useful for customer service or reception roles in other settings, too.
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There’s some overlap between caring for animals and caring for people. Vet assistants could consider transitioning into a role as a personal care assistant, home health aide, nursing assistant, medical assistant, or dental assistant. Additional training may be required for some of these roles.
Veterinary Assistant Certificate Curriculum & Courses
Vet assistant students complete a series of courses that prepare them to work with animals, veterinary professionals, and pet owners. Here are some course examples:
- Animal Anatomy: You’ll study animal body parts and how their organ systems work together.
- Animal Development: This course may cover life cycles as well as nutritional needs.
- Basic Skills for Veterinary Assistants: You might have an introductory class that covers professional conduct and communication.
- Emergency Care: As a veterinary professional, it’s essential to know about CPR, first aid, and wound care.
- Exam Room Procedures: You’ll learn how to take a medical history and assist throughout an examination.
- Handling Animals: In this class, you’ll learn how to act around animals, what to expect from them, and how to hold them.
- Lab Tests and Diagnostics: You’ll study how vets diagnose animal problems and how laboratory tests can help.
- Pharmaceuticals: You may study some of the medications that veterinarians give to animals.
- Surgical Procedures: This course might cover anesthesia, surgical methods, and recovery.
- Veterinary Office Practices: There might be a course on reception, accounting, and office management.
You may also participate in an externship at a local veterinary center.
Veterinary Assistant School Admissions Requirements
Vet assistant training is often available through community colleges and similar institutions. Signing up for the program starts with an application process.
Common admissions requirements include:
- ACT or SAT scores (not required by all schools)
- Application form and fee
- High school education
- Official school transcripts or GED certificate
There might also be an entrance exam that you’ll take before beginning coursework. The college might conduct an interview with you as well.
Vet Assistant Programs Accreditation
When you take college courses to become a vet assistant, it’s advisable to pick a regionally accredited college. Schools that hold regional accreditation have been independently evaluated for quality. Then, if you later decide to pursue a college degree, some of your vet assistant courses may transfer in.
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For example, some of them might count toward a veterinary technician associate degree. Plus, if you want to use federal financial aid for your schooling, it’s necessary to enroll at an accredited institution. In addition, regionally accredited training may be useful when applying for vet assistant jobs or industry certifications.
Veterinary Assistant Licensure and Certifications
You can earn a professional certification in this field to show that you’re a prepared, competent veterinary assistant. Most states use the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) credential.
Here are some common steps to becoming an AVA:
- Complete training program approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
- Earn clinical hours in an animal-care setting
- Score at least 75% on the Approved Veterinary Assistant Examination (AVA)
Related credentials to consider include Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT), Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS), and National Certified Groomer (NCG).
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Some financial assistance may be available for your certificate program. If you enroll for at least six credit hours per semester, you might be able to get government help. The federal government distributes both loans and grants, and your state may have similar forms of assistance available.
To begin the process of getting government funding, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A scholarship could be another way to cover your college costs. You can apply for scholarships from industry organizations or community groups. Some of your scholarship money might come from your school or your employer.
What Can You Do with a Certificate in Veterinary Assistant?
When you receive your certificate in this field, you can look for a job as a veterinary assistant. A NAVTA-approved certificate program could also help you prepare for industry certification. You could also consider related jobs that involve working with animals.
Roles for animal caregivers may be available in laboratories, kennels, and shelters. Training animals or grooming pets could be other options. The lessons learned in a veterinary assistant program might also be useful for jobs in customer service, reception, and home healthcare.
What Does a Vet Assistant Do?
Veterinary assistants work alongside veterinarians, vet technologists, and vet technicians in animal hospitals and clinics. Assistants handle many of the animals’ basic care needs. They may offer food and administer medication. They can also give baths, change bedding, and interact with the animals.
Vet assistants may be present during some medical procedures. They might help by holding the animals or handing the vet supplies. Afterward, they might disinfect the operating area or keep an eye on how the animals are recovering.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Veterinary Assistant?
It’s common for veterinary assistant schools to last about 1 year. Students who study online may be able to complete the training more quickly. Online programs often use fast-track academic calendars. By taking back-to-back classes, you might be able to finish in 3 to 9 months.
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If your free time is limited, you might benefit from a school that has a part-time enrollment option. The studies might take 18 months or longer. After completing the program, you may want to apply for industry certification. If so, it’s helpful to set aside some time to study and pass the credentialing exam.
What’s the Difference Between a Vet Tech vs. Vet Assistant?
If you want to work with animals, you might train to be a veterinary tech or a veterinary assistant.
| Vet Tech | Vet Assistant |
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Completing the additional training required for a vet tech role will help prepare you to handle more animal-care responsibilities. Vet techs also tend to have higher earnings than assistants.
Is a Vet Assistant Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a vet assistant certificate is worth it for many students. This certificate program can show potential employers that you are trained and ready to provide care to animals.
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If you’re hoping to spend your career working with pets or other critters, then this could be a strategic college program for you. Another reason to consider veterinary assistant certification is that tremendous job growth is expected in this sector. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 19% job growth over the next ten years for vet assistants and lab animal caretakers.
Universities Offering Online Certificates in Veterinary Assistant Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Auburn University offers a Veterinary Assistant Certificate. This program boasts a convenient online format, around-the-clock instructor support, and hands-on learning experiences through labs and simulations. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to care for diverse animals in veterinary settings. Most students can complete the certificate within 6 months.
Auburn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Borough of Manhattan Community College offers a Certificate for Veterinary Assistants. This program may be an excellent fit for individuals who want to transform their love for animals into a rewarding career. Courses cover topics like anatomy and physiology, medical records, nutrition, vaccinations, prescriptions, and blood draws. The program can be attended fully online.
BMCC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
San Diego State University offers a Certificate for Veterinary Assistants. Potential classes include Workplace Hazard, Physiology and Anatomy, and Pain Recognition and Emergency Care. Accepted students can start the program at any time. All classes utilize a 100% online learning format, allowing students to begin the next step in their professional education where and when it is convenient for them.
SDSU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
South Central College offers an entirely online program for a Certificate for Veterinary Assistants. Classes cover essential skills, such as administrative tasks within a veterinary office, and procedures, like blood draws and vaccination administration. The curriculum’s fully online model is designed to accommodate the schedules of busy working adults. This program admits students year-round.
South Central College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of North Dakota offers an online program for a Veterinary Assistant Training Certificate. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the expertise needed to serve as effective, informed veterinary assistants. The program serves as a broad introduction to the field, covering basic pet anatomy, daily care, and medical procedures. Students can complete their studies 100% online.
UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Veterinary Assistant Certificate Online
You can turn your love for animals into a fulfilling career in a growing sector. As a veterinary assistant, you could make a difference for pets and their owners during their visits to a clinic or an animal hospital.
For success in this field, it’s helpful to get training. You can earn a credible veterinary assistant certificate from a regionally accredited college. Online programs are also available so that you can earn your certificate from home. You could take online classes and fulfill the hands-on requirements in a local veterinary facility.
You can start looking at online programs for vet assistant training to find the one that best fits your needs and interests.
