General Duties of a Veterinary Assistant
To become a veterinarian assistant, the first requirement is a love of all animals, not just cute puppies and kittens. Veterinarian assistants help the licensed veterinarian and their staffs with all of the animals which pass through their doors. In addition to keeping the practice rooms clean during operation, the general duties of a veterinary assistant typically includes the following tasks:
• regularly clean and sanitize the facility
• clean and sterilize the animal enclosures
• maintaining the veterinary equipment in a sterile condition
• feed and water all animals, while following any of the veterinarian’s dietary instructions
• exercise and walk the animals
• take blood, urine and other fluid samples for testing
• perform tests such as taking x-rays and radiographs under the supervision of other veterinary personnel
• administer medications and vaccinations which the veterinarian has prescribed
Qualifications
Presently, a veterinarian assistant does not have to be licensed in anyway, just certified, which means they can choose a range of careers in veterinary care after a little on the job training and completing a formal course of education. A veterinary assistant must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid high school diploma or its equivalent. Veterinarian assistants are vital team members in the staff found at veterinary hospitals, pet adoption centers, animal hospitals and clinics, zoos, and other veterinarian industry areas.
Coursework
The veterinary assistant program by the Providence Training Institute in Glendale AZ involves courses in anatomy, physiology, proper animal restraint, health and safety, collection and preparation of laboratory specimens, disposal of contaminated supplies, routine post-operative care, teeth cleaning, drawing blood and collecting other lab specimens, pet CPR and first aid, and surgical assistance. The program structure of most veterinary assistant programs consists of at least 260 hours of classroom training and 200 hours of externship training. Veterinary assistant programs train students on how to help both in the back of a veterinary office as well as the front. Classroom training further provides lectures, videos, and practical exercises in the clinical laboratory. Typically, tuition includes the textbooks and workbooks required, and students receive one set of scrubs.
Advanced Veterinary Assistant Education
Those wanting to become veterinary assistants and are pursuing a certification must be able to prove they can lift large animals and learn certain computer skills. A certification program course plan would include covering materials pertaining to animal health vocabulary, basic grooming, the physiology of many animals such as lizards, snakes and birds, animal nutrition, veterinary pharmacology, and emergency animal injury care.
Arizona Testing and Externship
After completing a veterinary assistant program training course, applicants will be prepared to sit for the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) examination from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). After classroom training and laboratory training, students are eligible for an externship to further develop their skills and receive hands-on experience in a veterinarian setting. The Providence Training Institute in Glendale AZ is physician owned with experienced and highly qualified instructors. They have affordable tuition, small class sizes, and flexible scheduling. What’s stopping you from striving for a more rewarding career involving animal care?
