
If you're passionate about animals and want to turn that passion into a career, becoming a certified veterinary assistant is a great place to start.
You can find veterinary assistant certification programs near you through online directories, such as the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB), which offers a certification program that meets the standards set by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).
Many programs are offered through community colleges, vocational schools, and even veterinary clinics, so you can choose one that fits your schedule and location.
Typically, these programs take several months to a year to complete and include both classroom and hands-on training.
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Program Information
The Veterinary Assistant program is a great way to start a new career in the field of veterinary medicine, where you'll learn about animal care, recognizing signs of illness and disease, and assisting veterinarians during examinations.
To qualify for this program, you'll need a High School Diploma or GED.
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The program covers administrative duties such as fee collection, banking, and accounts payable, which will help you maintain an efficient front office.
Employment of veterinary assistants and caretakers of laboratory animals is expected to grow 9% to 2030, which is faster than average for this occupation.
You can expect to obtain a position mainly in clinics, animal hospitals, and research laboratories, but also in grooming facilities, pet day cares, and boarding facilities.
The program objectives include defining veterinary medical terms and abbreviations used in veterinary medicine, as well as explaining the foundations of veterinary practice in terms of ethical, legal, safety, practice management, and professional communication.
Here are some of the key program objectives:
- Explain how to dissect a medical term in terms of prefix, word root, combining forms, and suffixes
- Define veterinary medical terms and abbreviations that apply to each body system
- Explain the concepts associated with veterinary diagnostics
- Explain the concepts associated with veterinary therapeutics
- Explain the concepts associated with animal nursing care and husbandry for different animal species
Certification and Careers
Upon completing a veterinary assistant certification program, learners will have the option to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.
The National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) offers the Veterinary Assistant (VET) certification, which is a great starting point for those looking to enter the field.
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The median annual wage for veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers was $46,310 in May 2022, and employment is projected to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
You can expect to find work in private veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, animal shelters, or even zoos upon completion of the program.
Certification Opportunities
Certification Opportunities are a great way to boost your employability and stand out in a competitive job market.
After completing a program, learners may have the option to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in a fast-growing field.
The National Workforce Career Association (NWCA) offers the Veterinary Assistant (VET) certification, which is a great starting point for those interested in animal care.
This certification demonstrates a level of expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
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Careers
If you're considering a career as a veterinary assistant or laboratory animal caretaker, you're in luck - the median annual wage is $46,310, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This career path is also expected to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
You can find work in a variety of settings, including private veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, animal shelters, or even zoos.
High turnover in this field should result in good job opportunities upon completion of a program.
Veterinary Assistant Training
If you're interested in becoming a veterinary assistant, you'll want to know that employment of veterinary assistants and caretakers of laboratory animals is expected to grow 9% to 2030, faster than average for this occupation.
The Veterinary Assistant program prepares learners for a new career in the field of veterinary medicine, teaching them about animal care, recognizing signs of illness and disease, and administrative duties.
Veterinary assistants work under the supervision of a veterinarian and perform routine tasks, including monitoring and caring for animals, managing surgical equipment, assisting in emergency first aid, and administering medication prescribed by the veterinarian.
You can expect to obtain a position mainly in clinics, animal hospitals, and research laboratories, but also in grooming facilities, pet day cares, and boarding facilities.
To get started, join an information session to learn more about the program and application process. Reservations are not required, and you can call-in at 720.650.7664.
Here are some key facts to keep in mind:
By understanding the requirements and opportunities in veterinary assistant training, you can make an informed decision about your career path.
What Can I Expect to Earn?
As you consider earning your veterinary assistant certification, one of the most important factors to consider is the potential salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median pay for veterinary assistants was $36,440 in May 2023.
You can expect to earn around $17.52 per hour as a veterinary assistant. This is a relatively good income, especially considering the relatively short amount of time it takes to complete the certification program.
The veterinary technology assistant certificate is designed to be a seamless transfer to the veterinary technology A.A.S. degree, which can further boost your earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to study for veterinary assistant?
You can earn a veterinary assistant certificate in as few as 9 months, allowing you to start your career and decide if further education is right for you.
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