How To Get a Veterinary Assistant Certification
Many people dream of making a career out of working with animals. However, these career paths typically require excess money, time, and support that isn't readily available to most. For these people, a veterinary assistant role can be exactly what they're looking for. Taking it a step further by obtaining a certification can make a notable difference to career prospects.
Earning a vet assistant certification not only demonstrates commitment to professional standards but can also enhance job opportunities and potential salary. In this guide, we will go through the ins and outs of certification, including participating in a veterinary assistant certificate program, like the one offered by The Academy of Pet Careers.
What is a veterinary assistant certification?
A vet assisting certification is a designation that can be acquired through the successful completion of a veterinary assisting program. Professional credentials exist to validate that you have the required skills, knowledge, and competency to perform your job correctly and thoroughly. These certifications are valuable to any future or current vet assistants in the workforce.
Types of Certification
The primary certifying body for vet assistants in the US is the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). They offer the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) credential, which is a national credential. State-specific veterinary organizations, like the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), offer the Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) credential at the state level. Finally, there are independent certifiers who offer their own vet assisting certifications, like the Academy of Pet Careers.
How do you get a veterinary assisting certification?
The most straightforward way to obtain a certification is by completing a vet assistant certificate program. However, it is possible to find other options provided by local or online schools and community colleges. Since many veterinary assistant positions do not require prior experience, it may also be possible to get trained and even certified by your place of work, though this isn't ideal.
Different Ways to Obtain Certification
- Trade school programs
- High school programs
- Online programs
- Community college courses
- On-the-job training
Veterinary Assistant Certification Requirements
Technical Requirements
The requirements to obtain a certification vary depending on the certifier you are working with. Here are some common requirements:
- Pass a background check
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be 18 years old
- Complete a certificate program
- Pass a certification examination
Personal Requirements
Beyond the technical requirements, there are certain aptitudes that could make your journey towards veterinary assisting smoother:
- Passion for animals and their well-being
- Strong understanding of animal behavior
- Strong communication skills with pet owners
- Physical resilience when lifting animals and staying on your feet for extended periods
- Emotional resilience when managing sick and injured animals
How long does it take to get a vet assisting certification?
For veterinary technicians, or vet techs, the education required can be extensive. Fortunately, this is not the case for vet assistants. There is not an exact number when it comes to how fast you can get a certification. Nonetheless, the most time-intensive part of the certification process is participating in a program. Most veterinary assistant programs usually take 6-12 months to complete, with part-time options potentially extending to 18-24 months.
Depending on whether your program of choice requires externships or continuing education, that could add an additional time investment. However, accelerated programs can take much less time. For example, The Academy of Pet Careers' vet assistant program is comprehensive but takes only five months to complete.
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How much does it cost to get a vet assistant certification?
Just like program length, the cost to acquire a veterinary assistant certification varies greatly depending on the certifier, including these considerations:
- Is it in-person or online training?
- Is it a full-time or part-time program?
- How high-quality are the facilities and equipment?
- What organization is providing the certification?
- Is it a public or private institution that is providing the certification?
- Does the organization offer financial aid options to prospective students?
Vet Assistant Certificate Program Cost
With these considerations in mind, veterinary assistant certificate programs can range anywhere from about $1,000 to $20,000. This is a significant difference in price, so its important to do your research before choosing a certifier. In-person programs that offer hands-on training, experienced instructors, and high-quality facilities will raise the price up to the higher end of the range.
Additional Costs
Depending on the program, it's possible that there will be additional costs:
- Textbooks
- School supplies
- Scrubs
- Equipment
- Certification exam fees
Vet Assistant vs Vet Tech
Veterinary technicians have very similar responsibilities to veterinary assistants. However, there are key differences between vet assistants and vet techs.
Vet Techs
Vet techs must complete at least a 2-year Associate's degree in veterinary technology from an accredited program and pass the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) to get licensed depending on state requirements. They perform more advanced clinical tasks, including diagnostic imaging, administering medications and treatments, monitoring anesthesia, and assisting in surgery.
Vet Assistants
Vet assistants support veterinarians and technicians with daily tasks. They don't require any higher education, and they typically focus on animal healthcare, kennel management, and even administrative duties. While it is preferred that they get certified, it isn't mandatory. Both are important roles in any veterinary medical care team, but they are mainly distinguished by their education and licensure.
Is veterinary assistant certification worth it?
Yes, obtaining your vet assisting certification is worth it. Veterinary assisting offers an accessible entry point into veterinary medicine without the extensive education required for veterinarians or technicians. Participating in a veterinary assistant program will help you connect with like-minded individuals and network with industry professionals.
Furthermore, getting certified improves your job prospects, making you more appealing to future employers and increasing your earning potential as a vet assistant. Veterinary support positions are projected to grow significantly over the next few years, meaning animal lovers seeking stable career opportunities are in luck. As the pet care industry continues to grow, the demand for qualified vet assistants is rising, making certification an increasingly valuable credential.
Key Takeaways
If you're looking to enter the veterinary field, a vet assistant role could be the perfect fit for you. Becoming a veterinary assistant opens doors to a fulfilling career working with animals and the people who care for them. While getting a certification requires time, resources, and commitment, it can significantly impact your future or current vet assisting career in a positive way. If you think veterinary assisting is the right path for you, The Academy of Pet Careers' vet assisting program will teach you the skills and knowledge required to be successful in this field. And of course, you will leave with a certification that you can take with you into the professional world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can work as a veterinary assistant without certification, as certification is typically voluntary. However, certified veterinary assistants often have better job prospects, higher average salaries, and more advancement opportunities.
The difficulty of a vet assistant certificate exam varies depending on the certifying organization, but it's generally designed to be accessible to students who have completed appropriate training. For example, the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certification exam through NAVTA consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering animal care and nursing, surgical preparation and assisting, laboratory procedures, and office procedures.
Yes, online veterinary assisting certificate programs typically include a hands-on externship or clinical component. While the theoretical coursework is completed online, students are usually required to complete practical training hours at a veterinary practice, shelter, or other animal care facility.
The veterinary assistant job market compares favorably to many other entry-level healthcare careers in terms of accessibility and growth potential. With lower educational barriers than human healthcare positions), veterinary assisting also offers a quicker entry into a healthcare career.
Yes, veterinary assistants can specialize in various areas after gaining experience and additional training. Common specializations include emergency and critical care, anesthesia, dentistry, exotic animal medicine, and animal behavior.
Hope Allen
Hope Allen combines her lifelong passion for animals with her digital marketing expertise. Growing up in a veterinary family, she gained hands-on experience working as an office assistant and sterilization tech at their mobile practice. This foundation, coupled with her degree in design and digital content strategy from Lindenwood University, allows her to bring unique insight to pet-focused content.