A Veterinary Assistant aids Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians in preventing and treating animal diseases. Veterinary Assistants have a significant role in helping the Veterinary Hospital and other types of animal care oriented facilities operating efficiently.Their main duties are:
Veterinary Assistants may earn a certificate through non-degree programs with the aspiration to be more knowledgeable and valuable to the Veterinary profession and the animal. With a hyper focus on education, professional Veterinary Assistants graduate from VAS with increased knowledge and experience in the Veterinary field.
Professional Veterinary Assistants assist Veterinarians, educate the pet owners, and contribute to better care of pets both in and outside the Veterinary facilities. Once a Veterinary Assistant masters the skills needed to be successful, he or she may go back to school to become an Advanced Veterinary Assistant, Registered Veterinary Technician or even a Veterinarian. Veterinary Medicine is a rewarding field to be considered by all animal loving students. Others may learn skills to become managers of Veterinary Hospitals, pet stores, kennels, or other animal-related businesses. In any case,Veterinary Assistants should always try to learn as much as they can to best serve their animal patients. The individuals who choose to work in and around the Veterinary field find rewards in many facets of the job – both expected and unexpected!
A Registered Veterinary Technician requires further training. Registered Veterinary Technicians are registered animal care providers who have taken a test and have a license in the state in which they are working. An RVT gets his or her education from a university, a community college or private school that offers a two or four year degree in animal health technology/science.
The duties of an RVT are different than a Veterinary Assistant and may include those performed by a Veterinary Assistant and in addition, they have more advanced and trained skills and possible supervisory duties. After obtaining a license, an RVT may pursue advanced specialization in the area of anesthesia, critical care, or dentistry.