Veterinary assistants help veterinarians with examinations and tests.
Veterinary assistants, often referred to as veterinary technicians, assist veterinarians with testing and treatment procedures on pets in private clinics, animal hospitals, shelters, rescues and zoos. Because veterinary assistants often perform medical tests and help with diagnostic procedures, they need experience through a combination of education and on-the-job training.
Education
Earning a degree is one of the most important steps you can take to becoming a veterinary assistant. Your education will prepare you for entry-level work in the veterinary field and provide you with opportunities to practice necessary skills so you can gain educational experience. Most jobs require an associate degree from a school approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), so ask if your prospective school's program is accredited.
Internship
As you're considering schools for your veterinary technician education, ask which ones include an internship as part of the program. Most internships are unpaid, but they allow you to work several hours a week under a veterinarian's supervision so you can ask questions and gain relevant experience in the field that you can include on your resume. Some clinics that take interns end up hiring those who perform well once they complete their degrees, so be punctual and remain professional and focused on your work to make a good impression.
Work Experience
Getting a job at a veterinary clinic as soon as possible can help you get your foot in the door as a veterinary technician once you've finished your schooling. As with most careers, finding a job in the field immediately after you graduate can be difficult, but if you've worked in a vet's office before you'll have some relevant work experience to include on your resume other than your internship if you had one. Even working as a receptionist or administrative assistant in a veterinary clinic can translate into more opportunities for you as a vet tech. Though an office job probably won't give you much actual contact with the animals, you can demonstrate that you're familiar with how a veterinary office works.
Considerations
If you feel like you don't have enough experience to get a job as a veterinary assistant after completing your degree, consider volunteering at an animal hospital or clinic. Volunteer positions may involve errands, cleaning and other work that isn't providing direct care for the animals, but you'll be able to discuss your experience and demonstrate your commitment to the field and your career in your cover letter and during the interview process.
Try to earn a credential as a vet technician to open up more job opportunities. Holding a credential from your state's veterinary board shows prospective employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job, which can sometimes make up for a lack of work experience. Many states require veterinary technicians to earn a certification or credential before they can work in a technician position. Each state has slightly different requirements, but most require at least an associate degree and a passing score on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).
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