Finish Veterinary Assistant training in just 5 weeks! Programs are offered during the day or in the evening.
Find a Program
Our Veterinary Assistant courses will prepare you to assist the Veterinarian or Veterinarian Technician in their daily tasks such as feeding, watering, and examining pets for signs of illness, disease or injury. This program combines 35 hours of classroom instruction with a 24 hour volunteer experience you will coordinate in your local area. Over the course of five weeks we prepare students to clean and disinfect cages and work areas, as well as sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment in laboratories, animal hospitals and clinics.
Payment Plans & Scholarships are widely available.
Finish our program in 5 weeks with day or evening schedules available
Get on the job experience to improve your skills
Make an average of $11.75 per hour as a Veterinary Assistant
Over 150 classroom locations nationwide
Attend a helpful information session about this program
Fees: Fees vary by partner. Check Class Schedules to find a program near you.
Financing: Financial Assistance is offered to many people that apply. Our options may include:
Call 800-201-1141 to talk to our Admissions Counselors to get more information about payment plans.
Over the course of five weeks this program combines 35 hours of classroom instruction with a 24 hours of volunteer experience that you will coordinate in your local area. Day, evening and weekend schedules are available.
We know how important on-the-job training can be. For this reason we require you to arrange a volunteer experience in your area.
Volunteer experience has led to improved career opportunities and acquired on-the-job skills that may be useful in your career.
What Veterinary Technologists and Technicians Do:
Perform medical tests under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian to treat or to help veterinarians diagnose the illnesses and injuries of animals.
Duties:
Work Environment:
Primarily, veterinary technologists and technicians work in private clinics, laboratories, and animal hospitals. Some work in boarding kennels, animal shelters, rescue leagues, and zoos.
Their jobs may be both physically and emotionally demanding. They may witness abused animals or may need to help euthanize sick, injured, or unwanted animals.
Injuries:
Veterinary technologists and technicians are more prone to injuries and illnesses. They may be bitten, scratched, or kicked by the animals. These injuries may happen while the technologist or technician is holding, cleaning, or restraining an animal.
Work Schedules:
Many clinics and laboratories must be staffed 24 hours a day, so veterinary technologists and technicians may have to work evenings, weekends or holidays.
How to Become a Veterinary Technologist or Technician:
There are two levels of education and training for entry into this occupation: a 4-year program for veterinary technologists and a 2-year program for veterinary technicians. Typically, both technologists and technicians must take a credentialing exam and must become registered, licensed, or certified, depending on the state.
Education:
There are veterinary technology programs accredited by American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Most of these programs offer a 2-year associate’s degree for veterinary technology. Nine schools offer distance learning.
Licenses and Certification:
Most veterinary technologist and technician candidates must take a credentialing exam. Most states require the Veterinary Technician National Examination. Depending on the state, candidates must become certified, licensed, or registered to practice.
For technologists seeking work in a research facility, the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) offers three levels of certification: assistant laboratory animal technician (ALAT), laboratory animal technician (LAT), and laboratory animal technologist (LATG). To become certified, candidate must have work experience in a laboratory animal facility and pass the AALAS examination. Boston Reed's Veterinary Assistant training is designed to help students pass the national certification exam.
Pay:
In 2011, the average annual wage for a Veterinary Assistant was $24,430. The lowest 10 percent averaged $16,970 and the top 10 percent averaged $34,970.
Job Outlook:
Employment of veterinary assistants and animal caretakers is expected to grow 14% between 2010 and 2020.
Boston Reed is proud to partner with hundreds of schools across the United States. If you aren't able to find a location for this program please let us know. We are constantly adding more locations and hope to help you online or in the classroom.
Information sessions are a great way to find out more about allied health careers, and the programs offered to get them started. See if there are any in your area. Sign up today!
1. Click here and then enter your zip code
2. Select "Information Session" from the drop down list. and press go.
3. Find the location that you would like to attend and call or register online.
Note: Not all information sessions allow you to register online. Please call us at 800-201-1141 if you have any questions.
