Becoming a veterinary assistant is an alternative to becoming a veterinarian, with various job options such as receptionist, clinic assistant, large animal assistant, shelter worker, and zoo assistant. Some jobs require medical education, while others offer on-the-job training.
People who want to work in the field of animal health but don’t want to become a full-fledged veterinarian can choose to become a veterinary assistant. In some cases, people may use veterinary assistant jobs as a stepping stone to a career as a veterinarian. There are many types of veterinary assistant jobs, from a receptionist at a veterinary clinic to helping a zoo veterinarian treat exotic animals. Here are some types of veterinarian assistant jobs and the tasks associated with them.
Veterinary assistant jobs can be divided into two categories: those that require formal medical education and those that do not. Most veterinarians prefer to hire certified veterinary technicians to perform the more technical tasks associated with a veterinary clinic. These tasks may include helping the veterinarian in the exam room, assisting with surgery, taking and developing radiographs, and performing laboratory procedures.
Workers without formal training often find employment as an animal clinic receptionist or clinic assistant. A receptionist is usually responsible for scheduling appointments, disseminating information, answering phones, accounting duties, and other office-related tasks. Other tasks a clinic assistant can help with include cleaning kennels and cages, feeding and exercising the animals, and general maintenance tasks. Often, these uncertified assistants can get enough on-the-job training to eventually perform the duties of a veterinary technician.
A veterinary assistant may also be hired to help a large animal veterinarian. In such a position, the assistant would likely travel to the client’s homes and farms with the veterinarian and assist with animal health procedures. The animal assistant can be called upon to help contain the animals, administer medications, assist with farm and farm related activities such as birthing and vaccinations.
Another option for animal health assistants is to work at an animal shelter or humane society. Large shelters often have a veterinarian on staff. A veterinary technician will help the veterinarian perform health and temperament assessments, vaccinations, medical treatments and, in some shelters, euthanasia. If no veterinarian is on staff, a veterinary technician can perform some of these tasks without veterinary supervision.
Zoos, public aquariums and wildlife reserves provide another opportunity for veterinary assistants. In this position, the technician would typically assist with examinations on animals, prophylactic care such as vaccinations and dentistry, assisting with surgical or radiological procedures, and record keeping duties on animals. Other varied veterinary assistant jobs include laboratory animal caretaker, research assistant, emergency health technician, or assistant at a spay and neuter clinic.
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