Aspiring veterinary assistants in Delaware will be glad that the guide below explores everything they need to know to start their careers properly. We identify the educational prerequisites before discussing several methods for candidates to receive introductory education in the field.
Afterward, we explore licensing and certification requirements, including pathways for candidates to improve their career opportunities. A section is also dedicated to pointing out a few veterinary assistant training programs that are too high-quality for candidates in Delaware to consider.
Lastly, we analyze specific annual average salaries in the state based on relevant factors.
How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Delaware
The following steps explore how to become a successful veterinary assistant in Delaware.
Basic Prerequisites
Delaware residents who want to become veterinary assistants need a high school diploma or GED to secure admission into a training program. They also need a passion for animals and interpersonal skills.
Training Options
The following training options are available to prospective veterinary assistants in Delaware.
In-Person
In-person training programs for prospective veterinary assistants are offered at technical schools in Delaware. These programs offer personalized training and the opportunity for candidates to learn under the supervision of qualified instructors.
Many also offer valuable certificates for candidates to add to their resume.
Online
Several training programs, including those accredited by NAVTA, can be offered online. This option is great for learning in a convenient and fast-paced manner.
Online programs can also offer certificates and other valuable credentials that in-person programs offer. Furthermore, they may open up the pathway to certification, especially if they are NAVTA-accredited.
Combination Approach
Lastly, it is possible to attend a program where candidates can receive online materials and in-person training for the best of both worlds.
Regardless of their training, candidates should usually choose a program accredited by a relevant organization.
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Top Veterinary Assistant Training Schools in Delaware
The following are the top training programs for veterinary assistants in Delaware.
Delaware Technical Community College
Online, DE Online Only
Delaware Technical Community College offers a Veterinary Assistant training program that can be completed online. This program is one of the best in the state and includes several weeks of discussions with expert instructors.
Tuition
$135 - $540 per ProgramContact
(302) 857-1000
DVMA
Online, DE Campus + Online
The Delaware Veterinary Medical Association offers a training program for aspiring certified veterinary assistants, including online and hands-on elements. Candidates will be able to learn through resources put together by established professionals.
Tuition
$450 per YearContact
(302) 455-8387
christine@devma.org
Online Training
Those who want to start their veterinary assistant careers in Delaware by applying for an online, NAVTA-accredited program have several options. These include the programs offered by Penn Foster Institute, Animal Behavior College, Career Step Online, and Ross College.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Licensure is something other than what veterinary assistants in Delaware have to worry about. Certification is a bigger issue, however. Veterinary assistants nationwide are advised to become certified not because they can only work with it but because they will be behind those who are certified if they don’t.
Thankfully, the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America offers an Approved Veterinary Assistant credential that is highly rated by virtually all veterinary establishments nationwide and in Delaware.
To qualify for this credential, candidates must have graduated from an accredited training program or have spent some years employed full-time.
The association also offers pathways to certification through externships.
Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary of a veterinary assistant in Delaware tends to hover around $43,075. This is because it is the figure most common to the median earners and is usually in line with the national average.
For those among the top 10%, the annual average salary to expect is $50,807, while those among the bottom 10% tend to earn an annual average salary of at least $36,519. The factors that influence how much a veterinary assistant makes in Delaware are a professional’s experience level, specific employer, and location, among others.
The most favorable locations are Hockessin, with an annual average salary of $45,855, and Wilmington, with an annual average salary of $38,530.