Veterinary Assistant Schools in Hawaii

For aspiring veterinary assistants, pursuing a formal training program to enhance their resume and salary prospects can be advisable. Of course, other approaches are available to anyone looking for a successful career.

There are several other things to consider, such as the certification and licensing requirements, potential salary, and growth possibilities on the job.

You don’t have to worry, however, because below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide detailing everything you need to know about becoming a veterinary assistant in Hawaii.

Among other things, we will look at the typical requirements to join this profession, some educational alternatives for hands-on training, and the top programs in the state.

How To Become a Veterinary Assistant in Hawaii

On-the-job Training

Residents of Hawaii who wish to become veterinary assistants may do so directly by obtaining training on the job – if they can secure employment at a veterinary establishment willing to train vet assistants with no prior experience.

Even though such establishments exist, most often set a basic requirement specifying the need for at least a high school diploma or GED.

Formal Training Program

To become more hirable and earn a potentially bigger salary, veterinary assistants in Hawaii often enroll in training programs even though they aren’t mandated by law to do so.

Hawaii has training programs with high-quality vet assistant programs, although NAVTA doesn’t accredit them. NAVTA accreditation is important when obtaining an AVA (Approved Veterinary Assistant) certification, but again it is optional for employment and mandated by law.

Explore other careers with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a veterinary technician in Hawaii

Top Veterinary Assistant Schools in Hawaii

Below are some of Hawaii’s most notable veterinary assistant schools, including NAVTA-approved options.

Online Options

Students looking for NAVTA-approved online programs for veterinary assistants may also consider the Penn Foster veterinary assistant program along with the one at the Animal Behavior College.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Veterinary assistant schools in California

Hawaii State Licensure/Certification Requirements

Hawaii has no licensure or certification requirements for its veterinary assistants. Most still pursue certification anyway, as it can lead to bigger employment opportunities.

Most veterinary assistant students attend NAVTA-accredited schools because it offers the opportunity to become certified immediately after graduation.

AVA certification is still possible for those who still need to attend an accredited school. This can be done by following the externship or experiential learner route.

Once the above conditions are fulfilled, candidates may sit for the AVA examination online and pass with a score of at least 75%.

The AVA credential will be renewed every two years by completing ten continuing education credits through additional classes, online courses, seminars, and conferences.

Hawaii Veterinary Assistant Salary and Job Outlook

As a veterinary assistant in Hawaii, you will earn an annual average salary of $39,928 throughout your career. Naturally, you will have to start lower at around $32,288, the annual average figure for those in the lower 10%.

As you progress, you will earn more and may get as high as $49,376, the annual average figure for those in the state’s top ten percent of earners.

Based solely on experience, vet assistants in Hawaii with less than a year of experience earn an annual average salary of $37,829, while those with 3 to 5 years earn an average of $41,916 per year.

The average salary for vet assistants in Hawaii with more than ten years of experience is $46,927 per year.