Veterinary Assistant Schools in Idaho

An aspiring veterinary assistant in Idaho must acquire relevant training to understand the technical requirements of the profession. They must also possess several transferable skills, such as good communication, time management, teamwork, interpersonal, and multitasking.

The guide below highlights the key considerations interested candidates must know to launch a successful veterinary assistant career in the state. We begin with the basic, educational, and licensure and certification requirements.

Down the line, we also explore a few top-class veterinary assistant training programs in Idaho and the salary figures for fresh professionals to expect.

How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Idaho

Aspiring veterinary assistants in Idaho are expected to follow the steps below to launch their careers on the right path.

Have a High School Diploma or GED

Individuals interested in becoming veterinary assistants in Idaho should have a high school diploma or GED. They should also have a strong foundational knowledge of biology, anatomy, and physiology.

Acquire Relevant Skills

The state of Idaho does not expect veterinary assistants to attend colleges or postsecondary institutions to start their careers. However, they still need to acquire relevant skills, so most do so by attending a community college or technical school.

These destinations offer training programs for veterinary assistants that can be completed in 6 - 9 months.

Furthermore, candidates may also choose to attend an accredited training program to enjoy career opportunities. Later in the guide, we explore the importance of certification for vet assistants in Idaho while exploring top programs for candidates to consider.

Specialization

Veterinary assistants in Idaho can start their careers without having to specialize. However, some focus on administrative duties or laboratory animal care.

For the latter group, the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science has three credentials for them to consider. These are the:

• Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) credential,
• Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) credential,
• and the Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) credential.

Certification & Employment

Anyone who has completed the steps can begin their veterinary assistant career in Idaho. For better career opportunities, they may also want to consider NAVTA credentials.

Top Veterinary Assistant Schools in Idaho

The following are some prominent veterinary assistant training programs in Idaho for candidates to consider.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Veterinary Assistant in Nevada

Licensure and Certification Requirements

Certification is optional for veterinary assistants in Idaho, but it is important to consider having one anyway because of its benefits. We have already highlighted the options offered by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science above.

Another nationally recognized option is the one offered by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). This is the Approved Veterinary Assistant credential available to anyone who has graduated from an accredited training program or already has enough job experience.

For both of these credentials, candidates must participate in a certification examination and attain a passing score of at least 75% in the case of the AVA. They will also be required to maintain their credentials by participating in continuing education programs, workshops, seminars, and other events that lead to professional opportunities.

Explore nearby states for licensure and certification:

• Learn about veterinary assistant licensing in Oregon

Salary & Career Outlook

A survey of veterinary assistants in Idaho shows that an average veterinary assistant in the state will most likely take home an annual salary of around $36,924. Those who fall among the top 10% take home an annual average salary of $46,723, while those who fall among the bottom 10% take home an annual average salary of $29,179.

The highest-paying locations to practice as a veterinary assistant in Idaho are Hailey, with an annual average salary of $45,061; Hayden, with an annual average salary of $43,324; and Idaho Falls, with an annual average salary of $41,182.

Pocatello is the fourth-highest with an annual average salary of $37,617, while Boise rounds up the top five with an annual average salary of $36,099.