Veterinary Assistant Schools in Massachusetts

Veterinary assistants make the life of veterinarians and veterinary technicians much easier by performing clerical work and patient care duties.

Some veterinary assistants obtain training on the job, even though attending an official training program is possible. Whether a veterinary assistant has to attend an authorized program is usually a function of which state they choose to practice.

For aspiring vet assistants in Massachusetts, there are a few things worth considering before proceeding. Below we look at some important topics to consider while discussing the best possible paths.

How To Become a Veterinary Assistant in Massachusetts

Since there are no basic educational requirements to get a job as a veterinary assistant in Massachusetts, most go through one of two paths - acquiring training on the job or attending a formal training program anyway.

We take a look at the peculiarities involved in both directions below.

On-the-job Training

On-the-job training offers a straightforward alternative for veterinary assistants who don’t want to spend time in a formal training program before they start earning. It should be noted, however, that even those who wish to acquire training on the job will still have to obtain a high-school diploma or GED.

Additionally, they may have to settle for lower pay, at least while they’re still being trained.

This path is an attractive alternative for those still deciding on a career in veterinary assistance but wishing to test out the waters anyway to determine if it’s for them.

Formal Training Program

Those who are committed to a veterinary assistance career or wish to work up to becoming a veterinary technician or veterinarian may start by enrolling in a formal vet assistance training program.

There is plenty of notable vet assistance training programs in Massachusetts. Still, something to keep in mind while you make your choice is the accreditation status of your preferred institution.

NAVTA - the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America - is the main body responsible for the national accreditation of vet assistant programs. However, only about 50 NAVTA-approved vet assistance programs exist in the country.

Explore other careers with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a vet technician in Massachusetts

Top Veterinary Assistant Schools in Massachusetts

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Veterinary assistant schools in Connecticut

Massachusetts State Licensure and Certification Requirements

Most people attend a NAVTA-approved program because it guarantees a base standard of educational quality but mostly because of its straightforward opportunity to become nationally certified.

The Approved Veterinary Assistant certification is the most coveted among vet assistants, and the most direct way to get it is to graduate from a program accrediting NAVTA. Those who meet this criterion will be given a unique code to register for the AVA exam on the VetMedTeam website.

The exam must be completed within 150 minutes, and candidates must achieve a passing score of at least 75% before the credential is awarded. They must also renew their certifications every two years to remain certified.

Massachusetts Veterinary Assistant Salary and Job Outlook

Veterinary assistants in Massachusetts earn an annual average salary of $43,462. This is around 13% above the national average. Those at the lower end of the salary spectrum still earn as much as $35,328, while those in the top ten percent take home an average salary of $53,470 annually.

Sorting strictly by experience, vet assistants in Massachusetts with less than a year of experience earn a mean annual salary of $41,178. In contrast, those with 3 to 5 years of experience earn an average yearly salary of $45,626. Those with more than ten years of experience working as vet assistants reach as high as $51,081 annually.