How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Mississippi

The Bureau of Labor Statistics emphasizes the bright future for veterinary assistants nationwide. In Mississippi, these professionals are already enjoying a boom in demand with a very competitive annual average salary compared to most states in the country.

Naturally, candidates looking to begin a veterinary assisting career will have a better time of it if they are familiar with important considerations like where to receive the best training possible. Thankfully, that is the purpose of the guide below.

It doesn’t just aim to highlight top vet assistant programs in the state (although it does); it also explores educational requirements, licensure requirements, path to career growth, and possible salary ranges for professionals in this field to expect based on a few unique factors.

Steps to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Mississippi

Aspiring veterinary assistants in Mississippi must follow the steps below to begin their careers on the right path.

Basic Requirements

Even though there are no basic educational requirements for veterinary assistants in Mississippi, most candidates begin their careers with at least a high school diploma or GED. They also tend to have strong foundations in Biology topics.

Training

Several Mississippi community colleges and technical schools offer strong veterinary assistant training programs that candidates may leverage to earn a certificate and begin their careers on a strong foundation.

A lot of these programs can be completed within 6 - 9 months. Candidates may also opt for programs accredited by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), leading to certification opportunities upon graduation.

In an upcoming section, we explore veterinary assistant training programs in accredited and non-accredited categories.

Specialization & Employment

Specialization is not compulsory for veterinary assistants. It is, however, an option. Typically, after completing their training programs, candidates may secure employment.

Most veterinary assistants in Mississippi work with private practices and emergency centers, although it is also possible to work with government organizations.

Some notable employers include Banfield Pet Hospital in Jackson and Gulfport and Animal Medical Center in Hattiesburg.

Consider Careers with Similar Paths:

• How to become a veterinarian in Mississippi

Licensure and Certification Requirements

Just as it is with educational requirements, Mississippi does not set mandatory licensure requirements for veterinary assistants. Candidates choose to obtain certification from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America simply because there are benefits to doing so, such as networking possibilities and continuing education.

The easiest way to qualify for NAVTA certification (the Approved Veterinary Assistant certification) is to attend a NAVTA-accredited program. Otherwise, candidates will have to acquire relevant experience on the job before they can qualify for the certification examination.

The credential also requires periodic renewal every two years to remain valid.

Top Veterinary Assistant Schools in Mississippi

The following are the top veterinary assistant training programs in Mississippi.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Veterinary Assistant Schools in Alabama

Salary & Career Outlook

Data shows that fresh veterinary assistants in Mississippi starting their careers may expect to earn an annual average salary of $31,066. This is if they fall among the average earners in the state.

If they fall among the bottom 10%, their annual average salary will be close to $24,948, while those who fall among the top 10% will be able to earn an annual average salary as high as $38,684 or more.

As for the best places in Mississippi to work as a veterinary assistant for a chance to earn the highest average salaries, they include Southaven, with an annual average salary of $30,468; Jackson, with an annual average salary of $28,169; and Gulfport, with an annual average salary of $27,632.