How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Nebraska

Nebraska is a wonderful state in which to start a career as a veterinary assistant. Interested candidates here will always have a top-class training destination to acquire relevant skills and an array of options for where to work and grow their careers.

It may, of course, be hard to take advantage of all of these opportunities in the beginning, especially for those who aren’t familiar with the process. Thankfully, this issue is what we seek to address with the comprehensive guide below.

Here, aspiring veterinary assistants in the state will discover all the key considerations they must make on the way. They will also find a list of the top schools and some tips on maximizing their annual earnings on the job.

Steps to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Nebraska

The following are the steps needed to become a veterinary assistant in Nebraska.

Step 1: Be Prepared

One of the first things an aspiring veterinary assistant in Nebraska must do is prepare for admission into a training program. A way to do this is by having their high school diploma or GED ready.

They may also want to brush up on their Biology topics in case there are basic tests in that area.

Step 2: Receive Comprehensive Training

Even though they are not expected to attend post-secondary institutions to start their careers, most veterinary assistants do so anyway because of the comprehensive preparation they receive here. The best training programs teach topics in animal anatomy, breed identification, medical terminologies, and equipment handling, among others.

It should be no issue because these programs can be completed in 6 to 9 months. However, for even more convenience and flexibility, candidates may simply choose to enroll in online programs where they will also have the luxury of learning at their own pace.

Step 3: Certification

Certification is another optional step in becoming a veterinary assistant in Nebraska. However, just like post-secondary education, it comes with several professional opportunities that are always appealing options to consider.

We will be discussing more on certification opportunities for candidates in Nebraska in the next section.

Licensure and Certification Requirements

Certification for veterinary assistants in Nebraska is a great way for individuals to verify their skills and enjoy several resources that can improve their career prospects. Of course, employers also like working with certified vet assistants over those who are not.

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America’s Approved Veterinary Assistant credential is the most prominent option for candidates seeking a nationally recognized certification. Those who graduate from a training program that is approved by the association will be able to obtain this credential after they have passed a certification examination.

The exam tests students on a veterinary assistant’s administrative and clinical duties.

It is also possible to qualify for the examination by having the necessary hours of experience on the job instead of simply graduating from a training program.

Explore nearby states for licensing and certification:

• Learn about veterinary assistants in Iowa

Top Veterinary Assistant Schools in Nebraska

Below are some of the most prominent veterinary assistant training programs in Nebraska.

Other Notable Mentions

Other notable destinations for veterinary assistant training in Nebraska include Northeast Community College in Norfolk and Western Nebraska Community College. Applicants may also consider Penn Foster Institute and Animal Behavior College, approved by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Veterinary Assistant Schools in Colorado

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary of veterinary assistants in Nebraska was revealed by a survey to be around $37,102 for those who fall among the average earners; $43,910 for those who fall among the top 10% of earners; and $31,349 for those who fall among the bottom 10% earners.

As with most professions, location plays a key role in influencing how much a veterinary assistant in the state earns at the end of every year. Omaha is the highest-paying city for veterinary assistants in Nebraska, with an annual average salary of $37,591.

This is followed by Lincoln, with an annual average salary of $35,161; and Fremont, with an annual average salary of $34,653.