New Hampshire welcomes residents who want to experience working in a veterinary establishment and start their careers as veterinary assistants. This approach allows them to familiarize themselves quickly with the veterinary world before deciding whether or not to commit to a more advanced career.
In the following sections, we analyze some vital requirements for aspiring veterinary assistants in New Hampshire. We explore the steps needed to secure employment, avenues for career opportunities, and specific programs.
We also examine the salary projections and possible categories before outlining the profession’s career outlook over the coming years.
How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in New Hampshire
These considerations are needed to launch a thriving veterinary assistant career in New Hampshire.
Basic Preparations
New Hampshire has no mandatory educational requirements for candidates seeking to become veterinary assistants. Potential employers make most of the considerations and prefer candidates with relevant education.
As it happens, most training programs prefer candidates with a high school diploma or GED.
Educational Options
The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) accredits veterinary assistant training programs nationwide. Candidates can skip an accredited program before starting their careers, but doing so comes with several benefits, including certification opportunities.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to receive foundational training and use this time to familiarize yourself with the potential duties of a veterinary assistant.
Job Placement
Once properly trained, candidates can consider the certification requirements below and secure employment. Several job placement destinations are available, including private clinics, pet care facilities, and research institutes.
Consider exploring careers with similar paths:
Top Veterinary Assistant Training Schools in New Hampshire
Below are a few top-class training destinations for potential vet assistants in New Hampshire.
White Mountains Community College
Berlin, NH Campus Only
White Mountains Community College's vet assistant certificate program is the only one in the state that is accredited by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). As expected, the program operates at a very high level and has produced successful graduates in the field.
Tuition
$215 - $490 per CreditContact
(603) 342-3017
morff@ccsnh.edu
Concord's Community College
Online, NH Online Only
Concord's Community College in Concord, NH, is another destination for receiving high-quality training as an aspiring veterinary assistant in New Hampshire.
Tuition
$2,515 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Great Bay Community College
Online, NH Online Only
Lastly, residents of New Hampshire may consider the veterinary assistant training program at Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth, NH, to start their careers.
Tuition
$2,495 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Explore nearby states for education and training:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
While licensing and certification are not mandatory for veterinary assistants in New Hampshire, individuals typically choose to become Approved Veterinary Assistants by earning certification from NAVTA. They do that because certification can help enhance their job prospects and is very valued by professionals in the field.
To be certified by NAVTA, candidates must first qualify for the certification examination. The association allows qualification through education from an accredited program and real-world experience.
Once they pass their certification examination, they are officially considered Approved Veterinary Assistants. However, they are expected to renew their certification by completing 10 continuing education credits every two years.
Those who do so may retain their certified designation.
Salary & Career Outlook
Veterinary assistants in New Hampshire who want to increase their annual average salary may focus on building their experience level, acquiring credentials, and developing a strong professional network.
Those who have done this can earn up to $52,164—the figure for the top 10%—or at least $41,662—the figure for the median earners. Those who have yet to do this often manage an annual average salary of $33,274, which pertains to the bottom 10%.
Location is another key factor to consider. Salem and Merrimack currently have the highest annual average salary for veterinary assistants in New Hampshire ($46,997 and $44,501, respectively).
Those who work in Dover ($42,206) come third.
Individuals starting a vet assisting career in New Hampshire will be glad to know that the projections for the future are quite positive. More demand will arise for professionals in this field, and the potential annual average income will also increase.