Veterinary assistants must have a passion for animals, a commitment to lifelong learning, and strong interpersonal skills. They may also have to enroll in an academic program depending on how far they are willing to go in the world of veterinary medicine.
For aspiring veterinary assistants in New York just starting their journey, there are also a few state requirements they must become familiar with. You don’t have to worry, however, because all of these questions are what we answer in the comprehensive guide below.
When you finish the article, you should have everything you need to begin your journey the right way.
How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in New York
The following are the steps needed to become a veterinary assistant in New York.
Step 1: High School Graduation
All aspiring veterinary assistants in New York are advised to have a high school diploma or GED. Both are needed to secure employment and secure admission into training programs.
Step 2: Veterinary Assistant Program
Aspiring veterinary assistants in New York may choose to enroll in a veterinary assistant training program organized by approved veterinary schools in the area. They may also acquire training on the job.
When choosing a veterinary assistant training program to enroll in, it is usually advisable to go with a training program approved by NAVTA (National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America). Doing so makes it easier to acquire certification from the association.
Of course, as we’ll see below, NAVTA certification is not mandatory, but it offers certain benefits. Additionally, those who wish to obtain training on the job may do so by working under the supervision of experienced veterinary technicians and veterinary doctors.
Step 3: Professional Certification
A couple of professional certification options exist for aspiring veterinary assistants in New York. These certifications give individuals a competitive edge over fellow veterinary assistants without accreditation.
One of the top certification alternatives is offered by the American Veterinary Medical Association certification. This option is particularly suitable for those who want to work in specialty practices. To apply, candidates must pass an exam involving medical terminology, safety, and animal anatomy.
The other national certification to consider is the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certification offered by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA). This credential is usually available for graduates of NAVTA-approved programs.
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Top Veterinary Assistant Schools in New York
The following are some of the top veterinary assistant schools in New York, including a program that guarantees NAVTA certification.
Wayne Technical and Career Center
Williamson, NY Campus Only
Wayne Technical and Career Center is one of the best locations to receive veterinary assistant training in New York. NAVTA accredits the school and boasts excellent training instructors. The focus topics include primary animal care, surgical assisting, and administrative procedures. Students also can participate in a co-op at some veterinary offices in the area.
Tuition
FreeContact
(315) 589-2600
Suny Ulster
Stone Ridge, NY Online + Campus
Located in Stone Ridge, Suny Ulster is another veritable location for high-quality veterinary assistant training in New York. Part of the State University of New York system, the program targets skills in animal nutrition, basic veterinary technology, behavioral medicine, and animal diseases.
Tuition
$5,940 - $11,020Contact
(845) 687-5000
admissions@sunyulster.edu
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State Licensure & Certification Requirements
New York has no mandatory licensure or certification requirement for veterinary assistants. It is usually up to individuals and employers to determine which conditions or educational alternatives are most suitable for them.
Candidates who graduate from the Wayne Technical and Career Center vet assistant program will automatically qualify to sit for the NAVTA exam and become an Approved Veterinary Assistant. This will help them prove their knowledge and skills to potential employers and open up continuing education and career growth opportunities.
Salary and Career Outlook
In New York, veterinary assistants earn an annual average salary of $42,255 – a figure that is about 8% higher than the national average. Starting, veterinary assistants in the state may earn closer to $32,690 before moving to the state average or even as high as $54,618 (the annual average salary for the top 10% of veterinary assistants in the state).
The highest paying city to be a veterinary assistant in New York is New York City, with an annual average salary of $48,485. Veterinary assistants in Brooklyn earn an average yearly salary of $46,388.
Farmingdale, West Islip, and Plainview are the top five highest-paying cities for veterinary assistants in New York, with annual average salaries of $43,610, $43,434, and $41,097, respectively.
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