The field of veterinary assisting continues to grow in importance across the country, and the state of North Dakota is not exempt. These professionals are in high demand to alleviate the pressure on veterinarians and veterinary technicians so that they can carry out their duties with a clear focus.
Through the resources on this page, we seek to introduce prospective veterinary assistants in North Dakota to all of the major requirements they will have to keep in mind as they start their careers properly. This will ensure they can secure employment while allowing themselves to further their careers.
We also give candidates an idea of the possible salary figures they can expect and the factors they can optimize to improve their yearly returns.
How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in North Dakota
Below are the requirements for starting a career as a veterinary assistant in North Dakota.
Preparatory Considerations
In preparing for training as a prospective veterinary assistant in North Dakota, candidates are expected to have a high school diploma or GED. This is not a state law but is usually a requirement to secure admission into a training program and may also be checked by potential employers.
Training Approach
Prospective veterinary assistants’ approaches to education vary depending on their availability. Candidates who have enough time to commit may be able to participate in an in-person program, while those who are relatively busy may choose to attend an online program.
During their training, candidates are expected to acquire expertise in relevant areas and be able to carry out their duties in a clinical environment. They may participate in an internship or secure on-the-job training arrangements.
In an upcoming section, we will examine some of the best programs for prospective veterinary assistants in North Dakota.
Career Approach
To start their careers, candidates may consider working in a veterinary hospital, an animal shelter, or a private clinic. They may also consider receiving additional credentials to consolidate their foundational education.
The issue of certification is explored in more detail below.
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Top Veterinary Assistant Training Schools in North Dakota
Future vet assistants in North Dakota may consider any of the training options below for their comprehensive education.
North Dakota State College of Science
Online, ND Online Only
NDSCS’ Division for Workforce Affairs in Fargo is undoubtedly one of the best places to study as a future veterinary assistant in North Dakota. The school offers a training program that can be completed in around 3 months.
Tuition
$149 per ProgramContact
(800) 342-4325
University of North Dakota
Online, ND Online Only
Residents of North Dakota may also consider the University of North Dakota's online veterinary assistant training program to start their careers in this field.
Tuition
$2,495 per ProgramContact
(701) 777-0488
UND.courses@UND.edu
Animal Behavior College
Online, ND Campus + Online
Lastly, candidates may consider an online destination for a NAVTA-approved training program. One of the most popular is the Animal Behavior College training program.
Email: email@animalbehaviorcollege.com
Tuition
$999 - $5,630 per ProgramContact
(800) 795-3294
Email in Bio
Explore nearby states for education and training:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
The state does not mandate that veterinary assistants in North Dakota be licensed. However, many professionals seek certification from the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.
Of course, candidates are not mandated by law to become certified either; however, certified vet assistants are sometimes deemed more credible. They enjoy many benefits over non-certified ones, including access to continuing education resources, networking opportunities, and a straightforward path to a higher salary.
Naturally, those looking to become certified must be prepared to pass a certification examination. The association also expects candidates to maintain their credentials continually.
This they do by completing 10 continuing education credits every other year.
Salary & Career Outlook
The following places currently enjoy the highest annual average salary by location for veterinary assistants in North Dakota:
- Dickinson, with an annual average salary of $39,371; and
- Fargo, with an annual average salary of $34,834.
Even though location is quite important, other factors, such as experience and credentials, can also usually affect how much a veterinary assistant earns in the state.
Depending on these factors, candidates may be among the top or bottom earners. The most common, however, are those who are among the median veterinary assistant earners, taking home an annual average salary of $36,347.
Those in the lower categories earn an annual average salary of $26,415, while those in the top earners earn a salary as high as $50,014 or more.