Veterinary assistants in Oklahoma work with veterinary technicians and veterinarians to make the duties of these professionals much easier. By taking care of basic duties and interacting with potential pet owners, veterinary assistants allow veterinarians to focus on the more challenging and time-consuming tasks involved in caring for these lovely creatures.
The article below explores everything interested individuals must know to begin a successful career as veterinary assistants in Oklahoma. We begin by exploring the steps involved in the process before moving to other key topics, such as licensure requirements, certification possibilities, and top programs in the state for candidates to consider.
Steps to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Oklahoma
Below are the steps involved in becoming a veterinary assistant in Oklahoma.
Have a High School Diploma or GED
Oklahoma has no minimum requirements for candidates looking to become veterinary assistants. However, many employers and training programs will insist that applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.
Having these credentials doesn’t just make the process of acquiring training easier, it also increases the possible training options for better education quality.
Choose a Training Program
After they enroll in an official veterinary assistant training program, individuals in Oklahoma will start receiving the training needed to carry out their duties on the job. They may enroll in learning centers, community colleges, and technical institutes for this.
Some veterinary establishments may also train candidates on the job even without prior experience. This may or may not come with the opportunity to earn as you learn.
Types of Vet Assistant Training Programs in Oklahoma
Training for veterinary assistants in Oklahoma includes both classroom and hands-on components. Many programs try to incorporate both components into one course as much as possible.
However, it is also possible to acquire veterinary assistant training online. This way, candidates focus on the classroom component before finding an offline location to receive training on the job.
We examine some popular campus and online vet assistant training programs in Oklahoma in an upcoming section.
Secure Employment
Technically, the next step after completing veterinary assistant training in Oklahoma is to secure employment. However, candidates tend to take one key step before, which is to consider certification. We discuss this topic further in the Licensure section.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Certification is not mandatory for veterinary assistants in Oklahoma. However, many candidates earn the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) certification anyway. NAVTA(National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America) offers this credential, paving the way for career growth and several other professional opportunities.
There are three ways to earn this certification as an Oklahoma resident.
The first is to complete an externship. This is pertinent for those who still need to be employed but want to receive hands-on training.
Another option is to go through the “experiential learning” route. This is pertinent for those already employed and working at least 20 hours a week.
Lastly, candidates who graduate from an approved veterinary assistant program and are employed may also qualify.
Top Veterinary Assistant Schools in Oklahoma
The following are some of the most prominent veterinary assistant programs for candidates in Oklahoma to consider.
Community Care College
Community Care College in Tulsa offers a strong veterinary assistant training program that can be completed in 9 months. Students will have a chance to receive hands-on training and participate in community field trips.
Moore Norman Technology Center
Moore Norman Technology Center in Norman offers another strong training alternative for aspiring vet assistants in Oklahoma. It boasts a strong faculty and networking opportunities.
Murray State College
Murray State College in Tishomingo offers a veterinary assistant program focusing on key topics, including routine animal care, dental examination, parasitology, and other technical skills.
Students also get to participate in externships to receive real-world experience.
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Salary & Career Outlook
As a fresh veterinary assistant in Oklahoma, you may expect to take home an annual average salary close to $33,418, which is practically the national average. It is also the figure earned by veterinary assistants at the midpoint of salary earners in the state.
Those who manage to make it among the top 10% in the state take home an annual average salary of $43,188, while those among the bottom 10% take home an annual average salary of $25,859.
Concerning the best locations to become a veterinary assistant in Oklahoma, they include Tulsa, with an annual average salary of $35,698, Goldsby with an annual average salary of $34,950; Oklahoma City, with an annual average salary of $34,226, Norman with an annual average salary of $20, and London with an annual average salary of $35,698.
Location, of course, is not the only factor that can be optimized for a better salary. Notable mentions include the establishment of employment and experience, among others.
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