Veterinary Assistant Schools in Rhode Island

By taking several basic administrative and technical tasks out of their hands, veterinary assistants in Rhode Island allow veterinarians and veterinary technicians to do their jobs effectively without getting overwhelmed. This also provides a great opportunity for veterinary assistants to familiarize themselves with the veterinary world and decide what comes next for their careers.

Below, we explore some key steps in becoming a successful veterinary assistant in Rhode Island. These include the educational requirements, licensing and certification options, and other pathways for career growth.

How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Rhode Island

The steps below are typically required to become a successful veterinary assistant in Rhode Island.

Basic Requirements

The basic requirements to become a successful veterinary assistant in Rhode Island are a high school diploma or GED. This will be needed to secure admission into a training program.

Candidates with an affinity for animals and a passion for working as part of a team will also be able to achieve their goals easily.

Educational Options

Educational options for prospective veterinary assistants include online, offline, and hybrid programs. Online options are better for candidates because they offer more convenience and flexibility, while offline programs are great for students who require one-on-one supervision and guidance.

Candidates can have the best of both worlds by attending hybrid training programs.

They are expected to pick up skills in key areas such as animal anatomy, animal restraint, laboratory procedures, pharmacology, and organizational skills.

Certification & Employment

Even after their education, prospective veterinary assistants should always seek ways to gain an edge over the competition. Becoming certified is one of the most effective ways to achieve this goal.

We explore this deeper below.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a veterinary technician in Rhode Island

Top Veterinary Assistant Training Schools in Rhode Island

Residents are advised to attend any of the programs below to start their vet assistant career in Rhode Island.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Veterinary assistant training schools in Connecticut

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Although veterinary assistants in Rhode Island may be glad to know they are not expected to pursue a state license to start their careers, they still have to consider certification. Certification is optional but has many common benefits for professional growth.

In Rhode Island, most candidates turn to the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America to become certified veterinary assistants. NAVTA issues the most sought-after Approved Veterinary Assistant credential in the country.

Candidates with this credential will be deemed more credible and may even enjoy professional opportunities that are only available to certified candidates. Once they graduate from a NAVTA-approved program, candidates can sit for the AVA exam.

Salary & Career Outlook

Prospective and established veterinary assistants in Rhode Island will be glad to know that the projections for the profession are quite positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 20% increase in employment rate across the next 10 years.

Most of this will be due to increased pet-related spending nationwide and the need to replace retiring workers.

Specific salary figures within the state depend on several factors, including experience and location. Those lucky enough to be among the top 10% earn an annual average salary of $47,901, while those still among the bottom 10% make around $33,051 annually.

In Montana, the median salary for veterinary assistants is $39,789.

Focusing on a specific location, Providence has the state’s highest relative vet assistant salary, at $70,529. Johnston follows with an annual average salary of $39,629.