How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in South Carolina

Among other things, veterinary assistants in Louisiana are responsible for moving animals during procedures, ensuring all the right tools and medication are available to take care of patients, and restraining animals for examination and laboratory procedures.

South Carolina is one of the best places to work as a veterinary assistant regarding the ease of starting a career, the proximity to high-quality programs, and the positive demand/projections for the upcoming decade.

In the sections below, we look at everything aspiring veterinary assistants in Louisiana need to know to start their careers while showcasing possible training destinations for the most comprehensive introduction to the field.

Steps to Become a Veterinary Assistant in South Carolina

Prospective veterinary assistants in South Carolina may follow the outline below to start their careers.

Starting on the Right Foot

Aspiring veterinary assistants in South Carolina must ensure they start their careers correctly. One of the ways to do so is to have a high school diploma or GED.

Being sound in Biology is also a great advantage, as is being in a great physical condition.

Receiving Accredited Training

Obtaining the skills necessary to carry out their duties is one of the most important elements of becoming a veterinary assistant. Individuals can acquire such training from several destinations, including community colleges and technical schools in South Carolina.

However, it is important to distinguish between training programs accredited by NAVTA and those that are not.

The main difference is that accredited programs will allow candidates to qualify for professional credentials from NAVTA. In contrast, those who attend non-accredited programs will have to acquire some experience on the job before they can be certified by the organization.

Certification and Employment

Certification is optional for veterinary assistants in South Carolina, but some choose to become certified anyway before they start their careers. Once they do so, they may secure employment with any of the veterinary clinics and establishments all around the state.

Consider Careers with Similar Paths:

• Learn to become a veterinarian in South Carolina

Licensure and Certification Requirements

Veterinary assistants in South Carolina do not need to have a license before they can begin their careers. Getting the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA) credential mentioned earlier is the most prominent direction for those who want to become certified.

This credential is known as the Approved Veterinary Assistant certification, and it offers benefits such as networking possibilities, continuing education, and workshops/seminars for career improvement.

Lastly, the credentials of an approved veterinary assistant are only valid for 2 years, after which they must be renewed through continuing education.

Top Veterinary Assistant Schools in South Carolina

Below are some of the best places to receive veterinary assistant training in South Carolina.

Online Accredited Programs

Candidates looking for online programs that are also accredited by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) may consider Penn Foster Institute, Animal Behavior College, Ross College, Career Step Online, VetBloom, and VetMedTeam (which is the organization in charge of the AVA certification examination).

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Veterinary Assistant Schools in North Carolina

Salary & Career Outlook

As an upcoming veterinary assistant in South Carolina, the annual average salary to look forward to is around $37,335. This is the figure given for the average earners in the state. It is also possible, of course, to fall below this figure and land among the lowest-paid in the state with an annual average salary of $28,132.

Those who earn the most fall among the 10% at the top. This group typically takes home an annual average salary of up to $49,549.

Sorting strictly by location, Rock Hill is the highest-paying location for veterinary assistants in South Carolina, with an annual average salary of $47,754. It is followed by Mount Pleasant and Greenville, with annual average salaries of $39,583 and $39,538.

Also among the top five are Charleston, with an annual average salary of $38,014, and Fort Mill, with an annual average salary of $37,275.