Veterinary Assistant Schools in Vermont

Veterinary assistants in Vermont are expected to perform several critical duties to keep a veterinary clinic running smoothly. These include assisting with prescriptions, updating medical records, walking animals, assisting with laboratory work, and carrying out animal restraining duties.

When starting a veterinary assistant career in the state, candidates must devise a plan concerning the key requirements expected of them. Naturally, the first step is to understand these requirements, which we seek to achieve in the guide below.

We seek to explain everything interested candidates need to know clearly and straightforwardly. We explore the educational requirements, certification options, annual average salary potentials, and career outlook.

How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Vermont

Below are all the major considerations needed to become a successful veterinary assistant in Vermont.

Technical Skills

Individuals typically enroll in a training program to acquire the technical skills they will be asked to perform when they secure employment. At this point, students need to understand the theoretical principles behind several of the key functions of a veterinary assistant.

Such training can be acquired from technical schools and educational providers, including the ones we explore later below.

Hands-On Skills

After receiving fundamental theoretical knowledge, candidates must develop their technical skills through hands-on training. As part of their overall training curriculum, they may participate in an internship or an externship.

Some veterinary establishments may also be willing to provide training opportunities to candidates with prior experience in a classroom environment.

Professional Skills

Candidates may build upon their hands-on skills through professional expertise that may be further developed after they secure employment. During this time, individuals sharpen their interpersonal, problem-solving, critical thinking, and organizational skills, among other things.

Job Placement

All of the above are virtually all needed to secure employment as a veterinary assistant in Vermont. However, candidates can improve their chances of success by joining professional organizations and considering certification.

Explore careers with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a veterinary technician in Vermont

Top Veterinary Assistant Training Schools in Vermont

Aspiring veterinary assistants in Vermont may consider any top-quality training programs below for their introduction to the field.

Explore nearby states for education and training:

• Veterinary assistant schools in New York

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Even though they are not expected to be licensed or certified by law, pursuing certification tends to set veterinary assistants up for career success in Vermont. The National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America’s AVA credential is one of the best choices for them to consider.

The American Veterinary Medical Association offers an option, but the AVA credential is more popular. To qualify, candidates must attend a veterinary assistant program accredited by NAVTA or complete the experiential learning/ externship pathway.

Approved veterinary assistants must maintain their certification every other year by taking classes geared toward continuing education.

Salary & Career Outlook

When starting a veterinary assistant career in Vermont, it is common to begin with an annual average salary of $40,578. This is the most common figure for veterinary assistants in the state, who mostly fall within the median earning category.

In the bottom 10%, they earn an annual average salary of $31,734.

As expected, experienced veterinary assistants typically make more than those just starting. At the same time, those working in favorable locations may also have an edge regarding yearly earnings. The top 10% make an annual average salary of $51,887.

As for specific locations with favorable annual average salaries for veterinary assistants in Vermont, Williston takes first place with an annual average salary of $41,784.

Coming second is East Dummerston, VT, with an annual average salary of $38,259. Concerning the projections for the coming years, candidates can rest assured that the field will keep growing, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected.

More openings are set to arise thanks to a sustained increase in pet-related spending across the state.