Anyone who wants to become a successful veterinary assistant in Wyoming must be able to multitask. They will be expected to perform various duties, from updating patient records and inventory control to rest operative care.
The duties of a veterinary assistant are so wide-ranging that candidates are even expected to be able to handle certain medical duties to help out veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Education is a big part of starting a career in this field.
However, candidates must consider other concentrations and requirements to start their careers properly. Those interested in pursuing this discipline in the state will be glad that we explore these requirements in more detail below.
How to Become a Veterinary Assistant in Wyoming
Aspiring veterinary assistants in Wyoming may follow the outline below to start their careers on a strong foundation.
Preparation
Starting a dog obedience training career in Wyoming typically involves preparing for a training program. Since most of these programs require a high school diploma or GED, candidates may start by working on this credential.
They may also volunteer at shelters to become familiar with the various pets that they will be working with.
Education
Candidates for veterinary assistant positions are technically not expected to attend a formal training course. They may learn “on the job.”
However, because employers prefer to provide on-the-job training to candidates with some experience, it makes sense to attend a training program anyway.
Another consideration to make when choosing a training program is accreditation.
NAVTA accreditation is also mandatory but can be quite beneficial. Lastly, candidates must decide whether to attend an in-person training program or study online.
Both of these options are quite valid.
Career Opportunities
Candidates with proper training as prospective veterinary assistants have several career opportunities available. However, this pool of opportunities can be improved through certification, which we will explore below.
Explore careers with similar paths:
Top Veterinary Assistant Training Schools in Wyoming
Wyoming offers the following excellent training programs for aspiring veterinary assistants.
Northwest College
Powell, WY Campus Only
Northwest College is a premier destination for prospective veterinary assistants in Wyoming. The school offers a certificate program that includes topics in animal care, bathing and grooming, medical terminologies, laboratory procedures, and more.
Tuition
$105 - $315 per CreditContact
(307) 754-6189
Lynn.Guccion@nwc.edu
Casper College
Online, WY Online Only
At Casper College, state residents can apply for an online veterinary assistant training program that allows self-paced learning.
Tuition
$2,495 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
admissions@caspercollege.edu
Eastern Wyoming College
Online, WY Online Only
Lastly, individuals looking for comprehensive veterinary assistant education in Wyoming may consider the program at Eastern Wyoming College. This program includes 210 course hours of learning materials and takes 6 months to complete.
Tuition
$2,495 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
ewcadmissions@ewc.wy.edu
Explore nearby states for education and training:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Certification is important for candidates looking to become successful veterinary assistants in Wyoming for various reasons. The most obvious is that it helps candidates secure job placement quickly while setting them up for a path to continuous improvement through continuing education.
The Approved Veterinary Assistant credential is the most common and advisable for veterinary assistants nationwide. NAVTA offers it and is available to individuals who attended an accredited training program.
Professionals who do not attend an accredited program can still become certified by participating in an externship or building up full-time experience.
Afterward, they will then qualify to sit for the certification exam and maintain their credentials periodically.
Salary & Career Outlook
For a substantial yearly return, a veterinary assistant should monitor factors that may facilitate career opportunities. These include experience, location favorability, credentials, and specialty focus.
Those taking advantage of these factors can have an annual average salary of around $51,361 or more in Wyoming. Those still establishing themselves can make around $38,921 (the figure for the median earners) or $29,494 (the figure for those in the bottom 10% by salary).
For those who would like to identify the best locations to work as a veterinary assistant in Wyoming for a potentially higher salary, these include Cheyenne, where vet assistants make an annual average salary of $57,577, and Casper, where they take home an annual average salary of $36,839.