Veterinary Assistant

Explore This Path

Perfect for animal lovers who want to make a difference in pet health and care.
Support veterinarians in ensuring animals receive the best medical attention.
Experience the rewarding role of assisting in animal surgeries and recovery.

💰 Earn $37K-$46K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 19.4% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Feed, water, and examine pets and other nonfarm animals for signs of illness, disease, or injury in laboratories and animal hospitals and clinics. Clean and disinfect cages and work areas, and sterilize laboratory and surgical equipment. May provide routine postoperative care, administer medication orally or topically, or prepare samples for laboratory examination under the supervision of veterinary or laboratory animal technologists or technicians, veterinarians, or scientists.

Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.
Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.
Fill medication prescriptions.
Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

25,800 Annually

Median Earnings

$40,190 in California

$36,440 Nationally

$25K

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Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Veterinary Assistant? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@vivivergara22

@animalhumanemn

@vivivergara22

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Relating with or serving others
Thinking and problem solving
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Reading Comprehension
Speaking

You value 🙏

Having support
Job security
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Veterinary Assistant

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years